Can Cats Eat Pepperoni? Is Pepperoni Bad for Cats?

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Can cats eat pepperoni? The short answer is no; cats should not eat pepperoni. Pepperoni is a type of processed meat that contains several ingredients that can be toxic to cats.

Cats should never be given pepperoni as the meat is very unhealthy and contains toxic ingredients. Processed meats like salami and pepperoni contain garlic, onions, and seasoning like salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika.

Ingesting these ingredients in large quantities can lead to digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.

This article will answer the question, ‘can cats eat pepperoni?’ We’ll discuss why it’s best to avoid giving your cat processed meats designed for human consumption.

Can cats eat pepperoni?

Pepperoni shouldn’t be given to cats as it’s high in sodium and fat, which can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts. It also contains ingredients such as garlic and onion that are toxic to animals.

While your cat probably would enjoy eating cured meat, pepperoni and salami contain preservatives and colorings that aren’t suitable for cats. If your cats stolen a piece of pepperoni off your pizza, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your pet for several reasons, which have been discussed below.

Sodium toxicity

Cats can suffer from sodium toxicity after eating products that contain meat. Cats are smaller than dogs, so they can be affected even after eating a relatively small amount of salt.

Eating salt causes the sodium levels in a cat’s blood to increase and cause toxicity. This causes cell damage and can affect the cat’s brain. Symptoms of sodium toxicity in cats can include:

Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Increased thirst and urination
Exhaustion
Tremors and seizures

In the worst cases, cats can go into a coma after consuming salt, which can be fatal. It’s important to seek medical attention for your pet immediately if he has consumed foods such as pepperoni with a high salt content.

Onion and garlic toxicity

Eating pepperoni can also lead to more severe health problems for cats. The garlic and onions that are often used as ingredients in pepperoni can cause weight loss and even death.

Cats and dogs shouldn’t eat food that contains garlic, onion, leek, or chive. Onion and garlic contain an oxidant known as n-propyl disulfide, which causes humans to cry when slicing onions. The oxidant affects cats in a slightly different way, which makes plants in the Allium spp family toxic to animals.

Toxicity symptoms may become apparent 24 hours after eating the food or within three days. The most common symptoms include:

Depression
Weight loss and anorexia
Heart problems
Anaemia
General weakness, exhaustion, and exercise intolerance
Collapse and death in the worse cases

Fats

The high levels of fat in pepperoni are also bad for a cat’s health. Consuming meats that are high in fats can cause obesity which can lead to other health issues such as pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas and can be very dangerous for your cat if left untreated.

Can cats eat salami?

It’s best not to share meat meant for humans with your cat. Salami is another type of processed meat containing many ingredients cats should avoid. Like pepperoni, salami also contains seasonings such as salt, garlic, and onion that can be toxic to cats, even in small amounts.

Can cats eat pepperoni: Final thoughts

It’s best to avoid giving your cat any pepperoni or other processed meats, such as sausages or salami. If you do feed them meat, be sure to provide lean proteins like chicken and turkey that are less likely to contain dangerous ingredients.

If your cat accidentally ingests pepperoni, watch for signs of vomiting and diarrhea and take them to the vet if these symptoms persist. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure your cats stay healthy and away from potentially toxic foods like pepperoni.

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