Can Maine Coons Eat This? The Ultimate Human Food Safety Guide#
Atticus thinks he is a human. If I am eating pizza, he thinks we are eating pizza. Because Maine Coons are so food-motivated (and large enough to reach the counter), owners often wonder: “Can I give him a piece?”
While high-protein cat food should be their main diet, sharing a snack can be a bonding moment—if you know what is safe. Here is the definitive Yes/No list for the Maine Coon stomach.
The “Yes” List (Safe in Moderation)#
These foods are non-toxic, but should only be treats.
- Cooked Chicken/Turkey: The gold standard. Plain, no garlic/onion seasoning.
- Cheese: Yes, but be careful. Most cats are lactose intolerant. A tiny piece of hard cheddar (low lactose) is usually fine. Avoid soft cheeses.
- Eggs: Scrambled or boiled (no salt/butter). Great protein source.
- Bananas: Non-toxic, but high in sugar. Atticus loves them; Penelope hates them.
- Rice: Safe if they have an upset stomach, but nutritional filler otherwise.
The “NO” List (Toxic/Dangerous)#
Never feed these. Even a small amount can cause organ failure in a cat.
- Onions & Garlic: Deadly. They damage red blood cells. (Watch out for baby food with onion powder).
- Chocolate: Contains Theobromine. Toxic.
- Grapes & Raisins: Can cause sudden kidney failure.
- Raw Dough: Expands in the stomach and creates alcohol.
- Dog Food: Not toxic immediately, but lacks Taurine. Long-term feeding causes blindness and heart failure.
The “Pizza” Question#
Can they eat Pizza? No. The crust has gluten/carbs, the sauce has garlic/onion, and the cheese is high-lactose dairy. It’s a digestive bomb waiting to explode in your litter box.
Conclusion#
Treats should make up less than 10% of their daily calories. If you want to spoil them, a piece of plain boiled chicken breast is the healthiest “human food” you can give.
Resources & Further Reading#
- ASPCA: Animal Poison Control List.
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Human Foods that are Dangerous for Cats.