There are many risks associated with feeding a cat human food including possible feline toxicity, obesity, and allergies. A cat is not above begging for (or stealing!) a bite of just about anything that their human is eating. But cats have very different digestive systems than humans and some of your favorite foods can be harmful to cats. All cat owners should be familiar with symptoms of toxicity in cats.

When considering feeding your cat people food remember that these five human foods are safe to eat:

1. Skinless chicken

Chicken is a nutritious meal providing many of the vitamins and minerals that are needed as part of a healthy diet. Chicken promotes good vision and a healthy digestive system. Many canned or gourmet wet foods are made from cooked, ground chicken. When preparing chicken for your cat, take off the skin, remove the meat from the bones, and refrain from using any spices, including salt. The skin is too fatty and can make your cat gain weight and most spices humans enjoy are toxic to cats. Never feed your cat raw meat to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.

2. Eggs

Eggs are a healthy food for your cat. Egg yolks in particular promote a soft, shiny coat. Eggs are also a great source of protein. Like meat, always ensure that the eggs are fully cooked and prepared without spices such as salt.

3. Fish

Fish is an iconic feline snack and unlike milk, which is not healthy for them, fish is also a good choice when feeding them human foods. Avoid serving raw fish, even sushi grade, and don’t rely on a fish exclusive diet because it does not provide certain minerals and vitamins like thiamine that a cat needs for a healthy diet. However, fish can be used as a supplemental food or a snack. Avoid fish with lots of bones and shellfish to avoid health risks.

4. Cucumber

While cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet rich with animal proteins to survive, cucumbers are a good occasional treat for a cat. Many cats suffer from chronic dehydration because the species is used to getting most of their water from their food and they won’t drink enough from a bowl to stay healthy. This can potentially cause kidney problems. Cucumbers have a high water concentration and can help to keep them hydrated.

5. Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is another good choice for a vegetable snack. They cannot live off a diet of vegetables, but broccoli is a good source of fiber and Vitamin C. Steaming the broccoli preserves the health benefits. Avoid spices and butter and serve the broccoli finely chopped. A cat’s teeth are not designed to break up fibrous plants and chewing up vegetables can be difficult for them.