What to feed your cat when you’re out of pet food?

We’ve all been there. It’s late, the shops are shut, and your cat is meowing like they haven’t eaten for days. You head to the cupboard, only to realise… you’ve run out of cat food! Now what? Don’t panic — there are safe emergency options to keep your feline friend satisfied until you can restock.  

In this guide, we’ll cover what you can and can’t give your cat in an emergency, how to make a temporary meal, and what to watch out for.  

A few things to consider first

Before you start raiding the fridge for anything that might do, there are some important points to keep in mind:  

• Emergency meals are only short-term solutions. They’re not balanced or nutritionally complete.  
• Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive. Protein is essential, especially amino acids like taurine, which is found in animal tissues.  
• Avoid foods high in salt, fat, or seasoning. Cats’ bodies can’t process too much salt or fat, and seasonings like garlic and onion are toxic.  
• Think about any allergies, intolerances, or special diets your cat might have. 
• If in doubt, offer plain, cooked meats or fish, and avoid processed human foods.  

What can I feed my cat if I run out of cat food?

So, what can cats eat when you have no cat food? Here are some safe emergency foods you probably already have at home:  

1. Meats (cooked, plain, and lean)

Cats thrive on meat. Offer plain, cooked meats like:  

• Chicken (boneless, skinless, no seasoning)
• Turkey  
• Beef  
• Lamb  

These meats are high in protein and essential amino acids. Chicken breast is a great lean option, but make sure it’s fully cooked with no oils or spices. A quick word of warning: avoid bones, especially cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.  

2. Fish (cooked and plain)  

Fish can be a treat for cats. Safe options include:  

• Salmon  
• Tuna (in water, not brine or oil)  
• Cod  

These provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for cats' skin and coat. But remember, fish shouldn’t be a daily meal — it’s lacking in some essential nutrients like taurine. Never give raw fish to your cat as it can carry parasites.  

3. Eggs (cooked only)  

Scrambled or boiled plain eggs can be a protein boost for cats. Eggs are rich in amino acids and vitamins, but should be fully cooked to avoid salmonella. A small amount mixed with rice or veggies is perfect for an emergency meal.  

4. Vegetables (plain and cooked)  

Some cats like veggies! Safe options include:  

• Carrots  
• Peas  
• Squash  
• Green beans  

These should be cooked and chopped small enough for your cat to eat. Vegetables provide fibre and vitamins, but should only make up a small part of the meal — remember, cats need meat first.  

5. Fruits (in small amounts)  

Cats aren’t natural fruit eaters, but some may enjoy the occasional piece. Safe fruits include:  

• Banana (small bits and not all cats like them)  
• Blueberries (high in sugar so only in small quantities)
• Cantaloupe melon (but not the rind or seeds)

These are full of vitamins but should be an occasional treat, not a meal replacement.  

6. Boiled rice or plain pasta  

If you need to bulk out a meal, a small spoonful of plain, cooked rice or pasta is okay. It’s easy to digest and gives energy but isn’t needed long-term.  

Can cats eat canned tuna?

Cats can eat canned tuna, but only in small amounts and as an occasional treat. Plain tuna in spring water (never brine or oil) is safe for most cats — for example, to tempt a fussy eater or as a protein boost in an emergency. However, tuna isn’t a complete food for cats. It lacks essential nutrients like taurine and vitamin E, and feeding too much can cause nutritional deficiencies. Tuna also contains mercury, which can build up in your cat’s body and lead to health issues if eaten too often. Plus, tuna in brine is high in salt, and tuna in oil is too fatty and can upset your cat’s stomach. 

Can cats eat dog food?  

No, cats shouldn’t eat dog food as a meal replacement. Dog food lacks taurine, vitamin A, and other essentials that cats need. Long-term, it could make them very ill. If they sneak a bite, it’s probably fine once, but don’t offer it as their dinner.  

What human foods can cats eat?

Here are 11 human foods cats can safely eat if you’re out of cat food:  

1. Cooked chicken  
2. Cooked turkey  
3. Cooked beef  
4. Cooked lamb  
5. Cooked salmon  
6. Cooked tuna (in water)  
7. Plain scrambled eggs  
8. Cooked carrots  
9. Cooked peas  
10. Boiled rice  
11. Small bits of banana or melon (rare treats and not all cats like fruit)  

Foods to avoid giving your cat  

Some human foods are dangerous or even deadly to cats. Here's a quick list of foods to avoid:  

• Onions and garlic (in all forms) — toxic and damage red blood cells. 
• Chocolate — contains theobromine and is toxic to cats.  
• Grapes and raisins — can cause kidney failure.  
• Alcohol — even small amounts can be fatal.  
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) — dangerous for cats.  
• Raw dough — can expand and cause serious digestive issues. 
• Cooked bones — splinter and harm their digestive tract. 
• Milk and dairy — many cats are lactose intolerant.  

Running out of cat food happens to the best of us. But for long-term care, always make sure your cat is eating a complete and balanced cat food that meets their nutritional needs.

For more information and advice on pet nutrition and health, Agria has a range of handy guides.  

FAQs about feeding your cat if you’ve run out of pet food