Why Do Cats Like Bread So Much? 4 Possible Reasons & Vet-Approved Alternatives

Cats are interesting and unique, and what attracts some cats might not be another cat's "cup of catnip tea.” Anecdotally, some cats seem to like bread, although it is not exactly something they would come across in the wild.

So why can’t some cats seem to get enough bread while others could take it or leave it? There are a few possible explanations that we’ll break down for you here. We’ll also give you some quick tips about whether your cat should have bread in the first place, as well as some better alternatives to treat your cat!

The 4 Possible Reasons Why Cats Love Bread

1. They Like the Smell

Do you want to eat something that doesn’t smell good? Neither does your cat. We all know fresh bread smells amazing, and it turns out that quite a few kitties agree with us. So, if you have a feline friend that simply goes nuts for some bread, there’s a good chance they just like the scent.

Some owners claim this is because cats love the smell of yeast, but the truth is that no scientific research backs up these claims. They might be right, but in the end, does it really matter which specific ingredient smells best to your cat?

2. The Like the Texture

Just how we like and dislike foods depends on how they feel, it’s the same thing with your cat. If your cat prefers a certain type of bread over another, the texture likely plays a significant role. Some bread is hard and crunchy, others are soft and buttery.

If we have our favorites, your cat probably will too. If it’s a texture thing, there’s a good chance your cat will prefer to go after one type of bread compared to another.

3. The Sound Is Interesting

Cats are curious creatures, and food that has a distinctive crunch gives them something else to ponder while they’re snacking away. It could be why your cat seeks out bread to eat, but not every piece of bread even has a signature crunch.

But if you find that your cat only goes after crunchy bread, there’s a good chance this is the reason why.

4. It’s in Reach

Cats are extremely opportunistic, and often, bread is just sitting on the counter. A thin plastic bag doesn’t mean much to a cat, and they’ll happily work their way through that to get to the bread.

Bread is simply one of the easiest things for cats to get to. It might not be that your cat loves bread, but it could be that they love food and bread is simply the easiest food for them to reach.

Should Cats Eat Bread?

While a little bit of bread isn’t terrible for your cat, it’s not good for them either. Just be careful when feeding your cat bread not to give them too much and to only give them a tiny piece of plain bread. Bread baked with garlic, chocolate, raisins, or other ingredients could potentially be toxic for cats.

While some cats are attracted to bread, it is not the ideal treat for them. It represents empty calories that come from carbohydrate sources and puts them at risk of gaining weight without providing any nutritional benefit. This means that you would be better off offering a piece of plain boiled chicken. However, if you must, a couple of nibbles of bread throughout the week is more than enough for most cats!

Top 4 Treat Options for Cats

If you’re not looking to feed your cat bread, but you’re just looking to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of treat options out there that your cat should love. We’ve highlighted four of our favorites for you to consider here:

1. Catnip

Most cats love catnip. It’s stimulating to them, and it activates the “happy” receptors in their brain. Catnip will mellow out your cat for short amounts of time, and they’ll often roll around and zone out. Most cats go bonkers for the stuff, and there’s nothing wrong with feeding it to your cat!

2. Chicken

Chicken is a staple in many cat foods, and there’s a good reason for it. But just because they’re getting chicken in their regular food doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate a bit of plain, boiled chicken. Avoid any seasonings when cooking it and allow it to cool down a bit before feeding it to your cat.

3. Salmon

Cats and fish just go together, and one of their favorite ocean treats is salmon. When cooking salmon, avoid any flavorings, as these aren’t good for your cat. Even though salmon is great for them, we still recommend feeding in moderation so they can get the rest of the nutrients they need from their regular food.

4. Egg

You’ll want to cook the egg before feeding it to your cat, but like other human foods, avoid adding any additional flavorings or seasonings like salt or butter. Don’t give them too many eggs, but a quarter or half of a single boiled egg every once in a while is a great way to treat your cat without spoiling their appetite.

Conclusion

Some cats simply love the smell of bread, and there’s nothing wrong with that! You can’t let them chow down on bread whenever they want, while giving them a little bit of fresh bread from time to time is not unsafe, it is far from ideal. Some varieties may even contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. If you wish to provide your cat with a variety of treats, we recommend focusing on species-appropriate and protein-based options that add to their nutrition.

Featured Image Credit: bellena, Shutterstock