Salmon is a healthy and nutritious source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that many people have on a regular basis. 

And while most pet owners know that many cats are crazy about fish, specifically their smell or taste, they might not know if salmon is indeed safe for this species or what types are best served to cats. If you want to know the answers to these questions, keep on reading!

Is salmon safe and healthy for cats?

It would be great if the answer would be either yes or no, but the truth is that it all depends on the kind of salmon your cat receives. 

Smoked salmon or any variety that hasn’t been cooked fully or that contains too much salt is never a good choice for this species – or for any other mammal, for that matter. We’ll go into more detail on the risks you’re exposing your pet to when giving them these types, but the point is that you should refrain from feeding them to your cat at all times. 

On the other hand, fresh and properly cooked salmon is completely safe for cats. Whether you boil it, bake it, or steam it, salmon can provide your feline companion with a number of health benefits they might not get from eating their regular kibble or canned varieties. 

Here are a few examples of such benefits in the form of ingredients contained in salmon. 

Vitamins

For a fish species, salmon is quite rich in vitamins that may not even show up in various other types of meat. For example, it contains a good amount of vitamin B6, vitamin C, as well as cobalamin (also known as vitamin B12). 

All of these nutrients can positively influence your cat’s health, especially if you do not overdo it in terms of salmon amounts or feeding frequency. 

Low in saturated fats

We all know that salmon tends to be a little fatter when compared to other fish, especially those that can be found in freshwater instead of saltwater. Even so, the types of fats from salmon aren’t the bad ones that can be found in protein sources such as meat, for example.

Also, depending on how you cook it, you do not run the risk of increasing your pet’s daily caloric content. If you boil, grill, or steam it, you will be able to remove some of the fat and turn it into a nice snack, even for cats that are a little overweight. 

Omega 3 fatty acids

This type of ingredient is perhaps the most significant one that your pet can enjoy when you give them salmon. It has a myriad of benefits for health, from keeping your feline friend’s heart health in check to somewhat preventing cognitive dysfunction in their senior years. 

In general, omega-3 fatty acids are seen as having anti-inflammatory properties, which is why they might also partially decrease the discomfort that geriatric cats have in their joints. 

Add to that the fact that they also influence the quality and health of the skin and coat, and omega-3 fatty acids seem like a fairly important nutrient that cats can get from salmon. 

Can cats eat salmon skin?

Depending on the way you prepare the salmon, the skin should be safe enough for cats to have. It’s slightly fatter compared to the rest of the parts, though, so you may need to limit the amount to a minimum, depending on your pet’s health status. 

What we do have to note is that the only type of salmon skin that’s appropriate is the unseasoned one, so you should never add salt or spices to your salmon before cooking it if you also intend on feeding it to your cat. 

This fish type is relatively easy to debone and doesn’t have nearly as many bones as other species, which is why you’ll be able to get it ready for your cat as easily as possible. 

Risks of feeding salmon to your cat

If you have fed your cat a commercial diet for the majority of their life and now you wish to integrate fresh food into it, the best way of going about things would be to do so gradually and with very low amounts. 

You have no way of knowing whether your cat is sensitive or even allergic to salmon or other types of fish if you’ve never given them to it in the past. 

Other risks that cats can be exposed to when you give them salmon (particularly raw or smoked) are listed below.

Bacteria

Any fish can be contaminated with microorganisms depending on how it is shipped or stored. Some of the ones that can be found in salmon range from the widely known Salmonella species that people fear the most to even more dangerous ones such as Listeria. 

When you cook salmon correctly, you’re basically killing all of these germs and making the fish safe to give to your cat. 

Parasites

Raw salmon tends to carry a variety of parasites, including tapeworms or flukes. So, unless you want your cat to develop a parasitosis and you to have to treat them for it (which can sometimes be challenging and add to stress on the body mainly if your pet has a chronic condition), we suggest avoiding raw salmon for cats altogether. 

Contaminants

One of the reasons why people tend to buy wild salmon instead of farmed salmon is the number of contaminants that can be found in the second category. 

The three types of such dangerous substances that can be found in salmon these days are mercury, dioxins, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). So, while the benefits definitely outweigh the cons, you might still want to skip feeding your cat salmon just to be on the safe side of things. 

Frequently asked questions

Can cats eat raw salmon?

No. Raw salmon or any other type of fish or meat can be dangerous because it can carry risky bacteria that can unnecessarily put your pet’s health and, sometimes, even their life, at risk pointlessly. So you should never feed your cat raw salmon. 

How much salmon can I give my cat?

While there aren’t any official guidelines for this, an amount such as one tablespoon per week for an adult cat weighing in at 10 pounds can be considered safe. 

What happens if a cat eats salmon?

It depends on whether it’s raw or cooked. If it’s cooked, your cat’s likely not to experience any unpleasant symptoms whatsoever, especially if you’ve used no seasonings or spices while preparing it. It’s difficult to predict how your cat’s body would react if you give them raw salmon, but they might experience digestive distress at best (and severe diarrhea and vomiting at worst). 

Does salmon give cats diarrhea?

Raw salmon can indeed produce diarrhea in cats if it carries any bacteria such as Salmonella or the parasites that we have previously mentioned. Smoked salmon is not safe either, but fully cooked varieties are usually safe and won’t cause gastrointestinal upsets. 

How do I prepare salmon for my cat?

The best way would be to cook the salmon as simply as possible. Using a steamer is the most recommended method as the fish doesn’t get burned, and some of the fat is removed, too.

Can cats eat salmon everyday?

No. As healthy as it might be for them, cats need other nutrients coming from other sources, too. In the wild, cats don’t tend to eat a diet exclusively based on fish, which should give you a clue as to what this obligate carnivore needs to eat. Cooked salmon should be looked at as a treat instead of a main source of food.

Which fish is best for cats?

Salmon is a good example of a safe and healthy fish species for cats. Others range from sardines to tuna, both of which can provide your pet with many of the same benefits. 

Resources:

Global Assessment of Organic Contaminants in Farmed Salmon, Ronald A. Hites et all, Science Magazine: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1091447

Health effects of nutrients and environmental pollutants in Baltic herring and salmon: a quantitative benefit-risk assessment, Jouni T. Tuomisto et al, BMC Public Health: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-8094-1 

Like many other fish species, anchovies are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, as well as selenium and other animals. But can cats eat anchovies? Can they provide them with any health benefits, or are they just too risky to give to your feline friend?

You can find out the answer to these questions and more below, so keep on reading!

Benefits of anchovies for cats

In a nutshell and if you are in a hurry, yes, cats can eat anchovies, but they need to be cooked, and they shouldn’t be those that you can find in a can, for example, as those can contain too much salt, preservatives, or other additives.

However, anchovies can provide your pet with a series of health benefits, such as improving the way their skin looks, the appearance and the health of their coat, and their mobility.

This is all due to the vitamin and mineral content in anchovies, as well as the fact that they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

For instance, vitamin D can help calcium get into the bones of any cat, so it can be particularly helpful for young animals. Vitamin A helps your feline companion benefit from great eye vision, while vitamin B12, another that can be found in this fish species, can prevent diseases of the digestive tract or nervous system.

As for omega 3, it has a myriad of positive health effects, in that it can protect your cat’s heart and brain in the long run (so that they’re less prone to developing cognitive dysfunction in their senior years) and it can also prevent some joint pathologies (mainly osteoarthritis).

Risks of feeding anchovies to your cat

Too much salt

Canned and dried anchovies can sometimes be cured in such a way that the amount of salt that the final product contains is absolutely massive.

And while we, as people, can counterbalance that by either eating anchovies with something unsalted or we can soak them in water to remove some of the salt, your cat cannot do the same.

Salt poisoning is real in pets and can cause a variety of symptoms, such as the following:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Extreme dehydration
• Lack of appetite for either food or water
• Lack of coordination
• In severe cases, seizures

Preservatives

As we have previously mentioned, some anchovies that you can find at your local store can contain a wide range of chemicals that are added to the recipe in order for it to be shelf-stable for a long period of time.

Needless to say, these additives are not healthy for your cat. In fact, some have been linked with cancer cases in humans in the past. And while people are larger and can therefore better process such chemicals, the same rule does not apply to cats.

If you have any way of getting organic and fresh anchovies, those are by far the best to feed to your cat.

Choking hazards or intestinal obstruction

Given that they are so small, anchovies are usually eaten whole (or their guts are removed in the factory), so some bones remain attached to their body.

Many recipes make it possible for the fish to be processed in such a way so that the bones are very soft, therefore eliminating the risk of them causing an issue. However, even if cats are experts when it comes to eating fish, a bone can still get lodged in their throat or cause an issue later down the line, meaning when it reaches the bowels.

That is a risk you need to take into account each time you decide to give your cat anchovies (or any other fish with bones, for that matter).

How to cook anchovies for cats

Since raw fish can carry parasites and bacteria, it is not a good idea to feed raw anchovies to cats.

You can, however, cook them in multiple ways, such as lightly baking them, grilling them, steaming them, or even boiling them.

Frequently asked questions about cats and anchovies

Can you feed a kitten anchovies?
Ideally, no. Kittens are far more sensitive compared to their adult counterparts, so they should eat whatever your vet recommends.

In the first few months of their life, they should normally receive a baby or kitten diet that’s commercial, just to be on the safe side of things – since they’re much more likely to easily develop gastroenteritis, feeding them ‘human food’ is not recommended.

Can cats eat anchovies in sunflower oil?
Yes. So long as the anchovies are fresh or contain little to no salt and no other preservatives, cats can eat varieties that have sunflower oil.

Can cats eat fresh anchovies?
Yes, but they should be cooked just to eliminate any health risks. Raw fish can be just as dangerous to animals as it can be to people.

Can cats eat dried anchovies?
It depends on how they were dried. If there was no salt involved in the process, then cats can eat dried anchovies – some commercial cat snacks are dried fish, so they’re generally safe.

Peanut butter makes the go-to snack for lots of people across the world, but especially those in North America. But can cats eat peanut butter?

Does it even offer them any health benefits? Can peanut butter put a cat’s health in danger? Read on to find out all the answers!

Is peanut butter good for cats?

No.

While that does not mean that peanut butter is deadly for cats or that they are likely to experience any severely unpleasant symptoms, it definitely does not make the best snack for this species.

In theory, if you were to make your peanut butter at home using only your own ingredients and process them in a high-power blender, the result would be safer for cats.

Unfortunately, store-bought varieties have a wide range of ingredients that can indeed cause health complications in cats.

Risks to feeding your cat peanut butter

Aflatoxins

Many peanuts can be contaminated with certain fungi, some of which can produce these toxins. But while people rarely develop health complications after being exposed to small amounts of aflatoxins, that is not the case with our feline friends.

Their little bodies do not have the same mechanisms to protect themselves from the abuse of these substances, especially in high quantities.

With peanut butter, it is practically impossible to tell whether the peanuts it was made from were contaminated or not.

An allergic reaction

As is the case with people, you have no way of telling that your cat is allergic to peanuts or any other nuts, for that matter, until you expose them to it.

However, since peanut butter really isn’t species-appropriate, why take the risk? Granted, very small amounts may not necessarily lead to an anaphylactic reaction, but that doesn’t mean that your cat may not experience other symptoms.

Hives, itchiness, or respiratory discomfort are some of the most common ones.

Artificial sweeteners

Not a lot of studies on how sensitive cats are to xylitol, sorbitol, or other artificial sweeteners have been performed. We know by now that these food ingredients are life-threatening for dogs, but it’s fairly safe to assume that while they are not lethal to cats, they are not good for them anyway.

Too much salt and sugar

Since cats are obligate carnivores, most of their diet and the essential nutrients they get from it should come from protein sources like meat. Added salt and sugar will not do your cat any good whatsoever, and they are also not flavors that cats can perceive.

Moreover, they can lead to hypertension or cardiovascular complications, or dangerous spikes in an animal’s blood sugar level. Commercial peanut butter is likely to contain both of these ingredients.

Preservatives

Lots of products you can find on the shelves of your local supermarket have additives, artificial colors, binders, as well as preservatives. As you can imagine, none of these ingredients are healthy for cats.

Moreover, some of them have been proven by many studies to be carcinogenic, meaning they can increase the risk of your pet developing cancer in their senior years.

Too much fat & too many calories

Peanut butter is a fat-rich product, and while fat may be good for cats in limited amounts, it’s not healthy if they have too much of it.

The same goes for calories – peanut butter is so incredibly calorie-dense that if your cat has a teaspoon of it, anything else they eat on that day will exceed the number of calories they should have.

Digestive distress

Peanut butter isn’t something that cats would naturally have in the wild, so they can experience some type of gastrointestinal discomfort. Whether that is in the form of vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation, you really can’t know until your cat has this type of food.

How much peanut butter can you give your cat?

Ideally, none. This is not a species-appropriate snack, so there are many healthier alternatives.

On the other hand, if your feline companion really is crazy about peanut butter, something like half a teaspoon per week may be safe for them.

Can you find cat-safe peanut butter?

It can be challenging, but if you take a close look at the label of several varieties at your local store, you may encounter one that doesn’t contain any of the ingredients we have already mentioned.

Once again, homemade peanut butter is much safer for cats (although not as safe as your cat’s normal treats) because, in its case, you have complete control over what you add to it.

Peanut butter alternatives for cats

Pretty much any cat snacks available for sale are better than peanut butter, at least for the reason that they are made for this species.

But even cat treats can have some risky ingredients. However, they are likely to cause less unpleasant symptoms, and such reactions are also much rarer.

In terms of foods you may have in your home, boiled eggs, cheese, berries, carrots, and pumpkin puree are a few examples of safe snacks for cats.

What should you do if your cat ate peanut butter?

It’s a good idea to take your cat to the animal hospital if you find that they’ve had peanut butter and significantly more than a teaspoon.

Some animals may have a higher chance of experiencing severe symptoms, especially kittens, seniors, pregnant cats, and those that are known to have chronic diseases.

Cats that have diabetes may also experience a spike in their blood sugar, so your vet may recommend an increase in the dosage of insulin, for example.

Veterinary assistance will definitely put your mind at ease, even if your cat doesn’t risk becoming sick.

Resources

Dog and Cat Exposures to Hazardous Substances Reported to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: 2009-2012, Ali Mahdi et al, J. Med. Toxicol. 2013 (view website)

Although not necessarily the most common type of fish that people regularly have on their dinner table, sardines are extremely nutritious and healthy. We know that some cats love fish, in general, and appear to be weirdly attracted to the scent of sardines, in particular.

But are sardines something that cats should normally have in their diet? Are there any risks involved with you giving them sardines as a snack? What benefits are they likely to enjoy if you do? Find out all the answers below!

What types of sardines are best for cats?

Before we move on to the rest of the article, we have to answer the main question and say that yes, cats can eat sardines. But just like any other protein source that should compose their diet, there are some things that you should consider.

The best types of sardines for cats are those that are completely fresh. If you have the opportunity to buy them locally and you know that they were harvested recently and they haven’t been processed in any way, they are healthy for cats.

However, canned sardines aren’t just as good for your feline friend. For one, they have added salt and sometimes even sugar, which means that they are not species-appropriate in any way.

On top of that, canned sardines do not contain taurine or thiamine, and that’s because they are simply not specifically designed to address a cat’s dietary needs.

If, according to the label, your canned sardine variety is clean, meaning free of added salt, sugar, preservatives, artificial colors, or taste enhancers, a small piece could make for a good snack for your cat on occasion – but not more.

Are sardines good for cats?

Fresh sardines can indeed provide your pet with some health benefits, mainly because of their nutrients.

For example, sardines have a fairly good amount of protein, which, as you probably know, if you’ve been a cat guardian for a while, is the main thing that cats are supposed to have.

Then, there’s the fact that sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have a number of positive effects on both human and animal health. By supplying your cat with these fatty acids, you’re potentially preventing heart and brain conditions and also ensuring their mobility when they become a senior.

This type of fish is naturally rich in vitamin D, and some studies suggest that this nutrient may be able to prevent cancer to some extent. It’s not the universal cure for cancer as there are environmental and genetic factors at play, too, but it could be capable of preventing this condition.

And because of the omega-fatty acids that we just mentioned, sardines may also be a natural antidepressant. As you know, all beings’ brains survive on fat because it is the most fat-rich tissue that’s present in animal and human bodies.

So, if your cat has recently undergone something stressful like surgery or moving homes, giving them sardines as a snack may prevent them from becoming depressed.

Some of the other nutrients that can be found in sardines range from minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, and selenium to vitamins B3, B2, and B12.

Can sardines be bad for cats?

Bacterial contamination

Whenever you buy fresh fish, whether sardines or not, you have to ensure that you cook it properly before being able to give it to your cat. While some people might think that raw fish retains its nutrients better, it’s just not worth the risk.

Cats can get food poisoning just like people do, and in some cases, it can be fatal. There’s no point in risking your pet’s health. High cooking temperatures are the only way to kill potentially dangerous bacteria.

Parasites

This is a quite interesting fact because fish aren’t as commonly looked at as food that can actually be a vector of dangerous parasites. But did you know that the reason animals and people get tapeworms is actually eating inappropriately processed fish?

Sardines can additionally carry some of the larvae, whether inside or on the outside of their bodies, so your cat can easily become a victim of Diphyllobothrium latum. This risk is, of course, eliminated by properly cooking your sardines.

Thiamine deficiency

Not only are sardines lacking in vitamin B1, which is an essential nutrient for cats, but raw fish is also rich in an enzyme called thiaminase. Cooked sardines do not contain it because it gets degraded when exposed to high temperatures.

Some symptoms of thiamine deficiency range from drooling and lethargy to anorexia and more severe signs that the cat’s nervous system was affected (such as circling, head tilting, nystagmus, or seizures).

Final thoughts

So, can cats eat sardines? Yes, but they should be cooked properly. Most canned sardine varieties do not make good options for cats, especially if they contain salt, oil, and other added ingredients.

If you are caring for a kitten or a senior, refrain from giving them canned sardines at any time. These two categories, along with pregnant cats, have a much higher risk of developing severe symptoms of any condition compared to their healthy adult counterparts.

Whipped cream seems to make any type of dessert just a little better, so lots of people like to have it on occasion. But is whipped cream safe for cats? Should you give your cat any amount of it or not?

We’re answering both of these questions in today’s post, so keep on reading!

Is whipped cream safe for cats?

Technically, no. If you have been a cat guardian for several years now and you might have done some research on the feline diet in general, you might have found out that most cats become lactose-intolerant once they reach the age of 3-4 months.

But they become lactose-intolerant to lactose coming from milk varieties such as cow’s milk or other traditional types of dairy.

There are plenty of cat milk options available for sale these days, and they do not cause symptoms of lactose intolerance even in adult cats. But they are made specifically for this species, so that’s why they are safe.

Usually, the vast majority of whipped cream you are likely to encounter at your local store is made with regular dairy milk/cream.

While most cats are indeed lactose-intolerant, the same rule does not apply to all.

There are exceptions, but the amount of whipped cream or dairy products that even these pets should receive should always be limited – as they can produce various digestive imbalances, mainly consisting of diarrhea.

So, while it’s difficult to tell if your cat does indeed have lactose intolerance or not and if whipped cream is appropriate for them, the safest answer to the question in the title of this article would be ‘No.’ No, whipped cream is not healthy for cats.

Are there any risks to giving whipped cream to cats?

Yes, and there are several dangers you are exposing your feline companion to when giving them whipped cream.

Sugar & too many calories

Even if you make your own whipped cream at home, chances are that it is also made from milk or cream, whether plant-based or not, and sugar. And as you probably know, cats are not supposed to have sugar added to their diet in any way, shape, or form. This is another reason why ice cream, for example, does not make a safe snack for cats.

Excess sugar can sometimes lead to dangerous glycemic levels, especially in senior cats who might already have some form of diabetes in development and might be obese, too.

Because of the sugar and fat in it, whipped cream is also not the lightest type of food to give to cats, particularly calorie-wise. It just doesn’t supply them with any healthy nutrients, it is not species-appropriate, and it is too heavy and rich in sugar, too.

Digestive imbalances

An episode consisting of diarrhea and even vomiting is not uncommon in cats that are lactose-intolerant, and despite being so, they find whipped cream and other dairy products appealing.

Normally, if the animal is completely healthy besides this mishap, the symptoms will subside in less than 48 hours. However, certain cat categories, such as those that are expecting, seniors, as well as kittens, should never be given dairy products (including whipped cream) to eliminate this risk.

Preservatives and other additives

Store-bought whipped cream is not really healthy for humans, let alone cats.

These days, manufacturers add a lot of strange and potentially dangerous ingredients to their recipes, either because they want to make the products more palatable, low-fat, low-sugar, or diet in general, or because they need to ensure that whipped cream remains shelf-stable for a long period of time.

When you’re giving your cat store-bought whipped cream, you’re giving them these chemicals, too.

And while most additives might not cause concerns immediately, some of them can be carcinogenic, so they may lead to your cat developing cancer later on in life.

Poisoning risks

Some whipped cream varieties can contain vanilla extract instead of real vanilla (and let’s face it, most do these days, given how much real vanilla actually costs), but the problem with the extract is that it contains ethyl alcohol, which is just unsafe for cats.

While cats might not necessarily get drunk because of you giving them whipped cream, that remains a possibility. Some can have toxic reactions to this ingredient, so why take the risk?

What to do if your cat ate whipped cream

Ideally, you should call your vet as soon as possible. Even if your cat is a completely healthy adult, your vet can give you useful advice on what symptoms you should be on the lookout for.

If you have no means of getting in contact with a veterinarian and you think your cat is healthy, make sure you pay attention to their behavior over a period of 24 to 48 hours. See how often they go use their litter box, and don’t be afraid to check out the consistency of their feces, either.

If your cat has had a large amount of whipped cream (perhaps they ate it off the top of the cake you just prepared and that you left unattended), go to the emergency veterinary clinic in your area.

Do cats even like whipped cream?

It is a matter of personal preference. Some cats never like the taste of any dairy product whatsoever, and they will do their best to avoid it all throughout their life.

However, whipped cream can somewhat appeal to cats because of one main reason – its fluffy, luscious, creamy, and fat consistency.

Cats don’t taste as we do, so they do not distinguish salty, sugary, or other types of taste that we may like.

However, they certainly do like their fatty consistencies because, in their minds, they not only taste good or interesting, but they’re also nutritious. In the wild, feral cats do not remove the fat from the meat of their prey – specifically because it supplies them with valuable energy.

On the other hand, your cat might be smart enough to sense the chemicals that might be present in the whipped cream, whether that be the ethyl alcohol from the vanilla extract or something different – so they might refuse to try it altogether.

Can whipped cream still make an occasional safe treat?

No.

Whipped cream is not species-appropriate. It doesn’t even contain any antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, or anything else of value for cats, not to mention that it hardly has any useful protein for a species that is a true carnivore.

Smoked salmon is enjoyed by many people across the world every day. But can cats eat smoked salmon without experiencing any health complications? Is it actually a safe food to give to this species?

We are answering this question and many more in today’s article, so keep on reading!

Is smoked salmon healthy for cats?

In theory, salmon is a very good food to feed to cats. However, the smoked variant can be a little worrying, and the reason for that is that it doesn’t contain the best ingredients.

Salmon isn’t smoked traditionally as pork, or beef meat would be, which means that it remains somewhat moist. Therefore, manufacturers need to use some types of substances to ensure that the salmon remains shelf (or rather refrigerator) stable for a period of time.

Smoked salmon would provide your cat with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the healthy development of their brain. These fatty acids can prevent cognitive disorders in geriatric pets, mainly dementia, and can also protect cardiovascular health.

However, cats can get these nutrients directly from regular salmon, without it being smoked. That means that should you cook it for yourself, a small piece of unseasoned fish can be suitable as a snack or even as a meal for cats.

Salmon also contains potassium, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which can all positively influence your pet’s health.

Can smoked salmon put your cat’s health in danger?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a clear yes. Here are some risks you should consider before giving your cat this food.

• Sodium

The most significant danger when it comes to feeding smoked salmon to cats is that it is packed with salt. Healthier varieties usually contain a lot of salt so that they are preserved properly, but other manufacturers use both salt and other additives for the same purpose.

If you have been a cat parent for a while, you probably know that cats shouldn’t eat salt. This is one of the reasons why many veterinarians advise against feeding cats table scraps because they are riddled with seasonings and spices, along with essential ingredients such as salt and sugar.

Naturally, the amount of salt that can be found in smoked salmon that you get from the grocery store can largely depend on one manufacturing brand to the next.

In most cases, though, the quantities of salt in all of them are dangerous for cats. Therefore, unless you tend to give your cat less than half of a teaspoon of smoked salmon per week, you might risk putting their health in danger.

• Heavy metals

Most of the fish that are currently available for sale might be contaminated with some type of heavy metal or another, especially when dealing with fish that come from the ocean or the sea.

The most common type of salmon that you can buy these days comes from the Atlantic ocean. But there’s also the option of you purchasing smoked salmon made from farmed fish.

The truth is that both of these can be contaminated with various heavy metals, but the most significant one would have to be mercury. Mercury poisoning in pets can be life-threatening, so this would be a good reason not to give your cat smoked salmon.

• Too much fat

Salmon isn’t the best fish species for cats that are on a diet, are overweight or obese, or are borderline diabetic. And while a small piece of smoked salmon usually doesn’t have more than 20 calories, given all the other risks involved in feeding this food to your pet, we’d say that it’s just not worth it.

Are some cats allergic to salmon?

In general, cats are not allergic to fish in any way, but this can obviously depend on every pet in part. Some cats might be allergic to certain fish species or certain types of seafood, and as a consequence of that, they might show a number of concerning symptoms.

While there is the possibility of your cat experiencing only mild digestive distress after they have smoked salmon, they could also develop complications such as difficulty breathing, itching, or inflammation in their face.

If you notice any of these clinical signs, you should take your cat to the emergency veterinary clinic right away. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate veterinary assistance.

Depending on how the smoked salmon was preserved or the conditions in which it was kept at the store, it could also contain certain toxins released by germs, which can also lead to a severe allergic reaction.

Alternatives to giving smoked salmon to cats

Regular salmon can always be a healthier option, so if you ever buy a couple of steaks for yourself and your family to grill, bake, or cook in any other way, you can give your cat a small piece every now and then.

Do keep in mind that cats shouldn’t be given seasoned foods. Consequently, we recommend avoiding seasoning your fish while cooking it. You can remove a piece for your cat and then season your own on your plate as per your personal preferences.

Cats can just as well live without eating any smoked or regular salmon. Talk to your vet to find out more about what your cat’s diet should look like.

Shrimp is one of the most common types of seafood that people have on a regular basis, whether with pasta or other side dishes. Since cats are known to love fish and seafood, you might think that feeding your pet table scraps from any meal containing shrimp is fine. But it’s not.

In today’s article, we’re looking at whether or not cats should have shrimp, if it can provide them with any health benefits or nutrients and why you should never give your cat any table scraps.

Benefits of giving your cat shrimp

A low-calorie snack

One of the reasons why people have shrimp every now and then is that it’s not a very calorie-dense type of food. This means that it is also appropriate for overweight or obese cats.

It’s not too fatty

Another aspect that sets shrimp aside from other types of seafood and even other types of fish is the fact that its cholesterol content isn’t very high.

Therefore, shrimp is appropriate for all types of cats, including geriatric patients that might have stricter diets. Cholesterol can be quite crucial for cats, but they shouldn’t get too much of it.

Rich in minerals

Shrimp contains good amounts of phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium, sodium, as well as calcium. It even has a small amount of iron, which is the building block of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin can be found in red blood cells, and it is in charge of transporting nutrients and oxygen to and from your pet’s internal organs.

All of the rest of the minerals that we mentioned are important for your cat’s osteomuscular system and for ensuring that all of the cell membranes in their body are functioning properly.

Risks of integrating shrimp into your cat’s diet

Bacterial contamination

Whether you get your shrimp raw or you buy it fresh from the fish market, the truth is that it can be contaminated with germs. This is why feeding raw shrimp to cats is not recommended. The most common bacterium that can be found on shrimp is Salmonella spp., but Escherichia coli is no exception.

So, unless you want your cat to experience severe digestive distress as a result of food poisoning, combined with dehydration, bloating, and a myriad of other symptoms, do not give them any raw shrimp.

Heavy metals

Since this type of seafood is harvested from the ocean and the sea, it goes without saying that it has a risk of having come in contact with some heavy metals.

This is the case for most ocean fish and seafood varieties these days. The most common heavy metal that can be found in these species is mercury, and it is toxic to cats and humans alike.

Choking hazards

The harder parts of the shrimp, such as its tail and the shell itself, can cause some problems, although most cats pay attention when eating seafood, so they will do their best to remove these structures.

However, cats that are ravenous or kittens might be less careful, so they might choke on them, or they might swallow them whole, which can lead to digestive complications later on.

In any case, this is perhaps the best reason to ensure that the pieces of shrimp you give to your cat are always shelled and free of their tails.

How to safely feed shrimp to your cat

Once you’ve cleaned the shrimp and removed all of the hard parts, it’s time to cook it. The best piece of advice we have for you in this sense would be to make two separate batches – one for you and one for your cat.

While to the shrimp recipe you cook for yourself, you are free to add all sorts of ingredients, such as butter, seasonings, or spices, the one that you prepare for your feline companion should be as bland as possible.

Then we have to look at the ways you can cook the shrimp. Baking it in the oven, grilling it, boiling it, or steaming it are the cooking methods that we recommend. Frying the shrimp is not advised because that would increase its caloric content, so your cat will also ingest the butter or oil, which can lead to digestive distress.

Cats are lactose intolerant once they reach the age of 3 months, so butter and any other type of dairy can trigger digestive imbalances.

Fresh shrimp is always the better option, but frozen (and properly cooked) varieties can be just as safe for cats.

How much shrimp can a cat eat?

Due to the risks that we have previously mentioned, such as the heavy metal and bacterial contamination, we recommend looking at shrimp more as a snack rather than a primary food type.

One shrimp per week as a snack will not endanger your cat’s health in any way, provided that it is well cooked and unseasoned. This quantity rarely creates any issues with regard to iodine or mercury content.

Raw vs. cooked vs. canned shrimp for cats

We’ve already established that raw shrimp is simply unsafe to give to cats, whether as a treat or a main meal.

Cooked shrimp is the best option you have available because you have complete control over the cooking process and whatever you want to add to the recipe.

Canned shrimp, unless it is specifically marketed for cats, is not safe for this species. The main reason for this statement is that such varieties usually contain massive amounts of salt and other additives used to ensure that these foods remain shelf-stable for months or sometimes even years. Not only that, but canned shrimp can also contain other seasonings, depending on the specialty, including garlic or onion, which are inappropriate for cats.

Final thoughts

So, can cats eat shrimp? Yes. Shrimp can be a great occasional treat for cats since it is low in cholesterol and calories, and it also contains a variety of minerals.

The best type of shrimp for this species is the one you cook yourself and use no spices, butter, oil, or seasonings. Ask your vet about your cat’s diet and what the ideal one should look like.

Unlike dogs, cats have fewer chances of developing food intolerances, even if pet owners feed them the same diet time and again, sometimes even for years.

Venison is a novel type of protein that some cats might benefit from. In today’s article, we’re looking at whether it is a good idea to incorporate this type of meat into your feline friend’s diet and whether there are some risks associated with it.

But can cats eat venison? The short answer is yes.

Why venison could be good for cats

We all know that cats are obligate carnivores, which means that a big part of their diet should consist of meat. However, venison is perhaps less common in commercial cat food, so you should start small whenever giving your pet a novel protein.

Venison is rich in a number of vitamins and minerals, but so are other types of meat. If you hunt it yourself and you’re thinking of giving it to your cat as a way of diversifying their diet while also saving some money, you should always cook it properly.

It’s difficult to tell just what nutrients venison is rich in because it can actually mean any kind of game meat, whether that be deer or elk. The organs can be given to cats, too, so long as they are thermally processed in an appropriate manner.

More than 60% of venison is made up of protein, which means that it is entirely suitable for this species. When it comes to minerals, it contains both magnesium and iron.

Iron is the building block of hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, which are in charge of transporting oxygen and nutrients to and from your pet’s internal organs. While cats rarely develop iron deficiencies to the point that they get anemia, they can happen if they do not benefit from a proper diet.

As for the vitamins that can be found in venison, it’s also relatively rich in vitamins B6 and B12, as well as vitamin K.

There is no fiber present in this type of meat. Commercial cat diets often contain grains and other ingredients that are utilized for bulking up the recipes and making them cheaper. These can sometimes trigger digestive issues since cats are not genetically engineered to process fiber-rich foods.

Can venison be dangerous for cats?

Most of the time, no.

However, there are some cases where giving your cat venison meat can actually put their health in danger.

• Food poisoning

Although raw diets for pets have become more and more popular in the past few years, the truth is that they’ll always be more or less risky. And the main reason for that is the fact that you need to make sure that you cook the venison properly before giving it to your cat.

If you do have the opportunity to come across very, very fresh venison, you can store it in the freezer and thaw portions for your cat every day. That does, however, raise the risk of bacterial contamination.

Raw meat can carry very dangerous microorganisms, and not only can your pet get food poisoning in the traditional (digestive) sense, but if they’re a kitten or a senior, they might also develop complications such as liver damage, which could significantly endanger their health.

So, unless you know for a fact that the venison you have at your disposal is extremely fresh, a raw venison diet would be a no-go.

• Oxalic acid

Venison contains oxalic acid, and while that might not be a dangerous aspect for people, even those that have a history of kidney disease, it will not be the same for cats.

If your cat has kidney failure or is known to quickly develop urinary stones, venison might not be a suitable protein source.

Oxalic acid binds with calcium and leads to the formation of crystals, so feeding your pet a diet composed of venison exclusively or giving them unusually high amounts might result in kidney pathologies.

Adult and otherwise completely healthy cats might experience no health complications, but the same cannot be said for their geriatric counterparts.

• Parasites 

While deer and elk can carry a wide range of parasites whether in organs such as their lungs or heart or in their gut, they can also have larval or cystic forms of parasites in their muscles that can actually be transmitted to both humans and other species.

Larval tapeworms and Sarcocystis spp. are two of the most common examples, but they can mostly infect cats when the meat of the venison isn’t cooked properly.

So, if you ever had any second thoughts about giving your cat cooked venison instead of the raw meat, think again.

Final thoughts

Although venison is fairly healthy and does contain a number of nutrients that can provide benefits for cats, it should be looked at as a snack more than as a primary source of food.

Venison can be cooked in various ways so as for it to become safe to give to this species, but baking it in the oven is by far one of the best methods. Grilling can be unsafe, and it can also result in you not killing all of the bacteria or parasites in the meat, so we recommend against it. Medium-rare venison steaks should never be given to cats for this reason.

Cats that have a history of digestive sensitivity should first be given minimal quantities of venison so that the pet owners have the opportunity to test how they react to it.

Resources

• Wild Rose Cat Clinic of Calgary, Common Feline Poisons, Toxins & Household Dangers
• National Deer Association, 10 Weird Parasites that Live Inside Deer, 2014 
• MSD Manual Veterinary Manual, Sarcocystosis in Cats, 2018

Dry cat food is a convenient way of ensuring that your feline friend is getting the nutrition they need even when you are away from home. However, it might not be the best option for certain types of animals, such as those predisposed to obesity or diabetes.

But if you really have no choice other than giving your dry cat food instead of pouches or canned varieties, softening it might be a good idea. In today’s article, we’re looking ways to soften dry cat food and also several reasons why you should consider doing so.

What Is the Best Way to Soften Dry Cat Food

Adding water

This one is quite obvious, so we will not give you a lot of detail on how to do it. However, we will have to note that the more water you add to the kibble, the less crunchy or chewy it will be.
Also, the softening period needs to be limited unless you want to end up with a really mushy mixture that some cats might not actually enjoy. While those that have dental or gum issues will undoubtedly eat it nonetheless, those that are finding the crunchy texture still a little appealing might be less inclined to do the same.

5 minutes of soaking 3 parts kibble in 1 part water will lead to a chewier consistency, whereas 10 minutes of soaking will lead to an even softer result.

Add flavor

Healthy adults typically do not have any issue eating dry cat food all day, every day. However, the same cannot be said for their senior counterparts.

Most geriatric cats begin to have some sort of oral pathology, whether because they slowly develop periodontal disease or because they have cavities or infections, or have sustained lesions on their oral lining.

Some cats might find you softening their kibble a little funny in the beginning, and not just because the food might taste differently. After all, since it is dissolved in a little water, its flavor isn’t as concentrated as when it is dry.

If that is the case with your feline friend, we suggest using bone broth or chicken broth to soften the kibble instead of opting for water. Do consider that in this case, you’d have to lightly warm up the broth so that the fat globules present in it dissolve and mix with the dry food.

Pet vitamins that can be added to your cat’s drinking water can be used as a substitute, especially if they come with a flavor or nutrients from bone broth or real meat.

Blend it

This is the same piece of advice that we would give you if your cat were to have chronic gingivitis because of recurring lesions caused by Calicivirus, for example.
Such cats really don’t do well with any type of solid food, even the ones from pouches. So, even if you might feel tempted to think that your cat is just saying no to your food choices because she’d prefer something more expensive and appealing, she might just not be able to eat it.

You can add a little more bone broth in this case, sometimes up to 40% of the entire mixture, and either blend it with a hand mixer or in your food processor or use a hand masher if that seems to be more convenient.

Use cat milk instead of water

This is a good option for pet parents who want to make sure that the kittens in a litter are weaned easier. Sometimes, the mother might no longer produce enough milk for the entire litter, especially after several weeks after the birth have already passed.

Other times, especially in cases where the queen gave birth to a very large litter, her mammary glands might suffer some degree of abuse, which is why she might refuse to feed her offspring just because of the pain.

Naturally, you can use cat milk to substitute the one that the queen is supposed to provide to her litter. But when you start weaning the little ones, you can gradually mix it with a very small amount of dry food or canned food.

Even adults will like cat milk better than plain water since it has a bit of fat in it.

What not to use for softening your cat’s dry food

Any food scraps will be a no-go if you want to make sure that your cat remains healthy. This species is sensitive to a wide range of foods, and if you think that your homemade soup might be appropriate instead of water or unsalted bone broth, think again.

Soups, borscht, and anything else in this vein is not a good option because they might contain celery, onion or garlic, salt, pepper, and a variety of other such ingredients that can actually put your pet’s health in danger.

Is Softening Dry Cat Food Necessary?

It all depends on your own cat. If your pet indeed prefers the taste of kibble rather than any wet food variety you might have tried feeding them in the past, it could be a good choice.
However, most cats will enjoy the taste and consistency of pates and pieces of meat in jelly instead of picking dry food instead. Wet cat food is also a great way of ensuring that the cat doesn’t become dehydrated – especially since these pets, unfortunately, don’t go crazy about drinking a lot of water.

If your cat has some sort of oral pathology, you can just as well blend their canned food with a bit of bone broth so that the consistency is even smoother.

The majority of cat parents these days rely on free feeding when it comes to providing their pets with the proper nutrition. And while free-feeding is definitely convenient and comes with a share of advantages, it can also be detrimental to an animal’s health.

In today’s article, we’re looking at several reasons why free-feeding might not be the best option for your cat, but also see whether there’s anything you can do about it in case you’ve gotten your pet used to having food available all the time.

Is free-feeding good for cats?

No. It might not be as bad as you might think, but it all depends on your own cat’s health. What we mean by this is that healthy adults usually do well with having meals at their disposal when you’re away from home, and if they are not spayed or neutered, they don’t even have a risk of becoming obese or overweight.

The main issue with feeding indoor cats is that in the wild, they are not supposed to eat all throughout the day. Feral cats survive on a diet mainly composed of small prey.

If they catch something and eat it, that will sustain them for a whole day or more, all depending on the size of the rodent they might have hunted.

Another reason to use scheduled feeding is that free feeding multiple cats can be very challenging. As you probably know, the nutritional requirements of cats differ largely from one pet to the next.

Senior cats have to benefit from a different diet compared to adults, but so do kittens. If the animal also has some sort of chronic condition, they might have to receive a specific diet, one that was probably prescribed by your veterinarian.

If you have two or three cats, getting them to eat something different, especially when you are not in the house, can be very difficult. Cats are social animals, so they will enjoy their meals together and also imitate their companions’ behavior, which means that even if one is not accustomed to eating several times in a day, they might end up doing so because they see the other cats doing the same.

Free feeding vs. scheduled feeding cats

Now that we’ve pointed out several reasons why free-feeding might not be the best choice let’s look at several pros and cons of both of these methods.

While free-feeding is undoubtedly advantageous because you will have peace of mind when you’re away from home that your cat is not going to go hungry, they might eat more than they need.

Another aspect we have to note here is that free feeding usually involves the use of kibble instead of canned food varieties. If you have been a cat owner for a while now, you probably know that this species isn’t crazy about drinking a lot of water, which means that you should do your best to supply your pet with fluids using other methods.

With scheduled feeding, you can feed your cat one meal in the morning and another in the evening and rely on a pouch or a can instead. This is even more important for cats that have health problems with their kidneys, which is something that seniors commonly experience.

Kibble has a lot less moisture compared to wet cat food, and the reason for that is that water makes it possible for germs to reproduce. So, if it were to be moist, it would basically be contaminated with bacteria by the time several hours go by.

You also know just what amount your cats eat because you have complete control over how much you give your pet. If you are trying to get your furry friend to lose a bit of weight, this is essential.

How much should you feed your cat?

A universal answer to this question does not exist, and the reason for that is that pet diets differ in terms of protein, fat, or carb content, and even the extra nutrients that manufacturers add to the recipes, such as antioxidants, minerals, or omega fatty acids.

The brand that you give your cat will usually include a chart depending on your cat’s size or age on the label. You can use that for reference or just ask your vet about what the ideal diet for your pet actually looks like.

You do not have to worry about whether scheduled feeding will provide your cat with enough nutritious food. As we have previously mentioned, cats sometimes go for one or two days without food, and then they have a large meal that allows them to survive and even thrive for a period of time.

If you feel that your cat eats too much kibble when you’re out of the house, you might want to consider installing a pet camera to see any behavioral patterns that might be problematic in this sense.

You can also figure out how much food your cat had when you were away by weighing the remaining kibble and seeing the difference from what used to be in their bowl in the morning.

Final thoughts

Is free-feeding cats bad? It can be only for some types of animals. If your cat is completely healthy and their weight is normal, you probably do not have to worry about anything in this sense.

When switching from a free feeding to a scheduled plan, you should try to do things gradually. Cats are quite sensitive compared to other animals, so they are not likely to do well with sudden changes.

Lower the amount of kibble that you leave in your pet’s bowl for the hours you are going to be out of the house and feed your cat a small amount of canned food in the morning and in the evening. Several days after, take some of the kibble out and gradually increase the wet food amount instead.

Although cats don’t like to have their routine modified at all, they will adjust if you take the time to get them accustomed to the new plan.

Chicken nuggets might be a staple on many people’s lunch or dinner tables, but are they OK to feed to cats? Do they contain any nutrition whatsoever, or should your pet rather do without them?

We’re answering these questions and several more in today’s article, so keep on reading!

What’s in a Chicken Nugget?

The answer to this question can vary depending on which nugget we are addressing.

Homemade chicken nuggets are somewhat healthier for cats than those you can get from fast-food chains. The reason for that is that you actually know what you put in them, and if you create a recipe that has no dangerous ingredients, you might be able to give a piece to your feline friend.

As for the fast-food chicken nuggets that you can get at any drive-in — that’s an entirely different business. Unfortunately, those are loaded with chemicals, and while they might come frozen at every chain, they still contain monosodium glutamate or other substances that can enhance the flavor of the nuggets.

There really is no sense in you putting your pet’s health at risk by exposing them to additives and preservatives.

And while for the chicken nuggets you prepare at home, you have the option of cooking them in the oven or air fryer, the ones you purchase pre-made are deep-fried, so they can’t make a healthy option for cats.

Why Are Chicken Nuggets Bad for Cats?

Sodium

A lot of salt is bad for pets, and this is something most pet parents are aware of. Dogs and cats simply can’t handle the same amount of sodium that people have every day.

Chicken nuggets contain massive amounts of salt, and while you might not be able to tell, they actually come from other substances, not just the flavor itself. Monosodium glutamate is, after all, a type of sodium, so while it might be a flavor enhancer, it can severely affect your cat.

Cats that are given salty foods time and again are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies.

Too Much Fat

Deep-fried nuggets are the worst, and that’s because the batter retains all of the oil. If your cat is already suffering from diabetes or is borderline obese, this is not the type of food that they are supposed to have.

But excess fat can also lead to various health conditions, such as fat deposits on the inside of your cat’s blood vessels and also pancreatitis. If you didn’t know, pancreatitis is virtually impossible to treat, so we strongly advise you to steer clear of fatty foods when considering cat diet options.

Too Many Calories

At the end of the day, chicken nuggets are not light on the calories. Even if you were to give your cat a small piece every day, you would still be adding unnecessary calories to their daily intake, therefore predisposing them to obesity.

The last thing you might want to deal with would have to try and make your cat lose weight. Some cats are very food-oriented, and it can be challenging to get them to shed a pound or two.

How Often Can I Give My Cat Chicken Nuggets?

It would be great if you were to never give your cat any nuggets unless you have made them yourself.

But why do some cats seem to like chicken nuggets anyway? Aren’t they only supposed to like their diets? Well, no. Cats are just as curious as dogs sometimes, and while they do not have the same sense of taste like people, they do enjoy certain things.

For example, they can’t taste sweet or sour, but they like the consistency of some foods, especially fat. That’s why some cats will drink milk even if they are lactose-intolerant or why some cats might want to eat all the ice cream you give them.

Some cats like the crunchiness in chicken nuggets, and once they bite into it and realize that they’re also greasy, they become hooked on them.

However, the majority of cats are not going to show any interest whatsoever in chicken nuggets other than perhaps being curious about the smell of this new food. You should try to keep nuggets away from your cat just to be on the safe side of things.

What Type of Chicken Nuggets Are Safe for Cats?

If there’s really no way of going about things and your cat really is crazy about chicken nuggets, you can cook your own at home. First of all, you should avoid deep-frying them just to avoid making them fatty and rich in calories.

You should steer clear of ingredients such as onion or garlic powder or anything else that you know might be toxic for cats.

Just using the chicken ground meat and some shredded carrots will be enough. Don’t add any seasonings, spices, or condiments to the recipe if you want to feed the nuggets to your cat.

These meatballs/nuggets can be added to flavored sauces and turned into scrumptious meals for yourself and your family, but you should always serve them separately to your cat.

Final Thoughts

So, can cats eat chicken nuggets? No. Commercial chicken nuggets are awful for cats, and they can cause a variety of symptoms, mostly related to mild digestive distress.

If you don’t want your pet to wake up in the middle of the night and start retching and having diarrhea, and consequently, if you don’t want to take a nighttime trip to the emergency veterinary clinic, do not give them any chicken nuggets.

Mango is an exotic fruit that many people enjoy every now and then. It is rich in a wide range of nutrients, such as vitamin C and vitamin B6, and it also contains a fair share of magnesium, iron, as well as calcium.

But can cats eat mango? Is this type of fruit safe for our feline friends? Find out the answer below!

Is Mango Safe for Cats?

Yes.

If your cat expresses an interest in eating this fruit, you should let them have a nibble or two. Fruits are not supposed to be part of a cat’s diet since they are obligate carnivores.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t allow your pet to indulge in a healthy snack like this one once a week, for example. Mango is non-toxic and also not likely to cause any health issues for cats, whether that be digestive distress or a significant increase in their blood sugar.

Here are some other reasons why cats might benefit from a little mango on occasion.

Fiber

Every 100 grams of mango contains 1.6 grams of fiber. Even though that might not seem like a lot to you, especially since the fiber needs of a human being are much higher compared to what a cat might need, by comparison, this amount can be beneficial for cats.

Pets that have a history of digestive distress, particularly those suffering from chronic constipation, can do with a bit more fiber in their diets. While it is true that a source such as pumpkin is healthier as it contains less sugar, mango can be a solution every now and then.

Vitamins

The vitamin that mango is richest in is vitamin C. It does also contain vitamin B6 but in considerably lower quantities.

Vitamin C is the most important antioxidant that people and animals can get from food as it is involved in a variety of processes happening inside the body. It can repair and help with the normal development of tissues, and it can also (to some extent) prevent aging.

It helps cats to experience faster wound healing, and it also enables them to enjoy a better immune system on the whole, therefore being at a lower risk of catching infections.

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is capable of protecting a cat’s nervous system from degeneration and can also improve immune response.

Mango is rich in both of these nutrients, so it can provide them to your cat.

How Much Mango Is Safe for Cats?

Cats are not supposed to eat fruits on a regular basis, which is why there are no feeding guidelines for mango for them. You aren’t going to hear a vet advising you to give mango to your feline friend every single day, and that’s because it can predispose them to obesity or diabetes and can also cause unnecessary spikes in their blood sugar.

Don’t forget that fruits contain a lot of sugar, so they add to the daily caloric intake that your cat is supposed to have.

Another aspect that we would like to note here is that cats tend to vary a lot in size between them. There are smaller and larger breeds of cats out there, so you can’t give the same amount of mango to a Maine Coon as you would to a Munchkin.

Although the variations in size aren’t as huge as they are in dogs, they still have different weights and can handle fruit differently.

About a tablespoon of finely chopped mango per week would be safe for most cats. This quantity will not put their health at risk whatsoever.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Ate Mango?

It depends on how much mango your pet has had. If they had a lot, like a whole fruit, you should consider going to the vet clinic. It is true that mango is not toxic to this species, but even so, that would be a massive amount for a 4 to 5-pound cat.

If your cat just ate mango while you weren’t looking but the amount was several teaspoons or a tablespoon, you probably have nothing to worry about.

Just to be on the safe side of things, watch your cat’s behavior and bathroom habits for about 24 hours following the incident. Some digestive distress in the form of diarrhea or vomiting might show up, and if that happens, call your veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions

Can cats eat mango skin?

No. The skin is not only more difficult to digest and has more fiber, but it might also be contaminated with pesticides. By the way, getting organic mango is always a good idea, especially if you want to give it to your cat.

Can cats eat dried mango?

While it is not toxic per se, dried mango (or fruit leather or other types of dried fruit) is much richer in sugar, so it can be particularly dangerous for diabetic cats or those predisposed to obesity.

Can cats eat mango yogurt?

Cats don’t tend to digest dairy products too well, so unless it is a non-dairy alternative, you should think twice before feeding it to your cat. Also, commercial yogurt usually contains other substances, such as binders, artificial colors, or flavors, and none of these can be healthy for your cat.

Can cats eat mango sorbet?

No. Not only is mango sorbet extremely rich in sugar, but it also contains lime and small quantities of salt. This is not good food to give to your pet.

Can cats eat mango ice cream?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is also no. Ice cream contains dairy, fat, and sugar, so it can’t be seen as a healthy treat for your feline companion.

Pistachios are a snack enjoyed by many people, especially while watching TV. These nuts are also very rich in a range of nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

But can cats eat pistachios? Are they safe for our feline friends or should you make sure that your pet doesn’t accidentally eat a few? We’re answering these questions and more in today’s article.

Are Pistachios Safe for Cats?

It depends on what types of pistachios a cat manages to ingest. If they are unsalted or unflavored, they might not pose any threat to the cat’s health besides perhaps choking. However, if they are flavored with salt or any other spice mixes, they can seriously affect a cat’s body.

Some of the risks you are exposing your cat to if you allow them to eat pistachios are foreign body obstruction, digestive distress, and pancreatitis.

Foreign body obstruction can happen particularly in kittens since their intestines aren’t large enough to handle the dimensions that a pistachio nut (and its shell) can have. Pistachios can get lodged in a cat’s throat or esophagus or lead to a serious case of constipation.

The amount of fat in pistachios doesn’t make them appropriate for cats, either. Most healthy adults can experience diarrhea or vomiting as a result of ingesting one or several pistachio nuts.

However, seniors or cats that have chronic diseases can have much more severe complications, and that’s where pancreatitis comes in. This is a disease that’s extremely dangerous, and that can affect cats that are already fed high-fat diets. Eating fat foods is very risky for cats so this is one of the main reasons you should avoid giving them nuts and seeds.

Pistachios and Aflatoxin Poisoning

Aflatoxicosis is a disease that can affect animals and humans alike. It is caused by a fungus, Aspergillus flavus, which grows on nuts and seeds and releases a toxin called aflatoxin.

The reason people rarely end up suffering from severe forms of this condition is that they are much larger compared to pets, so they have vaster liver tissues that can somewhat handle the abuse of low amounts of this toxin.

But if a cat ingests a high amount of aflatoxin from a batch of pistachios, they might end up developing liver damage (and even liver failure) in a matter of 24 to 48 hours.

Not just pistachios can carry this toxin or the fungus itself on their surface. Peanuts are another potential culprit of aflatoxicosis in animals. It seems like a rather good reason to steer clear of pistachios altogether when it comes to your cat’s diet, right?

Dangerous Flavors

These days, salted pistachios aren’t the only kind that you can purchase. Some can contain garlic or onion powder (both of which are toxic for both dogs and cats).

Others might even be sweetened, and while sugar isn’t good for cats, xylitol and other artificial sweeteners might actually be dangerous. It is true that the effect of these substances on cats’ health is not as severe as it is on dogs’ health, but they can still experience some unpleasant symptoms.

Can Cats Eat Pistachio Pudding?

No. Pistachio pudding is not only rich in the fat itself coming from the nuts, but it’s also rich in a wide range of other ingredients, none of which are cat-appropriate. For example, pudding might contain thickeners and binders, many of which can have carcinogenic effects.

On top of that, pudding can also contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners, and we have already noted that these are unsafe for this species. The high amount of sugar in pudding can cause a spike in a pet’s blood sugar, something that can be particularly risky for senior cats.

Can Cats Eat Pistachio Ice Cream?

The answer to this question is also no.

Ice cream contains dairy and many cats are lactose-intolerant, with the exception of kittens. By the time they reach adulthood, they will have lost their ability to digest other types of milk besides the one made specifically for their species.

Like pudding, ice cream can contain additives, flavors, binders, artificial colors, and a variety of such substances that can harm a cat’s health.

Can Cats Eat Unsalted Pistachios?

The fact that they are not salted doesn’t necessarily make them safe, and the reason for this is that they still remain high in fat. Unsalted nuts are safer than their salted or flavored counterparts, but they’re still not the best thing you should give your cat.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that even if you were to try to give your feline friend nuts only so you can increase their fiber intake, a food type like canned pumpkin would be better (and also harmless).

For any other dilemmas that you might have regarding what a cat’s diet should be composed of, ask your veterinarian.

These days, homemade recipes might be safer than commercial diets, but if you do decide to prepare your cat’s food at home, make sure you consult a vet nutritionist or your vet beforehand – as you have to add specific amounts of taurine and other ingredients to the mixture.

Mint is a widely used plant in both cooking and tea varieties. Many species of mint are safe for both people and pets. But can cats eat mint? That’s the question that we are answering in today’s article, so keep on reading!

Is Is Safe to Give My Cat Mint?

No. Unfortunately, most mint varieties that are part of the genus are unsafe for our feline friends. In fact, some cats can experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms after ingesting mint, but it can also cause a wide range of skin complications.

The biggest issue that pet owners have to face is when cats get into their mint garden patches when they are not looking. As we have previously noted, there are several different kinds of mint, and one of them is safe. It is called catmint, and it is, in fact, a catnip type.

Symptoms of mint toxicity in cats

Whether your pet accidentally ingested mint or she did so willingly, she is likely to experience a number of clinical signs, such as the following:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite for food and water
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

While some cats will get back to their old selves once they vomit the ingested mint, others will continue to exhibit these symptoms over the course of several hours. Because cats aren’t well-known for drinking a lot of water in general, dehydration can begin to affect them fast.

For this reason, if your cat somehow managed to eat some mint, we recommend contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will advise you on what you are supposed to do and whether you should take your pet to the animal hospital right away or if you should wait for a couple of more hours.

What Parts of the Mint Plant Are Unsafe for Cats?

The entire plant can cause the same symptoms. Unfortunately, mint contains essential oils all throughout its parts, whether that be the leaves themselves, the stems, or even the flowers that might have blossomed on your plant.

Of all of the varieties within the mint genus, pennyroyal mint is perhaps the most dangerous one for pets. In a matter of just several hours, the ingested plant can cause liver damage, which is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary assistance.

Diagnosing and Treating Mint Toxicity in Cats

When you take your feline friend to the vet clinic, your veterinarian will first perform a physical examination and a number of tests to assess your cat’s health status.

Depending on how much time has passed from the moment your cat ate the mint plant, the vet might try to induce vomiting. However, some mint varieties are easily digestible, so the essential oils in them quickly end up in your cat’s system.

Your vet will ask several questions about what your cat might have ingested and about what behaviors she has shown following the suspected mint mishap. Blood and urine tests are typically performed to tell how your cat’s kidneys and liver are functioning.

Whether the vet has managed to induce vomiting or not, the cat will have to remain in the hospital for at least several hours. IV fluids (especially since the pet can’t drink water or consume any food on their own) are often necessary to replenish the electrolytes that the cat might have lost through diarrhea or vomiting.

A variety of other medications might have to be administered, too, such as anti-nausea drugs and antacids. Since the vet usually does not suspect an infection, especially if your cat is otherwise healthy and vaccinated, anti-infectious medication (such as antibiotics) might not be necessary in this case.

Prognosis and Recovery

Mint toxicity is usually not a medical emergency, especially if the cat manages to vomit the ingested material on their own or if the vet induces vomiting at the clinic. However, some types can be more dangerous than others, and if liver damage has already occurred, the prognosis might be reserved — particularly if the cat is a senior that might already have ongoing chronic health issues for which they receive treatment.

All medications put some pressure on the liver and kidney functions, which means that geriatric patients have a higher chance of experiencing more severe effects to mint toxicity.

A Note on Mint Essential Oil

Essential oils are frequently used in aromatherapy, but many of them can be quite problematic for cats and dogs, too. A cat’s sense of smell is far more superior to that of a human being.

Besides making it possible for cats to pick up scents that we can’t even tell in our living environments, it also makes it more likely for them to experience adverse reactions such as respiratory issues.

Many cats that live in households where mint essential oil is used for aromatherapy can have breathing difficulties, and combined with several cleaning products, and if their owners also smoke, they can actually develop asthma.

As such, we recommend avoiding mint essential oil altogether. Pet-safe products exist, and you should do some research on them.

Some cats seem to get into your meals every now and then, especially if they are highly motivated by snacks or food, in general. But occasionally, every person is likely to have a less healthy dish, such as French fries, which brings up the question — can cats eat French fries?

In today’s article, we’re not only giving you the answer, but we’re also looking at some potentially dangerous ingredients in French fries, and what types of potatoes are safe to give to cats. Read on to find out more!

French Fries Are Not Made for Cats

The short answer to the question that’s the title of this article is no, cats are not supposed to have French fries. There are several reasons for this, but we will go into more depth in the sections below.

But the most important reason of all is that cats are obligate carnivores. This means that most of their diet should be composed of protein and fat, as well as carbs from healthy sources such as pumpkin (no grain, no standard potato).

French fries are very rich in calories. In fact, they are the most calorie-heavy ‘guilty’ meal that people can have. One hundred grams of fast food French fries have 312 calories although their homemade counterpart stands at just 164 calories.

There are 266 calories in one hundred grams of pizza and 295 calories in 100 grams of double-patty hamburgers, in comparison.

It goes without saying that most cats are likely to get bored after having just one or two French fries, so they’re not going to eat 100 grams, but even so, with some of the ingredients that are added to them or the types of oils that they are cooked in, French fries do not make healthy food for cats.

Potentially Dangerous Ingredients in French Fries

Homemade fries are usually safer and lower in calories because people don’t tend to add as many seasonings and spices to them. They might even use less oil or cook them in an air fryer or in the oven, which automatically makes them healthier.

Here are some ingredients in French fries that you might want to prevent your cat from eating.

Sodium

Any responsible pet parent knows that dogs and cats are not supposed to have sodium or at least the lowest amounts possible. In humans, a diet rich in sodium can lead to the development of high blood pressure and cardiac health issues — and the same applies to our furry friends.

But the worst thing is that cats are particularly sensitive to sodium, and just 4 grams of the stuff can cause death. Unseasoned homemade fries are safer in this respect, but those that you get from a fast food chain are most certainly not.

Too Much Fat

Deep-fried food is unhealthy for people and pets alike, and it’s common sense to avoid giving it to a species that’s an obligate carnivore. Not only will fatty foods raise the risk of your cat becoming obese, but with that, there are other risks involved, such as diabetes.

Potato Skins

Potato skins contain a substance called solanine that can be found in raw potatoes, raw tomatoes, as well as eggplant, and that’s effectively produced by all of these plants as a natural insecticide.

Its highest concentration is in the skin of these veggies, and in some pets, it can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, digestive upset, or heart problems. Even more, potato skins have high amounts of oxalates, which can cause severe urinary problems, especially in cats who already don’t drink enough water and always have a risk of kidney pathologies.

Carbs

Carbs are an essential nutrient of a well-balanced diet and even cats are supposed to have a low amount, but they should come from healthy sources, not potatoes — which are just pure starch and don’t do anything in the way of aiding your pet’s digestion, for example.

Garlic or Onion Powder

In this case, too, homemade French fries are better as you have complete control over what you add to them. But most of the French fries you can get from restaurants or fast food chains contain a variety of spices and seasonings, and garlic and onion powders are the most dangerous of all.

Garlic can cause hemolytic anemia in cats, whereas onion can cause lethargy, digestive distress, and other symptoms related to blood toxicity.

Can Cats Eat Frozen French Fries?

It mostly depends on the type you have purchased and whether or not they have added ingredients such as oil or any condiments or other additives.

In general, they are best to be avoided but giving your cat a plain, unseasoned French fry that you have baked in the oven, and that doesn’t contain any skin, either, will probably not cause any symptoms other than a mild stomach upset.

Can Cats Eat Raw Potatoes?

Skinned raw potatoes aren’t the worst, so if you’ve cut your French fries and your cat somehow got a hold of a small piece, you probably do not have anything to worry about. They are not digestible, though, so they might cause some digestive symptoms.

If the potato part was next to the skin or if you hadn’t peeled the potato, it might be better to go to the vet rather than wait for any symptoms to show up.

Can Cats Eat Bland Cooked Potatoes?

Boiled and unseasoned potatoes are usually safe for cats in that they aren’t going to cause any health problems, but they are not a healthy food source since cats should eat their species-appropriate diet instead of potatoes.

Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Yes! Plain, unsalted, and unseasoned sweet potatoes that have been cooked in the oven are safe to give to your cat and might even provide her with a bit of extra fiber for healthy digestion, too.

Pumpkin is a little healthier, though, and it’s in the same plant family as sweet potatoes. Like any other food that does not seem to be made for cats, sweet potatoes shouldn’t make up a big part of your pet’s diet – but a very small sample is safe.

Deep-fried sweet potato fries are not safe, though.

Final thoughts

French fries are heavy in calories, oils, and seasonings that your cat doesn’t need. However, a small piece of a French fry once a month might not be harmful, so do keep that in mind.