Can Maine Coons Eat Cooked Eggs?
If your feline friend is sniffing around your breakfast plate, you may find yourself wondering, can Maine Coons eat cooked eggs?
It is a valid question that deserves a thorough examination, so read on to learn more!
The Maine Coon cat can eat eggs, and they even provide nutritional benefits like boosting a Maine Coon’s protein intake. Maine Coons should only eat eggs that have been cooked through, and they should only eat them in moderation to avoid dietary problems.
Ready to learn all about the possible benefits of eggs for Maine Coons, how to serve them, and more?
If so, keep reading to understand all the particulars about Maine Coons eating eggs.
Keep scrolling to also read the results of a poll conducted by Katrina Stewardson on Maine Coon Central’s YouTube channel, where viewers were asked if it was safe to feed Maine Coon cats chocolate.
What do you think the results were?
Can Maine Coons Eat Cooked Eggs?
The Maine Coon cat breed originated in Maine and is known for its large size and powerful hunting ability.
Over the years, Maine Coons have grown in popularity and are now one of the most popular domesticated cat breeds in the world.
These gentle giants need animal protein to survive, but can Maine Coons eat eggs?
Most importantly, are eggs safe for cats?
The answer is yes; they can eat egg whites, the yolk, and the shell.
However, Maine Coons should only eat cooked eggs to avoid bacterial infections.
Are Eggs Good For Cats?
Eggs are beneficial for Maine Coons and other cats in moderation, thanks to their nutritional profile (source 1).
Below are the key benefits of eggs for cats below:
Protein
The protein content in eggs is great for a Maine Coon’s diet because these cats need animal protein.
When Maine Coons eat protein, their bodies use it to build and repair tissue and muscle.
Vitamin A
Eggs have vitamin A, which helps Maine Coons:
- Maintain functional immune systems
- Provides antioxidant benefits
- Helps keep their coats healthy
Vitamin B2
The vitamin B2 content in eggs, also called riboflavin, helps Maine Coons break down carbs and fats.
It is also beneficial to a Maine Coons oxygen supply and keeps their skin and claws healthy.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 helps Maine Coons maintain healthy energy levels.
It also supports their neurological functions and red blood cell production.
Linoleic Acid
This type of acid is an omega-6 fatty acid.
The linoleic acid in eggs is beneficial for skin and plasma health.
Calcium
Eggshells have calcium, which helps support healthy bones.
Sometimes, veterinarians prescribe eggshells as a way to add more calcium to a cat’s diet.
Biotin
The biotin in eggs helps support a Maine Coon’s nervous system and reproductive functions.
It also helps cats process by-products from protein.
Iron
Iron is important in any cat’s diet.
It helps support healthy appetites and is critical for cats with anemia.
Taurine
While Maine Coons get their taurine supply from other animal proteins, eggs contain a small amount too.
Taurine is an amino acid that helps the heart function and aids other essential functions of cats.
How To Cook Eggs For Cats
If you are a Maine Coon owner, it is helpful to learn a few egg recipes for cat diets so you can whip up a healthy meal for your feline friend.
Avoid harmful or unhealthy ingredients by following recipes that are approved by veterinarians.
1. Raw Eggs
Avoid feeding your Maine Coon raw eggs.
The ASPCA recommends against them since raw eggs may contain bacteria like salmonella that could give Maine Coons food poisoning.
2. Boiled Eggs
Boiling eggs for your Maine Coon is a simple method to provide them with all the nutritional benefits of eggs.
Follow these steps to feed your Maine Coon cat boiled eggs:
- Start with a pot of water and one raw egg.
- Heat up the water on your stovetop until it is boiling.
- Put the whole egg in the water and let it boil for about 5-8 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and take the egg out of the water.
- Let it cool completely before peeling the shell and serving it.
- Do not add any salt or seasonings.
3. Scrambled Eggs
As a Maine Coon owner, you may be curious specifically about how to make scrambled eggs for cat diets.
It is a quick way to stir up eggs without a fuss, and your feline friend is sure to enjoy it!
Here’s how to feed your Maine Coon cat scrambled eggs:
- Crack a raw egg into a bowl.
- Whisk the egg white and egg yolk together.
- Using a nonstick pan, turn on the heat to a medium level.
- Pour the raw egg mixture into the pan. (Do not use oil).
- As the egg cooks, stir it around so it cooks throughout. The process will take up to five minutes.
- Remove from the pan and let the scrambled eggs cool before you serve them.
4. Baked Eggs
Scrambling eggs in a frying pan and boiling eggs are two easy methods, and baking eggs for your Maine Coon is another effective way to serve up this dish.
This is the best way to feed your Maine Coon cat baked eggs:
- Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees.
- Crack a raw egg into a small, single-portion baking dish.
- Put the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 10 minutes.
- Be sure it is completely cooked, and let it cool before serving.
5. Microwaved Eggs
It is possible to cook eggs thoroughly using the microwave, and this option might appeal to Maine Coon owners who do not want to bother with the stove or oven.
These are the steps to making microwaved eggs for your Maine Coon cat:
- Crack an egg into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Whisk the egg (you may use a fork for this).
- Microwave the egg for 30 seconds.
- Remove it and stir.
- Microwave it again for about 20 seconds.
- Check the egg to ensure it is fully cooked, and return it to the microwave in 10-second intervals if needed.
- Let it cool before serving.
How Much Egg Can A Cat Eat?
Maine Coon cats should only eat eggs equaling 10% of their daily diet.
But how many eggs can a cat eat per day, exactly? The answer is not multiple eggs and not even a whole egg.
One large egg might contain up to 80 calories, and cats, in general, should eat a daily caloric total of 20 calories per pound.
At this point, keep in mind that Maine Coons average in weight between 8 to 25 pounds.
A 20-pound Maine Coon requires about 400 calories per day, so if 10% of that goes to treats (like eggs), then you should only feed that Maine Coon 40 calories’ worth of an egg. This may only be about half of one egg.
What’s The Best Way To Give Your Cat Eggs?
You have learned how to prepare eggs, but now it is time to learn some details about how to feed eggs to a cat, specifically your Maine Coon.
Below are some options for how to serve eggs to your Maine Coon cat:
Mixed In Wet Food
A good trick to introduce any new food to your Maine Coon is to mix it in with their preexisting diet.
And, of course, eggs should not be replacing your Maine Coon cat’s diet, so mixing cooked eggs into wet food is a good solution.
The beauty of this method is that you can cook or bake the egg in any way you like. Then, simply stir it into your Maine Coon’s bowl of food.
Boiled and Chopped Up
Boiling an egg and chopping a portion of it into small pieces is an ideal way to feed eggs to your Maine Coon.
When you boil an egg, it is not messy to deal with, and you can neatly and easily chop it up.
Scrambled and Sprinkled Over Food
If you decide to cook eggs via the scrambling method, you can sprinkle those egg bits on top of your Maine Coon’s food.
Scrambled eggs can also be served on their own.
Omelet Pieces
Cook a cat-friendly omelet with plain eggs.
This option is effective because you can add other cat-safe ingredients, like chicken, to the omelet.
Just be careful with the portions to ensure your Maine Coon only eats a small amount, and do not use any oil or seasoning like you would for your own omelet.
Eggshell Powder On Cat Food
Looking to add eggshells to your Maine Coon’s diet?
Remove the eggshell from an egg, clean the pieces, and bake them to kill any bacteria.
Grind the shells into powder and sprinkle it over your cat’s regular meal.
Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs And Shell?
Are raw eggs good for cats?
Cats, including Maine Coons, should not eat raw eggs because there is a risk of infection from Salmonella and E. Coli bacteria.
Eggshells are fine for them to eat though, and may provide some benefits to your cat.
The calcium in eggshells is beneficial to a Maine Coon cat’s bone health.
Adding eggshells to your feline’s diet is a good way to supplement this mineral.
Calcium helps cats perform other critical body functions, like muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmission.
Zinc, copper, and iron are other beneficial nutrients to Maine Coons. Zinc helps cats make collagen, a substance that supports healthy fur growth.
Iron is another mineral in eggshells that is critical to a cat’s bodily functions. This substance helps with oxygen transportation throughout the body.
Even so, Maine Coons receive all the necessary nutrition they need from their regular diet of animal protein-based food.
Can Kittens Eat Eggs?
You have learned about adult Maine Coons eating eggs, but can kittens eat cooked eggs?
Maine Coon kittens do not need eggs in their diets, and until they have been weaned off of their mother’s milk, they do not need any other food source.
Can kittens eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, in small amounts, after they have been weaned off of their mother’s milk. The eggs cannot be flavored, buttered, or salted though.
Kittens should only ever eat egg pieces in very tiny portions.
Kittens naturally do not eat large portions, so keep that in mind if you serve your Maine Coon kitten a few pieces of scrambled eggs.
Can Cats Eat Scrambled Egg?
Scrambled eggs are fine for Maine Coons to eat in small quantities.
It is safest if they eat thoroughly cooked eggs, and eggs should not replace their normal diet.
There are a few possible benefits of Maine Coons eating eggs, including:
- Easing Digestion
- Preventing Illnesses
Keep in mind that serving fresh scrambled eggs might come in a few different forms, but to clarify, plain eggs are best.
Be aware that human breakfast scrambled eggs might contain harmful or unhealthy ingredients for cats.
You may consider spicing up scrambled eggs for your cat and wonder, can cats eat scrambled eggs with milk?
Ideally, no. Adult Maine Coons are mostly lactose intolerant and should not drink milk.
What about other ingredients?
For example, can cats eat scrambled eggs with butter, or can cats eat scrambled egg with cheese?
The simple answer is that Maine Coons and other cats should avoid butter and cheese due to their fat content. Cheese, specifically, should be avoided due to the lactose.
Some vets recommend scrambled eggs for cats with diarrhea to help ease upset stomachs or intestines.
If eggs are prescribed to your Maine Coon, serve them plain and cooked.
Can Cats Eat Egg Yolk Raw?
You should not feed your Maine Coon cat eggs with runny yolks.
Stay away from adding poached, sunny-side-up, or over-easy eggs to a cat’s meal.
Raw egg yolks have a protein called avidin that will cause problems with a Maine Coon’s ability to process biotin.
Raw yolks also have a high-fat content, so if your Maine Coon eats them too often, it could cause weight gain.
Weight gain may lead to health issues like:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Bacteria like Salmonella or E. Coli may also be in raw egg yolks.
If a Maine Coon consumes those bacteria, it could lead to severe sickness.
Salmonella or E. Coli cause symptoms like:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Upset Stomach
- Constipation
Raw foods, in general, always run the risk of upsetting any cat’s stomach.
It is best to avoid all the risks and not feed Maine Coons raw egg yolks. Keep your Maine Coon out of harm’s way by avoiding raw yolks and other raw foods.
What Human Foods Can Maine Coon Cats Eat?
Fortunately for Maine Coon owners who want to share human food items, there are more cat-safe foods besides eggs.
As you read through the list below of cat-safe foods, remember that any of these items should only be fed to Maine Coons in moderation:
Cooked Fish
Cooked, boneless fish is a great human food to share with your Maine Coon.
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, joints, and much more.
Cooked Poultry
Plain, cooked chicken or turkey offers Maine Coons lots of protein with very little downside. Just be sure to remove bones to mitigate choking risks.
Cook the meat thoroughly to kill any bacteria.
Pumpkin
Not only is plain cooked pumpkin safe for Maine Coons, but it can also help ease digestive issues thanks to the high amount of fiber.
Green Veggies
Some Maine Coons might like to eat peas or green beans along with you.
Just serve them cooked and plain, and chop up the green beans to avoid a choking hazard.
Carrots
When letting your Maine Coon taste-test carrots, ensure that you cook them and chop them up.
Carrots are packed with vitamins that may benefit felines.
Apples
Small bits of apple might be enjoyable to cats, and they are perfectly safe. Just do not feed Maine Coons apple seeds or the stem to prevent a choking risk.
Blueberries
Though Maine Coons and other cats cannot taste sweetness, they might enjoy the occasional blueberry.
These berries are non-toxic and have beneficial antioxidants.
Cooked Sweet Potatoes
Cook up a sweet potato and mash it thoroughly before serving it to your Maine Coon to add extra vitamins and fiber to her meal.
Brococoli
Cooked pieces of broccoli may be an exciting treat for Maine Coons.
It has vitamin C and fiber, and your cat may enjoy the texture.
Foods That Harm A Maine Coon
Take caution when offering new food items to your Maine Coon, because some foods are toxic or unhealthy, like the ones below (source 2):
- Grapes and Raisins: These are toxic to cats, including Maine Coons, and may cause kidney failure and death if too many are consumed.
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives: All of these are examples of foods that harm a Maine Coon cat. They damage the red blood cells and may cause anemia.
- Chocolate: The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate are very toxic to cats, including Maine Coons. Large quantities of chocolate can be fatal.
- Alcohol: Just a teaspoon of alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning in cats. Alcohol damages cats’ kidneys and brains.
- Xylitol: This sugar alternative causes low blood pressure, seizures, or even life-threatening harm to cats.
Conclusion
All things considered, can cats eat eggs? And more specifically, can Maine Coons eat cooked eggs? The quick answer is yes, and yes!
Cats, including Maine Coons, can safely consume small amounts of plain, cooked eggs.
Whether you scramble them, boil them, or bake them, just ensure the egg white and yolk are cooked through, and let your Maine Coon enjoy this protein-rich snack!
Related Questions
Do Raccoons Eat Hard Boiled Eggs?
Raccoons enjoy eating hard-boiled eggs or eggs in any form due to their protein content. They are skilled at sneaking bird or chicken eggs out of nests to consume them.
Can Maine Coons Eat Raw Meat?
It is not advisable to feed Maine Coons raw meat due to the possibility of a bacterial infection, even though raw store-bought meat is the closest food to their natural prey as wild hunters.
Research Study: Can Maine Coon Cats Eat Chocolate?
YouTube Research: Is Chocolate Harmful For Maine Coon Cats?
In a unique research study conducted by Katrina Stewardson on the Maine Coon Central YouTube channel, in October 2023, viewers were asked if they thought chocolate was harmful to Maine Coon cats.
Of the 189 viewers that entered the poll, 95% of Maine Coon cat lovers were aware that chocolate is harmful to a Maine Coon.
However, 5% of the respondents did not realize the danger chocolate posed to this large cat breed, which was very worrying.
