As cat parents, we can be tempted to share what we eat with our feline friends. Spam is a canned meat product made from pork, ham, salt, and sodium nitrite, among other ingredients. It’s also a fairly tasty treat that many people enjoy as part of their diet. But can cats eat spam too?
No, cats should not eat spam. Although it is a processed meat product, spam can harm cats, especially in large quantities.
Too much spam can cause health issues due to the high fat and sodium content in the product, so it’s best to avoid feeding your kitty this human food.
However, if your cat has already eaten a few bites of spam, there’s no need to panic. Small amounts of spam will not cause serious health complications.
Let’s thoroughly examine why cats should not eat spam and learn more about the implications for your feline friend’s health.
Is Spam Safe for Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to stay healthy. While this can make it tempting to share spam with your cat, spam is not a healthy food choice for your feline friend.
Spam is pork and ham combined with salt, sugar, sodium nitrite, and other spices like garlic powder. It can also contain fat, which can be dangerous for cats in large quantities.
Is Spam Good for Cats?
Spam is not good for cats. Despite being non-toxic to cats, this processed meat contains very high levels of sodium and fat that can be detrimental to your kitty’s health.
Let’s see how each ingredient can affect your furry friend.
- High-Fat Content
A single can of spam contains 6g of saturated fat and 16g of total fat. For cats, this can be dangerously high, as it can lead to obesity.
Obesity can lead to other health problems like diabetes, heart disease, pancreatitis, and osteoarthritis.
- Sodium
Spam can also contain high levels of sodium. A single can of spam can have up to 790mg of sodium, much higher than what a cat needs in their diet.
Even if your cat ends up eating 1/4 can of spam, they can still consume up to 200mg of sodium.
This can lead to sodium poisoning and can cause
- Excessive thirst
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Coma
- Excessive urination
- Garlic Powder
Spam can also contain garlic powder, making it even more appetizing for your cat. However, this can also be problematic as cats cannot metabolize the compounds in garlic properly.
Eating too much can cause anemia or hemolytic anemia, where their red blood cells break down faster than usual.
What Should I do if my Cat Eats Spam?
If your cat has already eaten some spam, don’t panic. Most cats can tolerate a few bites of this processed meat without serious health complications.
Simply remove any uneaten spam from your cat’s reach and monitor them closely for any signs of illness. However, if you notice your cat vomiting or having diarrhea after eating spam, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Alternatives to Spam for Cats
If your cat is interested in Spam, they likely just have an appetite for meat. Instead of feeding them processed meats like Spam, opt for healthier alternatives to satisfy their craving.
You can feed your cat some cooked chicken, turkey, beef, or fish as a tasty treat. Make sure to cook these meaty treats without adding salt or other spices.
You can also buy your cat treats specifically designed for them, such as Blue Wilderness treats, which have a similar texture to Spam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any Health Benefits to Cats Eating Spam?
Spam contains proteins that can be beneficial for cats. However, the high fat and sodium content can outweigh any potential benefits. We do not recommend feeding your cat spam as a regular part of their diet.
Can Kittens Eat Spam?
No, kittens should not eat spam as they can suffer from health issues due to the high fat and sodium content. Also, the spices can cause stomach upset.
How much Spam can Cats Eat?
Cats can tolerate small amounts of spam, but it’s best to avoid feeding them this processed meat. If you want to feed your cat some spam, make sure to limit their intake to no more than a few bites.
My Cat ate a Whole Can of Spam. Will he Die?
It is unlikely that your cat will die from eating a can of spam as it isn’t toxic to cats. However, they can suffer from health issues such as sodium poisoning, and the high-fat content can lead to obesity.
How Can I know if my Cat is Allergic to Spam?
If your cat shows signs of an allergic reaction after eating spam, such as vomiting or diarrhea, take them to the vet immediately.
Your vet can do tests to identify if your cat is allergic to any particular ingredient in the can of spam.
Can Cats Eat Turkey Spam?
Cats should not eat turkey spam as it can contain high levels of sodium that can damage your kitty’s health.
Can Cats get Addicted to Spam?
No, cats can’t get addicted to Spam. However, they may prefer it over other foods due to its texture and taste, so you should always monitor their intake.
Summary
Can cats eat spam? In short, no. Cats can tolerate a few bites of this processed meat, but they can suffer from health issues due to the high fat and sodium content.
Furthermore, the spices can cause stomach upset. If your cat shows signs of illness after eating spam, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Instead of feeding them spam, healthier alternatives include cooked chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Apart from these meaty treats, discover which human foods can be fed to your feline friend safely with our can cats eat posts.