Cats can technically eat Spam, but it is not a recommended or healthy part of their diet. Spam is high in sodium and has preservatives, which can be harmful to a cat’s health.
Do you ponder whether Spam is secure for your kitty cat to eat? As pet owners, we always seek to make sure our furry felines are eating beneficial nutrition. Is Spam a safe decision for cats? Here’s what you got to learn.
You can relax knowing that, while Spam isn’t perilous for cats, it’s not the healthiest selection for them.
Spam is a canned meat product made by mixing chopped pork and ham, created in the 1930s. It’s popular among many households, and its distinct flavor is known by many consumers. While it can be convenient to have Spam on hand, cats should not eat it – even if they seem interested in it! Even though Spam isn’t toxic for cats, there are various reasons why it’s not healthy for them.
To comprehend why cats should not eat Spam, you need to study the product’s components and potential nutritive effects, as well as potential risks related to their consumption. In this article, we explain all you need to know about cats and Spam, so you can make informed decisions about what’s safe for your furry friend:
- Components and nutritive effects
- Potential risks
Nutritional Value of Spam
One two-ounce (56-gram) serving of Spam contains (Source: Healthline):
Calories: 174
Protein: 7 grams
Carbs: 2 grams
Fat: 15 grams
Sodium: 32% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Zinc: 7% of the RDI
Potassium: 4% of the RDI
Iron: 3% of the RDI
Copper: 3% of the RDI
Spam is a processed pork dish made of pork shoulder and ham in a broth. It has water, salt, modified potato starch, sugar, sodium phosphates, and spices. People can buy it in a can or loaf form, and it is high in fat and salt. Spam is an easy protein source but has no nutritional value for cats.
The Animal Rescue Site states cats need fewer nutrients than humans or other animals. Proteins are their main dietary requirement, due to their carnivorous nature. Cats can eat Spam, but healthier sources of fats and proteins will keep them healthy.
Animal-based proteins, such as chicken, beef, and fish, are healthier for cats than processed meats like Spam. They have fewer fats and are higher in quality. Cats also need carbohydrates, minerals like calcium and phosphorous, and vitamins like vitamin A and taurine. These are all hard to find in Spam or other highly processed meats.
Cats should have a diet high in animal-based proteins, with essential amino acids like taurine that strengthen heart muscles. Avoid unhealthy fats whenever possible. Canned sardines packed in water or tuna are great protein sources, along with small amounts of lean beef or turkey meat with no preservatives or additives, like onion powder which can be toxic to cats. Spam should not be a regular part of your cat’s diet. Provide them with a well-balanced meal with appropriate nutrition from natural food sources.
The Health Risks of Spam for Cats
Spam is packed with high levels of sodium, sugar, and saturated fat. This can be dangerous for cats if they consume it regularly. Too much salt can cause dehydration and loss of appetite and even coma in extreme cases. Saturated fats found in Spam can cause pancreatitis and inflammation. High sodium intake can also lead to renal damage and high blood pressure.
Small amounts of Spam can be too rich for cats’ systems, as their dietary needs are different from humans’. Furthermore, Spam is highly processed with artificial flavors and colors. It does not provide essential nutrients for cats to stay healthy. Therefore, it should not be part of a cat’s regular diet. Instead, consult with your vet or give them a healthier alternative like cooked poultry or meat.
What Happens if a Cat Eats Spam?
If a cat has eaten Spam, then be alert for any signs of a bad reaction. Spam is high in fat, sodium, and preservatives, which are hazardous to cats. Plus, cats don’t need the high protein levels that Spam provides. Too much can lead to weight gain and health troubles.
There are several possible side effects of Spam eating. These can be digestive like throwing up or the runs, or neurological like spasms or muscle weakness. In rare cases, it may even threaten the cat’s life. So, if you think your pet has eaten Spam, consult your vet right away. Keep an eye out for signs of distress or pain in your pet, so you can act quickly.
In conclusion, it’s best to not feed cats Spam and contact a vet if your pet consumes it.
Alternatives to Spam for Cats
Don’t feed Spam to cats – no essential nutrients there! To make sure kitties get enough protein, try these options instead:
- Canned tuna – omega-3 fatty acids will boost brain & eye health, while taurine helps with heart & vision. Mackerel’s good too!
- Cooked meat – chicken, beef, lamb. No raw or undercooked meats though. Got extra lean pieces? Share them!
- Seafood – haddock, cod, salmon. Fresh, frozen, and canned OK; avoid smoked & salted varieties.
- Eggs – cooked & shells removed. Scrambled the easiest.
- Veggies & fruit – peas, green beans, bananas, watermelon. Avoid pits or large seeds (eg figs).
There are better snack options for cats than Spam! Mix up their meals, rotate toys & provide variety in treats for a long-term happy kitty!
Is Spam Safe for Cats in Small Amounts?
Small amounts of Spam aren’t toxic for cats. But, it’s still not a good idea to feed it to them. Processed foods like Spam have too much salt, fat, and calories. This raises cats’ risk of health issues. Also, eating too much processed meat can mean missing out on vital nutrients like proteins, healthy fats, and dietary fibers. Eating too much-processed food can make cats gain weight or get digestive upset. So, it’s best to avoid any meats with Sodium Nitrite in the ingredients list.
If your kitty has eaten small pieces of Spam, keep an eye on their weight. Give them a balanced diet for their well-being. If you need help creating a diet for your pet, talk to your vet for advice.
How to Prevent Cats from Eating Spam
Spam isn’t toxic to cats. But it is heavily processed and contains too much sodium and preservatives. So, to keep cats away from it, store the canned meats in a cupboard or fridge inaccessible to them. If serving Spam, remove leftovers from their reach.
If your cat has already eaten some, watch out for signs such as vomiting or diarrhea. Contact your vet for advice. Also, research the ingredients in other canned foods that are more suitable for cats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spam is not toxic for cats. But, it is not a recommended choice for them. Cats need proteins and calories found in their natural diet. The high fat of Spam can be bad for their health. Additionally, the spices, onion powder, and garlic salt may irritate their stomach. Eating large amounts of high-sodium food can harm their kidneys in the future.
So, it is best to avoid it. Even if food is safe for humans, cats may not benefit in the same way. It is wise to choose treats that are safe for your cat. Their safety must come first!
