Can Cats Eat Biscuits? (Human Biscuits, But Dog Biscuits Too?)

You had a difficult day at work. The first thing you want to do upon returning home is sit down and enjoy a couple of your favorite biscuits with a cup of tea or coffee. 

And then it happened! Your cute kitty is already begging for some. You're perplexed. Should you let your fur baby enjoy a biscuit or two? Let’s find out. 

Can Cats Eat Biscuits (in short)

Yes, cats can eat biscuits, but it's not recommended to make it a regular part of their diet as it is not overly healthy for your cat. Biscuits are full of empty calories and may contain ingredients and flavorings that can be harmful to cats, such as chocolate, raisins, or certain spices. In addition, biscuits are often high in carbohydrates, which are not a necessary part of a cat's diet. Eating biscuits, just like in us humans can also cause weight gain. Being overweight has several repercussions, like diabetes and heart disease. 

Read this next: Wet vs Dry Cat Food: What’s Best for Your Kitties?

Biscuits Vs Cookies 

Let's settle this first. Biscuits are not cookies. Biscuits generally have way less sugar content as compared to cookies. This is why sometimes cat parents think biscuits are safer.

But the truth is a little disappointing for your kitty cat. Human biscuits may not be any safer treat than cookies. The best bet is you get your feline friend biscuits specially made for cats. 

Since all biscuits are not the same, you have to closely scrutinize the entire ingredient list to make sure there isn't anything in there that could be harmful to your cat. 

Let's begin by tackling the most burning question first.

Ingredients in Human Biscuits

One of the most preferred snacks when hunger strikes and nothing else is available - biscuits come in several shapes, sizes, and flavours. 

Though there are certain ingredients peculiar to a particular brand or flavour, overall every biscuit is basically made of:

If you look at these ingredients individually, all-purpose flour (the base of any biscuit) is okay. It doesn't ring any alarm bells. 

But salt (sodium) and sugar are definitely a big resounding NO!

In fact, your kitty cannot even taste sugar. Then why give them something bad for their health they don't even find delicious? 

However, there are bigger cat-health culprits residing in biscuits. These are dairy products like butter and milk. 

These dairy products have a high amount of non-essential fats and lactose, which can wreak havoc on your cat's digestive system. Your kitty will have a difficult time digesting them. 

Eating too many human biscuits can give your fur baby an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Are Biscuits Bad For Cats? 

Human biscuits aren't poisonous for cats. If you give your kitty a bite or two once in a while, it won't be the end of the world. Just remember less is more.

Also make sure there are no ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, and raisins in them. These are harmful to your fur baby. Even a little sliver of a chocolate biscuit can make your pet seriously ill. 

If you're a baker or love homemade biscuits, you can spare some. But don't get carried away looking at those big beautiful eyes begging for some more. 

Being a cat parent, I definitely know it's difficult to resist those eyes but you have to for their health. 

The bottom line is a bite or two won't send your kitty to the emergency room. But it is still wise to teach your fur baby to only enjoy treats meant for them. 

Read this next: Best Dry Cat Food (2023): 15 Healthiest Top Kibble Brands

Can cats Eat Dog Biscuits?

Your dog would definitely say no. But seriously, can you feed your kitty a few dog biscuits sometimes? 

The short answer is yes, you can share your dog's biscuits with your kitty. Your dog would certainly not be happy but there won't be any health concerns for your feline friend. 

However, they won't be beneficial to your cat either.

Since dog biscuits are meant to be treats for the canine, they aren't loaded with nutrients. Hence, dog biscuits are supplemental even for dogs. They shouldn't be given regularly to dogs. 

This means if you are giving a piece or two to your kitty, it won't raise any concern. But don't make it a habit. 

Having said that, I would still insist you stick to foods and treats made especially for cats to take care of their unique nutritional needs. Stay safe by keeping your cat in the kitty lane!

Can Cats Have Biscuits Safely?

I am yet to find a person who doesn't like butter biscuits. After all, who can resist the melt-in-your-mouth texture? If we go by my kitty's preference, even cats are very fond of butter biscuits. 

So, should you let your fur baby eat a few?

First of all butter biscuits are almost the same as biscuits except for the butter content in them. Your cat should be okay after grabbing a bite. But don't let them get used to this. 

The high butter content is actually very harmful in the long run. At best, your cat would get an upset stomach, and at worst, too much fat could be lethal. 

Another heartbreaking fact is your fur baby's life span decreases significantly due to excessive consumption of fat. You might also witness sudden behavior changes and unexpected health challenges. 

It's best to give your cat biscuits meant for them. 

Does Your Cat Hate Dry Food?

Cat biscuits are made with ingredients completely safe for them keeping in mind their nutritional needs. 

You can get your fur baby accustomed to dry cat biscuits by placing a few beside their regular food. Let them explore the taste and texture on their own. 

Don't force biscuits into their mouth. Honestly, nobody likes that and it's a sure-shot way to get covered in scratches!

High chance that curiosity will make your kitty try a few biscuits. If that happens, you're allowed to shed happy tears. I would too!

Kitty still didn't eat biscuits?

Try offering them when they are truly hungry. Feed biscuits regularly to make them register the taste. 

Read this next: Cheap Cat Food: 11 Best Budget Wet, Can and Dry Foods

Can Cats Eat Biscuits? The Verdict

Can cats eat biscuits? Hmm, within moderation...at best! Cats can occasionally enjoy a bite of human biscuits as long as it doesn't contain ingredients like chocolate and raisins. 

But follow the principle of less is more as human biscuits could be very high in fat content. High-fat consumption can be detrimental to your kitty's health in the long run. 

It's best to stick to cat biscuits or keep to dry cat foods they're fond of.