Can cats eat salami?
Quick verdict
Unsafe
Key risk
Garlic toxicity plus very high salt and fat make it dangerous.
Why
Salami is far too salty and usually contains toxic garlic, so avoid it for cats.
Can cats eat salami, and why?
Salami is far too salty and usually contains toxic garlic, so avoid it for cats. Garlic toxicity plus very high salt and fat make it dangerous.
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
Garlic toxicity plus very high salt and fat make it dangerous.
If your cat has eaten salami, 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 salami?
Unsafe. Salami is far too salty and usually contains toxic garlic, so avoid it for cats.
What happens if my cat eats salami?
Garlic toxicity plus very high salt and fat make it dangerous. If your cat has eaten salami, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is salami poisonous to cats?
Unsafe. Salami is far too salty and usually contains toxic garlic, so avoid it for cats.
Check salami for another pet