Can Cats Eat Eggshells? (Complete Guide)

Can cats eat eggshells? We all want the best for our cats, and that’s why feeding them suitable meals is a top priority for many of us. Eggs are a natural part of cats’ diets. You shouldn’t be surprised to find your cat looking around for eggs.

Eggs are very rich in protein and other nutrients, and cats are not unusual to scurry for them. Cats have been known to invade bird’s nests and munch on eggs. 

Every part of an egg has nutritional value, from the egg white to the egg yolk and even the egg shells. Several people may think egg shells are seemingly an odd snack to feed their felines, but it has their nutritional value. 

Yes, cats can eat eggshells; however, precautions must be taken. Eggshells are a good source of calcium and proteins. Adding them to their diets is good as it can help improve their health and strengthen their bones. 

Research shows that cats can benefit a lot from eggshells, but as cautious cat owners, we worry about giving some meals to our cats. Unlike eggs, eggshells may seem slightly out of line to feed a cat.

If you are confused about feeding your cat eggshell, reading this article will help clear your doubts and give you many insights that pertain to this topic. 

Is It Safe For Cats To Eat Egg Shells?

Cats are obligate carnivores which mean most of their food should contain animal nutrients.

These nutrients are conveniently obtained from eggs. You probably don’t know that eggshell could be edible and beneficial for cats; wild cats do not mind chewing on a few whilst going for the egg yolk. Cats have a resilient digestive system, so you shouldn’t worry about eggshells. 

Egg shells can provide your cat with a good amount of calcium, minerals, and proteins. So it’s not a bad idea to add them to your cat’s diet plan. Most importantly, precautions must be taken when feeding your cat with eggshells.

Raw egg shells that haven’t been treated with her may have the risk of salmonella. They also have sharp edges that can cause injury in your cat’s mouth. 

How To Prepare Eggshells For Cats

Egg shells as they are, can inflict cuts on your cat’s mouth and stomach. For this reason, The Journal of the Science of Food And Agriculture advises that egg shells should be given to cats in powdered form. Here are steps on how to prepare eggshells for your cat;

• Step 1: Separate the egg from the shell. Ensure not to throw away the thin membrane as it has nutrients.
• Step 2: Soak the egg shells in hot water for 5 minutes to eliminate bacteria.
• Step 3: Allow the egg shells to air dry.
• Step 4: Grind the eggshells in a coffee grinder, if you don’t have a coffee grinder, you can put the eggshells in a plastic bag, and, using a rolling pin, crush it until it is in a powder form.
• Step 5: Now, you can sprinkle a few of this powder in your cat’s food. 

Calcium requirements for cats depend on their body weight. However, ground eggshells are excellent calcium supplements for pets as a whole. 

Health Benefits Of Egg Shells To Cats 

I can’t overemphasize the fact that eggshells are undoubtedly one of the great sources of calcium. Although many people tend to toss it in the trash right after taking out the egg white and yolk, egg shells are fully packed with many health benefits.

Below are their health benefits to cats;

1. Eggshells can eliminate toxic components

Adding eggshells to your cat’s diet can help eliminate any toxicity in their bodies by cleansing the blood. Toxic components or agents can be eliminated.

2.  Egg Shells Can Improve Their Overall Health

By regularly adding eggshells to cats’ food you are improving their physical well-being and health. Elements like collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin can be found in eggshells, they can help reduce joint pains in your cat. It can also encourage stronger teeth, nails, and healthier fur in cats. 

3. Can Strengthen Their Bones

Cats will certainly benefit from the calcium found in eggshells. Calcium is known to strengthen bones and support connective tissues. Eggshells have been reported to reduce discomfort related to joint connective tissues without any side effects. 

Summary

We often overlook eggshells; we throw them away in the trash can without realizing how beneficial they can be to our furry friends and even humans.

Eggshells undoubtedly contain a high quantity of calcium and should be added to cats’ diets. Instead of purchasing expensive calcium supplements for your cat, you can crush some egg shells into your kitties’ food for mineral replenishment. 

Furthermore, eggshells are very versatile asides from being a great source of calcium for cats, they can also be used for many things around the home.