Buzz
When a comic strip about a lasagna-loving cat has been a cultural phenomenon for decades, it can give the impression that pasta is a staple of every cat’s diet.
As much as it may appeal to them, enthusiastic Garfield fans may want to reconsider having a lasagna party for their cats. While it’s likely a cat would paw through the dish, layer by layer, the real question is whether they should be eating it at all. It seems Meow Mix isn’t offering an Italian menu.
The most straightforward answer is no: your cat shouldn’t be sneaking lasagna off your plate while the dog keeps you occupied. However, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. The pasta in lasagna is not inherently harmful to cats, and they may tolerate small amounts, but it won’t offer much nutritional value. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely almost entirely on meat. While they can nibble on plain pasta occasionally, they thrive on protein, not carbs. (They were practicing keto before it became popular among people.)
The real issue isn’t the pasta itself but everything else in a traditional lasagna. A typical recipe contains onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, all of which can be harmful to a cat’s digestive system. Serving a lasagna with only plain pasta and meat would be a rather boring dish for a human, but that’s the version you should offer your cat. Additionally, many cats are lactose intolerant, so all that cheesy goodness won't be doing them any favors either.
Did this stop Garfield from gobbling down pan after pan of what he called 'nature’s most perfect food'? Not in the slightest. After all, good cartoons don’t focus on the consequences, which is why you’ll never see anyone looking down while running off a cliff.
If you're keeping track, the issues mentioned earlier pretty much eliminate all the key components of a great lasagna. But fear not—this doesn’t mean all the fun is lost. You can still celebrate The Garfield Movie, which just hit theaters, and create something fun on social media with your cat. Just think outside the box. Instead of traditional lasagna, try a modified version. Layer a small piece with ground beef and wet cat food for the sauce—safe and tasty for your cat, though probably not something anyone else will want to eat.
Even if you manage to whip up a healthy, cat-friendly version of lasagna, it’s important to note that this probably won’t land your cat a syndicated comic strip, animated show, movie trilogy, or a line of merchandise. But it might make them happy, and in the end, that’s what really matters.
