In this brief discussion, we’ll answer the question, “can cats eat salt?” We will also talk about how much salt is safe for cat consumption, the consequences that occur if your cat eats salty food, the symptoms of sodium poisoning and how to treat sodium poisoning in cats.
Can cats eat salt?
Yes, cats can eat salt. Salt is a vital mineral, much like it is for humans, but too much of it can upset the balance of electrolytes in the body, which can cause cell malfunction.
The good news is that cats are intelligent and know what’s best for them; they typically avoid salty foods. The correct quantity of salt for your cat’s diet is also balanced in commercially available cat diets.
However, there are other less obvious causes of salt poisoning that you or your cat might not notice right away.
Can salt make my cat sick?
No. A cat won’t get damaged by a little salt. Every animal needs salt because it is a necessary mineral for healthy bodily function. No feline diet will contain an excessive amount of salt for cats because cat food is specifically designed to meet their needs.
You should give your cat a balanced diet and high-quality cat food, but you shouldn’t need to give it any vitamin or mineral supplements. A small amount of salt in your cat’s diet is needed to carry out normal bodily functions.
But excess intake of salts can result in various health issues in cats including sodium toxicity, high blood pressure and dehydration. Therefore, It is crucial that cats always have access to fresh water, even if their diet contains the right quantity of salt.
Try to have many bowls around the house so that the cat has numerous access points to water, and keep in mind to refill and clean the bowls on a regular basis. If you believe your cat is not getting enough water, try putting water bowls in areas with less noise and fewer distractions.
How much salt is safe for cat consumption?
For cats, consuming more than 41 mg of salt per day is harmful. If you are worried that your cat has consumed more salt than is acceptable, you should contact a vet right away for emergency guidance because you wouldn’t be able to measure such a thing.
What will happen if my cat eats salty food?
The most typical salty food that a cat might consume is some form of human food. Although certain human foods are safe for cats, some can cause issues. Thanksgiving turkey comes to mind as an example of a treat.
You can see why it would be harmful given that it is frequently brined and then cooked with garlic, onion, oil, and spices. Tuna that has been packaged in salted water is another typical offender.
While it may be tempting to utilise human foods to pique a sick cat’s appetite, it would be wiser to delve into the realm of cat treats. By doing this, you can make sure your cat isn’t consuming anything dangerous.
Paintball pellets, rock salt (de-icers), aquarium water, and water are additional common household items with salt that can attract cats.
What are the symptoms of too much salt in cats?
Salt poisoning, also known as hypernatremia, can be extremely dangerous and even fatal for cats. Vomiting is typically the initial symptom, and other symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea
- a decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Incoordination (wobbly walking)
- excessive urination or thirst
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, it should receive prompt medical attention from a veterinarian as they could possibly be symptoms of a wide range of illnesses.
Another reason to contact your veterinarian right away is that hypernatremia frequently results from an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
How do you treat salt poisoning in cats?
Treatment for salt poisoning might include anything from intravenous fluids and electrolyte monitoring to treating brain swelling, depending on the severity of the condition.
The prognosis is typically very good for healthy kittens receiving prompt care since IV fluids are typically sufficient to cleanse and rehydrate the system. There is still hope if your cat’s hypernatremia is brought on by an underlying illness.
Many cats can live long, fulfilling lives despite such salt imbalances after the cause has been found and a treatment plan has been put in place (or, electrolyte derangements, as the professionals call them).
Conclusion:
We answered the question, “can cats eat salt?” We also talked about how much salt is safe for cat consumption, the consequences that occur if your cat eats salty food, the symptoms of sodium poisoning and how to treat sodium poisoning in cats.
References:
https://www.rover.com/blog/can-my-cat-eat-salt/
https://askmycats.com/can-cats-eat-salt/
https://www.hepper.com/can-cats-eat-salt/
