In this brief discussion, we’ll answer the question, “Can cats eat raw potatoes?” We will also discuss if raw potatoes are good for your cats, what will happen if your cat eats raw potatoes and how to safely cook potatoes for your cat.
Can cats eat raw potatoes?
No, cats cannot eat raw potatoes. Raw potatoes are bad for cat health because they contain a toxic substance known as Solanine. Solanine can create several health issues in cats as they cannot digest it.
Cats can suffer from stomach issues including vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain if they eat raw potatoes. Therefore, keeping raw potatoes out of your cat’s reach is the best option.
Are raw potatoes good for cats?
No, raw potatoes are not good for your cat. Potatoes do not have all the nutrients needed for the proper nourishment of cats. They are not considered healthy for cats because they can cause solanine toxicity which can be lethal in extreme cases.
Cats should not eat raw potatoes because of their solanine content. However, they can eat cooked potatoes as an occasional treat. Just make sure not to make it an integral part of your cat’s diet and cook them properly.
You should also keep in mind that potatoes have a high carbohydrate content and should not be given to cats who are overweight, obese, diabetic or suffers from stomach issues. This is because feeding them potatoes can further worsen their situation.
What will happen if my cat eats raw potatoes?
Your cat can suffer from stomach issues and solanine toxicity if it eats any part of a raw potato. If you catch your cat eating raw potatoes contact your vet as soon as possible and do not try to induce vomiting on your own.
If you suspect that your cat has eaten raw potatoes, look for the following clinical symptoms in them:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Coughing and sneezing
- Gagging
- Irritation in gums
- Excessive urination and thirst
- Incoordination
- Abnormal eye movements
- Abnormal heart rate
Cats can also suffer from muscle tremors, seizures, convulsions and coma in severe cases. Death can also occur if they are not treated on time.
What is the safest way to feed potatoes to cats?
If you plan on feeding raw potatoes to your cat, make sure to consult a vet first and follow the given instructions to prepare potatoes for your cat:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to get rid of the dirt on any foreign materials.
- Peel the potatoes properly.
- Cut off the green parts of the potato, if present. This is because they contain solanine and can harm your cat’s health.
- Cut the potatoes into small pieces as they will be easier for your cats to eat.
- You can either roast or boil the chopped pieces without adding any seasonings such as salt because it can create certain health issues in cats.
- Offer a few pieces of cooked potato to your cat at first and see if they like it. If you get a good response, you can feed them more. Just make sure to cool them down first.
If you are feeding potatoes to your cat for the first time, give them small amounts and observe them for the next 24 hours to see if they show any symptoms of an upset stomach. If you notice any signs of diarrhoea, stomach pain or vomiting, contact your vet for advice.
Conclusion
We answered the question, “Can cats eat raw potatoes?” We also discussed if raw potatoes are good for your cats, what will happen if your cat eats raw potatoes and how to safely cook potatoes for your cat.
References
https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-nutrition/what-can-cats-eat/can-cats-eat-potatoes
