Can cats eat eggshells?

In this brief discussion, we’ll answer the question, ”can cats eat eggshells?” We will also discuss the benefit and drawbacks of giving eggshells to cats.

Can cats eat eggshells?

Yes, cats can eat eggshells but it is not recommended for them. Although an eggshell contains cat-friendly nourishment, the risks outweigh the advantages. It’s best to avoid giving your cat eggshells due to the small chance of salmonella and the potential choking hazard.

Cats can easily ingest eggshells, which can also cause tracheal injuries. A high-quality diet will moreover already have all the nutrients a cat requires.

Try an eggshell powder supplement for cats, like Eggshellent Calcium, which can be easily sprinkled on your cat’s diet if you really want to provide them with the nutritional advantages of eggshell without all the risk.

Can kittens eat eggshells?

No, kittens cannot eat eggshells. It is never a smart idea t give eggshells to kittens. Powdered shells may be acceptable, but as long as your kitty is consuming high-quality kitten food, there’s really no need to change their diet. 

Look for food designed specifically for kittens that have meat listed as the first ingredient, such as Blue Kitten Healthy Growth. Too much variability in your kitten’s feeding schedule might lead to more issues than it resolves unless your veterinarian specifically advises you to do so.

Given that kittens’ digestive systems are delicate, you could unintentionally give them an upset stomach. You run the risk of rising a finicky cat.

Can cats eat raw eggshells?

No, cats should not eat raw eggshells. Raw eggshells carry the risk of salmonella which is a dangerous pathogen. Salmonella is considered harmful to cats and can cause serious illness. Moreover, eggshells carry the risk of choking.

Shards of eggshells can get lodged in your cat’s throat and cause internal injuries which can further create several health problems. Therefore, it is best to refrain from giving raw eggshells to cats.

Are there benefits of giving eggshells to cats?

Although it might seem unusual, there are a few benefits to giving your cat eggshells. They are free if you are currently purchasing eggs for yourself and are strong in protein and calcium.

Cats in need of dietary supplements benefit greatly from the use of crushed eggshells. Up to 800 milligrams of calcium* can be found in one thoroughly crushed eggshell, which is sufficient for two meals. 

Crushed eggshells also include important components like boron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, sulfur, molybdenum and silicon

Conscientious cat owners may find the nutritional benefits of eggshell alluring, but in actuality, your cat is probably getting all the vitamins and minerals they require from their cat food.

Of course, this assumes you’re providing your cat with high-quality cat food which specifies meat as the first ingredient and doesn’t have a ton of hazardous fillers.

What are the drawbacks of giving eggshells to cats?

Feeding eggshells to cats is risky despite the health benefits they provide. Some of the bad effects of feeding eggshells to cats are given below:

• Cats can get salmonellosis from ingesting contaminated raw eggshells. This can upset your cat’s stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
  
• Cats can suffer from internal injuries by ingesting tiny shards of eggshells
  
• Eggshells can also cause choking in cats. As a result, cats can suffer from breathing difficulties which can lead to further health problems.

How can I prepare crushed eggshells for my cat?

Start by carefully washing the shells with warm water and a clean to prepare your crushed eggshells. Once the shells are cracked open, place the egg yolk and white in a container separate from the shells. 

Next, run a gentle trickle of water over the eggshells to rinse them. Make sure to keep the membrane within the shell, as your cat will benefit from this as a source of food.

Give the shells time to totally dry. Place them on a paper towel overnight and leave them outside if you are unsure of how to determine when they are dry. The shells should be baked at 300 degrees to make them more fragile and breakable. This will enable you to reduce the shells to a fine powder.

Grind the shells in a coffee grinder once they are completely dry. To get rid of any coffee residue, don’t forget to thoroughly clean the coffee grinder. Set the grinder to the most finely ground setting if it has many settings.

If you don’t have a grinder, use a rolling pin to crush them. To help confine the eggshells, place them in a baggie or between two paper towels. Once the shells have been ground, sieve them to get rid of the larger parts. Now the powder is ready to use.

Conclusion:

We answered the question, ”can cats eat eggshells?” We also discussed the benefit and drawbacks of giving eggshells to cats.

References:

https://catkingpin.com/can-cats-eat-egg-shells/