Cats are common household pets that are members of our homes and families. Sharing your meal with your cat, therefore, seems only natural. Pepperoni is readily available in our kitchen. Felines are naughty and may sneak a bite of pepperoni from our Pizza. The question then is, can cats eat pepperoni?
The answer is while the occasional nibbling may not be harmful, eating pepperoni regularly is poisonous to cats. Pepperoni contains substances that are toxic to cats. These toxins, upon ingestion, will cause gastrointestinal distress or other health problems for your cat.
It is vital to keep pepperoni away from your furry friend to keep them safe from illnesses that arise from the consumption of pepperoni.
Is Pepperoni Good or Bad for Cats
Eating pepperoni regularly is dangerous for your cat. This might surprise you since cats are carnivorous animals, meat is their staple diet, and pepperoni is a dried salami made with beef or pork. Pepperoni is a common Pizza topping, so on Pizza night, your cat might take a bite or two.
Did you leave a slice of Pizza, and your cat has consumed a small part of it? Worry not; that should not cause alarm since a small bite is okay. Pepperoni should, however, not replace your cats’ diet.
Pepperoni contains high protein levels required for healthy body weight for your cat. Pepperoni also contains Sodium, flavoring and spices, and nitrates that are dangerous for cats as they contain toxic substances. Consumption of these ingredients in large amounts can be very harmful to your cat, and you need to consult your veterinarian immediately.
I will analyze these ingredients and the effect they have on cats.
1. Flavorings and Spices
When pepperoni is ready, it contains different spices that give it its flavor. Pepperoni contains peppers and garlic which is toxic for cats. Garlic contains a substance known as N-propyl disulphide that destroys a cat’s red blood cells. Consumption may cause hemolytic anemia and gastrointestinal issues in cats.
The symptoms that arise from their consumption occur within 24 hours to seven days. Upon significant damage to the red blood cells by the toxic substance, the symptoms to watch out for are; vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, abdominal pain, lethargy, collapsing, jaundice color on the gums, eyes, and skin, unwillingness to eat, and red to brown urine.
2. Sodium
Sodium contains a high concentration of salt. High levels of Sodium in a cats’ nutrition are dangerous for its health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials recommends that dry cat food have at least 0.2% sodium for their growth.
A slice of Pizza contains a considerable amount of Sodium, an average of thirty-five (35) milligrams, while adult cats require less than twenty-one (21) milligrams. Consumption of salt in huge quantities is toxic to your cat as it leads to salt poisoning that can cause kidney failure.
The symptoms of salt poisoning are; vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, incoordination, lethargy, and excessive thirst or urination. In severe cases, salt poisoning in cats can cause tremors, seizures, coma, and even death. Upon observing such symptoms, you should call your veterinarian immediately.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not actually picky eaters as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Asparagus?
3. Nitrates
Nitrate is not toxic, but when converted into nitrite, it becomes toxic. Sodium nitrite is a preservative to preserve pepperoni. This increases the timespan and stops bacterial growth, allowing the pepperoni to last longer. Consumption in high levels is dangerous to cats and causes anemia (methemoglobinemia). This causes the blood in your cat to be brown as opposed to the standard red color.
When there is a 40% concentration of nitrite; the following symptoms are likely to occur; weakness, ataxia and collapsing. A higher concentration between 70%-80% may cause death. Pepperoni must be kept away from it when your cat is pregnant, as nitrate poisoning can cause abortions in pregnant cats.
Is Pepperoni Safe For Cats?
Can cats eat pepperoni is a question that has risen when shopping for cat food or when offering your cat a slice of Pizza. I hope from the discussion above, you have learned that while pepperoni contains proteins that are essential for the growth and development of your cat, it contains substances that are toxic for your cat.
To be safe side and keep your cat healthy, avoid giving your cat pepperoni. While the occasional nibbling is not harmful, your cat may consume pepperoni and risk severe illness or even death.
