Can Cats Eat Salami? How Much Can You Feed Them Safely?

If you or someone you know owns a cat as a pet, it is safe to say that at some point, you’ve been skeptical about what to feed your feline friend. In this article, we are debunking any myths, and we are diving into what we should and shouldn’t give to cats.

It turns out cats can eat salami in small portions. This strong condiment and heavy sodium curated sausage, better known as salami, can surprisingly be handled by cats. Although, you must confirm with your vet prior and understand that it should be a treat.

Now that we’ve answered the question; Can cats eat salami? It is important to be familiar with the composition of salami itself.

What Is Salami Made Of?

Salami is a fermented and air-dried meat cured sausage. Pork is the most common meat used in salami, although there is also beef, turkey, game, horse, and reindeer salami, and in other regions of the world have gone to the extent of adding exotic types of meat.

All forms of salami are extensively salted, partially to make them last longer and partly to provide a safe environment where flourishing is not an option for germs.

When Should We Give Salami To Our Cats?

Due to their carnivore nature, cats’ diet consists of daily meat portions.

The majority of the time, pork is the main component of salami, which isn’t the healthiest meat for your cat to eat. It’s not something they should take regularly, but it’s generally safe for cats in tiny amounts.

However, the bulk of commercial salami on the market is not suitable for cats.

Can Salami Be Poisonous For Cats?

Cats should avoid processed meats. They have been known to lead to cancer in humans, so salami may not be good for them.

Garlic may be present in some cured meats, such as salami. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, garlic and other Allium family members, which include onion, chives, and leeks, are harmful to cats and dogs.

However, no. Salami won’t be considered poisonous to cats.

Can Salami Kill Cats?

In more significant portions, the distribution of this curated sausage can lead to considerable digestion issues for your pet; however, no recorded cases of cats dying as a result of consuming it exist.

There are health complications involved if this is a routine snack for the feline.

Since salami won’t be the factor taking a cat to the grave, let’s talk about those food items that will lead to death in domesticated felines.

What Can Kill Your Cat?

These pets are notorious for being fussy eaters, but you might be shocked to read about some of the popular items they should avoid.

Surprisingly, tuna, a consistent diet of tuna cooked for humans, can cause malnutrition in cats since it lacks all of the nutrients they require. Furthermore, consuming too much tuna can result in mercury poisoning.

Consuming too much methylmercury or organic mercury, which is connected to eating seafood, is the most common cause of mercury poisoning.

Garlic and onions, in any form (dehydrated, cooked, uncooked, in powder, or raw) can break down a cat’s red blood cells, causing anemia. Garlic, which is five times as strong as onions, and chives, in addition to onions, can all cause severe health and maybe life-threatening concerns.

Alcohol affects a cat’s liver and brain in the same way that it does people. However, the impact is much more significant due to the size disparity. It has been documented that an average cat that would weigh around 5 to 6 pounds can fall into a coma with just two tablespoons of Scotch, and another teaspoon can kill it.

Caffeine can be lethal to a cat if consumed in large enough doses. Restlessness, fast breathing, heart palpitations, and muscular tremors are all signs of caffeine toxicity.

Due to their inability to detect sweetness, most cats are less likely to eat chocolate.

Due to the high concentration of active ingredients, caffeine and theobromine in chocolate pose the most significant risk of poisoning.

Theobromine is a naturally occurring substance found in various plants, most notably the cacao bean.

Cats may be at risk from both fat and bones. Fat, both cooked and raw, can irritate the intestines, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. A cat, on the other hand, can choke on a bone. Bones can also splinter and block your cat’s digestive system or slash the inside of his stomach.

Will Feeding Salami To My Cat Impact Its Health?

Sadly, the answer is yes. Salmonella poisoning is no stranger to salami in the past (one outbreak in 2010 impacted hundreds of people). So, even though Salmonella doesn’t seem to affect cats the same way humans do, sharing salami with your cat is always a danger.

Cats that are expecting, in particular, should avoid salami, much as pregnant women should avoid uncooked meals and deli meats.

Spices like chili peppers and paprika, which are traditional in salami, might cause stomach distress in some people. Even though the quantities of spices in salami are unlikely to cause serious health problems, they may produce indigestion and upset stomachs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, trichinellosis is a parasite disease caused by “eating raw or undercooked meat of animals infected with the larvae of a species of worm called Trichinella” (CDC). Trichinellosis can pass along from animals to humans, even domesticated cats.

If your cat already has kidney or renal problems, your veterinarian will likely recommend a lower-sodium diet and avoiding treats like salami.

Alternatives To Salami

If you are a meat lover, salami is an ongoing part of your life. Don’t panic. We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a list of alternative treats with similar condiments as salami that won’t impact your kitty’s health and will still be a tasty treat;

Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Treats

Yes, the talk show queen Rachael Ray has created a line of pet treats, particularly for cats. These treats are rich in vitamins and can help your cat get that meat tasting to feel they love.

Potaroma 4 Pack Catnip Balls

This is a kitty toy. Catnip is a favorite snack for most cats, and cats can play and chew independently without your intervention. Besides, when kitties bite or lick catnip balls, it will clean cats’ teeth effectively without harm to their teeth while also fulfilling your cat’s meat-loving needs.

Meow Mix Irresistibles Cat Treats

These are real chicken-based treats that can serve as a great meat substitute for your pet.

Temptations MixUps Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats, 30 oz.

No artificial flavors for an amazing taste your cat will love

Crunchy outer shell helps to control tartar and support dental health

Under two calories per treat

Hartz Delectables Bisque Lickable Wet Cat Treats for Adult & Senior Cats, 12 Pack, Multiple Flavors

If your cat is one of those pets that loves a snack that also feels like a meal, this is the perfect snack for you. Combines tender chicken and succulent seafood shreds in 3 flavors, delectably blended into a smooth and hearty sauce for a lockable treat, so delicious cats lick the bowl clean.

“Can Cats Eat A Little Salami?” Meme

The question of whether cats can eat salami and how much they can consume came up as part of a 2019 meme. HeftyDMV, a Redditor, uploaded a Tumblr interaction in which a cat can be seen typing, “Can cat eat a little salami?” When a Twitter user used a Sopranos image with the phrase “cats can have a little salami” displayed on it, the meme went viral.

The tweet gained over 25,000 likes and about 3,700 retweets in five days. Still known and used on this day as an internet joke.

Soprano’s “Can cat eat a little salami?” Meme

Conclusion

There are things you can share with your cat and things you shouldn’t share with your cat. Salami is one of those things that you shouldn’t.

It may be better to avoid feeding your cat salami willingly. Most of the time, salami in abundance will harm your cat owing to a combination of excessive sodium and the familiar presence of garlic in the salami.

More like this post:

• Can Cats Eat Almonds? Will This Nut Harm Your Cat?
• Can Cats Eat Peas? How Much Of It Is OK To Feed Your Cat?
• Can Dogs Have Pecans? Are Pecans Bad For Dogs?