can cats eat hard boiled eggs

Cats can eat hard-boiled eggs safely as a nutritious treat. Eggs provide a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that are beneficial for cats, which are obligate carnivores requiring high-protein diets. Hard-boiled eggs are convenient and easy to serve, but they should be given plain, without salt, seasonings, or butter. Egg whites contain protein with minimal fat, while yolks have more fat and calories, so feeding mostly egg whites can be better for cats, especially if they are overweight. It is important to ensure the eggs are fully cooked to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination such as salmonella or E. coli, which can cause serious illness. Raw eggs can also lead to biotin deficiency in cats due to a protein called avidin that interferes with biotin absorption. Hard-boiled eggs are easier to prepare safely. Moderation is key to avoid digestive upset and weight gain, and eggs should not replace a balanced cat diet but only supplement protein intake. In summary, yes, cats can eat hard-boiled eggs safely as an occasional treat, fully cooked and unseasoned, providing them good nutrition while avoiding risks related to raw eggs or excessive fat consumption.