A common question that cat owners often ask is, Can Cats Eat Potatoes?
It’s a question with an answer that will depend on the size of your cat and if they are healthy, among other factors.
But what about for cats? Can cats eat potatoes? This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions about this topic so you’ll know exactly how to feed your feline friend!
Can Cats Eat Potatoes?
The answer is not straight forward as it all depends on the type of potato and how it is prepared. Technically, cats can eat potatoes providing they are cooked appropriately and unseasoned.
Foods that are seasoned with inions, garlic, or anything similar can be highly to cats. It’s important not to feed too many potatoes to your cat, or use them as a meal replacement.
This is because cats are obligate carnivores, and potatoes do not provide the required nutrients that a cat needs on a daily basis. The key is to feed in moderation, and only give to your cat as an occasional treat.
Feeding too much much potato to your cat unbalance their diet, as well as leading to weight gain due to the calorie content of potatoes.
Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, cats can eat sweet potatoes, and are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. As with any food you feed your cat, it’s important that they’re cooked properly first before feeding it to your feline friend.
This is because the potato plant contains the toxin solanine which needs heat treatment for removal from tubers such as sweet potatoes.
Cooking destroys this toxin making them safe for consumption by humans and animals alike! It’s important to remember that sweet potatoes are not as easily digestible or as nutritious for cats as other feline snacks.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Potatoes?
Cooked potatoes in the form of Plain boiled, mashed, or baked white potatoes are safe to give to your cat in moderation.
Can Cats Eat Raw Potatoes?
Raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxin that causes great harm when ingested, and should never be given to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Potato Chips?
Potato chips contain a high amount of fat and salt, making them detrimental to your cat’s health in many ways.
Can Cats Eat Potato Peels?
Cats are particularly sensitive to potato peels because they contain a substance called solanine, which is poisonous to felines.
Potato peels are also covered in bacteria, dirt, and pesticides which are bad for your cat if the consume it.
Health Benefits And Nutrition Facts Of Potatoes
2/3 cup (100 grams) of boiled potatoes — cooked with the skin but without salt.
- Calories: 87
- Water: 77%
- Protein: 1.9 grams
- Carbs: 20.1 grams
- Sugar: 0.9 grams
- Fiber: 1.8 grams
- Fat: 0.1 grams
Potatoes can provide small amounts of nutrition for a cat that include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- Fiber
The Dangers of Potatoes to Cats
Here are the dangers of feeding potatoes to cats:
1. Solanine:
Solanine is the toxin that is found in uncooked or raw potatoes. It is also known to cause neurological problems, digestive issues, and cancerous tumors when ingested by cats.
The consumption of solanine can be fatal for your cat; there are no antidotes or medications to reverse the poisoning once it has occurred.
2. Weight gain /Diabetes:
Eating too many potatoes can cause a cat to gain weight .
This is because potatoes are high in calories and carbohydrates, which can increase your cat’s blood sugar levels. If not properly controlled, this can ultimately lead to diabetes over time.
As with humans, obesity has corresponding health risks for cats as well; it increases their chances of developing arthritis or other inflammatory diseases within the body.
3. Pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset
Pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset can occur if your cat eats too many potatoes.
This can cause inflammation in the pancreas, leading to digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea.
Pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention if suspected. If not treated early on , it will lead to an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.
4. Choking
Potato can obstruct a cats airways if they ingests large pieces of it. Although this is very rare because cats hardly ever bite off more than they can chew or swallow, and most cats more than likely won’t even eat potatoes in the first place.
The Safest Way to Give Potatoes to Cats
The safest way to give potatoes to you cat is to remove the peel and thoroughly cook the potatoes. Never put additional seasoning on the potatoes which can be very detrimental to your cats health.
Human Foods Safe For Cats
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Eggs
Human Foods Not Safe For Cats
- Grapes and raisins
- Oranges
- Cherries
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Garlic
Can Cats Eat Potatoes Conclusion
Can Cats Eat Potatoes? The bottom line is that while potatoes are safe for humans to consume, they can be very dangerous for cats, especially if uncooked or raw where solanine can be toxic.
Cats are carnivores, meaning they only eat meat and also lack the necessary enzymes in their stomachs to digest too many potatoes.
If you want your cat to eat more vegetables, there are plenty of other options like carrots, green beans, peas, spinach (which also contains oxalates), broccoli stalks and cauliflower florets.
