Cats love to sample all the goodies on the dining table. However, these are rarely healthy and sometimes even poisonous. In this article you can read whether and how your cat can eat potatoes.
Only feed boiled potatoes
Many velvet paws find boiled potatoes very tasty and also like to nibble on a piece of peel when the person is peeling it – although the latter is probably more due to the kitty’s play instinct. In principle, potato tubers are not a problem for your four-legged friend as long as they are not eaten raw. When raw, the nightshade plant contains solanine, a substance that is also slightly toxic to humans. Therefore, the tubers should only be fed when
- they are well cooked
- have no green spots
- carry no germs
- the shell is removed
In particular, green potato tubers and potato leaves contain a lot of solanine and are therefore absolutely taboo for both humans and animals.
Symptoms of solanine poisoning
The solanine contained in the potato is released from the tuber by high heat and goes into the cooking water. That’s why cats shouldn’t drink potato water! If the four-legged friend has done so or eats a piece of raw tuber, possible symptoms of poisoning will appear within a few hours:
- Cat appears disoriented, dazed
- has balance problems, sways
- may have diarrhea
- vomiting is also possible
- shows behavioral problems
In this case, you should immediately take the animal to a veterinarian or a veterinary clinic. If possible, take the nibbled tuber with you so that the veterinarian can estimate the amount eaten. Cats that have eaten potatoes but are showing no symptoms of poisoning should be observed carefully for 24 hours. Even small amounts of potatoes can be problematic – the smaller and lighter the cat, the more likely it is to be poisoned.
Are potato products allowed?
Your cat must not eat potato products such as chips, French fries, etc.! Not because of the potato, but because these products contain a lot of salt, fat, spices and flavorings that are harmful to your cat’s health. Too much salt in particular can damage the kidneys and heart. Small amounts of home-made mashed potatoes, on the other hand, are not a problem as long as you use lactose-free milk and only add a little salt and butter. Although cats are considered to be outspoken milk lovers, they are lactose intolerant beyond kitten age. The animals lack the necessary enzyme to digest and utilize lactose. Therefore, ingredients such as milk, cream or butter added to mashed potatoes can cause digestive problems.
