Can cats eat French Fries? Have you ever turned around after leaving your plate unattended for a moment and discovered that your cat had been eating your food? Do you occasionally give your cat some of your food to eat as a special treat? Many people own cats and wonder if it is safe for their pets to eat certain foods that humans eat.
At the veterinary clinic where I work, I get a lot of calls each week from worried cat owners who want to know what foods are safe for their feline family members to consume. Most of the time, concerned pet parents want to know whether or not their dog or cat can eat human food, such as French fries. Therefore, is it acceptable for a cat to consume French fries?
It is generally safe for cats to consume French fries, but a few noteworthy exceptions should be kept in mind. Your cat will not be harmed by cooked French fries provided that they are consumed in small quantities; however, they may cause some gastrointestinal distress. Your cat should not eat raw (uncooked) French fries because they are toxic to cats and could potentially cause serious harm to your cat’s health.
6 Reasons Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat French Fries
The craving for greasy, salty, and crispy French fries is common in humans. But the qualities that make French fries so irresistible to us are also the qualities that put our feline friends in danger when they eat them:
1. Sodium
People are advised to limit their sodium intake because the chemical can lead to high blood pressure. Cats are in the same boat. Given that cats are ten times smaller than humans, heavily salted foods can have a tenfold effect on your curious feline! For cats, a lethal dose of salt is only about 4 grams. It’s best to keep them away due to the saltiness of a French fry, especially if you add additional salt yourself.
2. Carbohydrates
Cats’ diets only allow for a small number of carbohydrates. According to veterinarians, they should only make up one to two percent of a cat’s diet. This leaves little room for carbohydrate snacks. Anything high in carbohydrates can be harmful to your pet, and French fries are particularly problematic because they are pure starch.
3. Fat and oil
Cats require fat in their diets, but it should come from Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, fish oil, or other cat food ingredients. Your fries’ cooking oil will vary depending on where you get them, but at least some will contain saturated fat, which has the same effect on cats as it does on humans: Gaining weight. A small amount of saturated fat in a feline’s diet can cause significant weight gain, leading to heart and joint problems, among other things?
4. Skin
Deep-fried foods’ skin is frequently a human’s favorite part! But don’t share your happiness with your cat. The deep-fried outside of the French fry, high in sodium, can be difficult for your cat’s body to process and even pose a choking hazard
5. Ketchup
Ketchup, the traditional companion to French fries, is one of the most toxic human foods for cats. Onion powder is found in most ketchup. Whether raw, cooked, or dried, onions can be dangerous to your cat. When you consider this condiment’s high sodium and acidic content, you have a perfect storm of health risks for your cat.
6. Too Much Salt Can Be Very Dangerous
While a small amount of salt in your cat’s diet is required for normal development and growth, too much salt can poison and kill your cat. Cat owners have been advised not to buy popular Himalayan salt lamps because cats are prone to licking them. This has resulted in many cats ingesting a large amount of salt and becoming seriously ill, with some even dying.
Salt poisoning can cause:
- Vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Excessive sleepiness
- Lack of coordination
- Dehydration / extreme thirst
What If My Cat Loves Fries?
Perhaps you had no idea that cats shouldn’t eat French fries regularly, and they’ve been sharing this snack with you since the day you brought them home. It can be difficult to stop offering them completely if they’ve grown accustomed to them. Your cat will want them because they recognize them by sight and smell.
You can try to distract your cat with healthy alternatives if you can’t stop eating fries before your cat, which would be the best solution.
Offer them a piece of plain, boiled chicken or cooked salmon instead of fry. You can keep pieces of these proteins in your refrigerator for when you think your cat will beg for whatever you’re eating. Your cat may be looking for you to share your food with them at times, but they aren’t picky about the type of food. Ensure to replace the meat or fish every 3–4 days, or freeze it instead. Another option is low-calorie cat treats. Give them to your cat in moderation, but they can be used to keep your cat occupied while you eat.
What to do if Cat Eats Fries?
If you discover that your cat has consumed fries, don’t be alarmed; a few fries will not harm your cat. Consult a veterinarian if she exhibits any serious symptoms.
But never feed her fires deliberately. If it becomes a habit, it can have a significant impact on the health of cats. If a cat consumes it regularly, it can cause serious problems for our pets and gastrointestinal issues. The following are a few of them.
Obesity
Obesity is on the rise among pets these days—and partly, we have ourselves to blame. In 2017, the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention found that 60% of cats (26.5% overweight /33.5% obese) and 56% of dogs (36.4%/19.6%) were overweight or obese. This is an alarming percentage. This occurs primarily due to the accumulation of fats in the body. If your cat’s weight is 10 – 15% greater than her ideal weight, she is said to be overweight, but if it exceeds 20% of her ideal weight, she will be at risk of obesity. Obesity is a disease and can cause several diseases like diabetes mellitus, hepatitis lipoids (fat deposit in the liver), dystocia (complications and problems of giving birth), and osteoarthritis. It can also weaken the immune system if a cat suffers from a urinary tract infection.
Although obesity won’t kill a cat, it can cause life-threatening diseases, thereby shortening a cat’s lifespan. We can only stop these conditions by not giving them an unhealthy diet and always consulting with a vet before adding any new food to their diet.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another life-threatening illness. According to research, 2 percent of cats have diabetes. Fries are high in carbohydrates and fats, which can cause diabetes in pets. If a cat has diabetes, she may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, frequent urination, increased thirst, etc. Consult a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any of the above symptoms in your cat. Also, how about TEMPTATIONS Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treat if you’re going for a drive with your cat and want to have something for her? It is nutritionally complete and balanced in every way. Plus, it’s delicious and something your cat would be delighted to eat.
Better Treats for Cats
Meats
Cats, as previously stated, are true meat-eaters who do not require grains in their diet. Meat is a great treat for your cat because of this. Try giving your cat a small piece of meat, such as ham, turkey, or roast beef. You can even give them a bite of meat from your sandwich at lunchtime.
Cheese
Cheese is another popular snack among cats. Lactose intolerance makes milk a poor choice for cats, but the lactose in cheese is processed and rarely causes problems. For a cat, a small piece of cheese is a delicious treat.
Peanut Butter
Although it may seem unusual, many cats enjoy peanut butter. Make sure the brand you’re using isn’t sweetened with xylitol before giving it to your favorite feline (which can also be listed as birch sugar). Place a small amount on a spoon and observe your cat’s reaction.
Conclusion
The occasional cooked French fry will not harm your cat. Raw potatoes should be avoided entirely by cats. Seasonings, salt, and sauces found on French fries can harm your cat. Cats should never be given French fries to be on the safe side. There’s no need to be concerned if they find a piece of one or steal it off your plate. If your cat is constantly begging for food from your dish, distract them with healthy options. You can still share the eating experience with them while keeping them safe by giving them tasty, healthy snacks that won’t harm them.
