Can cats eat pâté?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Onion and garlic are toxic to cats and the salt and fat are unhealthy.
Why
Shop pâté is salty and may contain toxic onion or garlic, so avoid it.
Can cats eat pâté, and why?
Shop pâté is salty and may contain toxic onion or garlic, so avoid it. Onion and garlic are toxic to cats and the salt and fat are unhealthy.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
Onion and garlic are toxic to cats and the salt and fat are unhealthy.
If your cat has eaten pâté, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
More foods cats might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat pâté?
Caution. Shop pâté is salty and may contain toxic onion or garlic, so avoid it.
What happens if my cat eats pâté?
Onion and garlic are toxic to cats and the salt and fat are unhealthy. If your cat has eaten pâté, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is pâté poisonous to cats?
Caution. Shop pâté is salty and may contain toxic onion or garlic, so avoid it.
Check pâté for another pet