Is it OK for cats to eat eggs? What to know before you feed your feline.

When you have a pet, one of the last things you want is for them to eat something they're not supposed to. But it happens a lot; You're enjoying meal and all of a sudden, food drops to the floor. Your pet scurries to grab a bite and before you can stop them, they've gobbled it down.

Some human foods are OK for animal consumption, such as bananas or watermelon, but others are not, like grapes.

For humans, eggs are considered a "superfood" due to their many health benefits. But what about your feline? Can cats eat eggs? Read on before you feed your furry friend.

Can cats eat eggs?

Yes, cats can eat eggs. Cats are "obligate carnivores," meaning in order to stay healthy a cat's diet is primarily protein, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Eggs are a great source of protein, especially the whites. Cats may enjoy eggs, but like any other human food, it should be given in moderation.

Are eggs good for cats?

Eggs can be a healthy snack alternative for cats. Besides being high in protein, eggs are also rich in other nutrients, including amino acids, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

Taurine is one of several amino acids found in eggs. It helps improve vision, digestion and heart function, as well as sustaining healthy pregnancy and fetal development for cats.

Healthy fats in eggs – such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – benefit brain, nervous and heart health, according to Purina.

There are a series of vitamins found in eggs, including vitamins A, B12, D, E, biotin, riboflavin and thiamine. Each provides different health benefits for cats. For example, biotin helps your cat maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Minerals – such as iron, selenium and zinc – promote "hemoglobin production, immune health and collagen synthesis," according to Purina.

How to feed eggs to cats

When feeding your cat eggs, it is important to cook them. You should never feed your cat raw eggs.

Similar to humans, cats can get foodborne illness – such as salmonella or E. Coli – when consuming raw eggs, reports Hill's Pet. Symptoms of these illnesses include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. If not treated properly, they could be fatal.

Additionally, the protein avidin found in raw egg whites obstructs the absorption of biotin, according to Chewy.

If you choose to feed your cat eggs, thoroughly cook them. Cooking eggs denatures avidin and kills bacteria.

Eggs are easy for your feline friend to digest.

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Can cats eat bananas?" to "Can cats eat watermelon?" to "Can cats eat cheese?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.