Salami, typically made from beef or pork, is a popular and versatile cured meat product. It can be used as a sandwich filler, a pizza topping, or as a tasty snack.
As you enjoy a salami sandwich or a salami platter, you may wonder, “Can my cat eat salami?” Although there is no clear answer, salami can be given to cats on occasion as a treat.
Quick Overview: Can Cats Eat Salami?
Toxic: No
Frequent Allergens: Negative
Inadequate for the Species: No
Feeding Schedule: As Needed
Feeding Quantities: Additives
Summary of Content
Your cat is likely to enjoy the flavor of salami, which is a high-quality meat product with a wide range of possible applications. However, its high levels of salt and saturated fat cancel out its impressive protein content.
So, while cats can enjoy a bite or two of salami now and then without risk, eating too much can lead to obesity and dehydration.
The nutritional value of salami to cats is low, but as any cat owner can attest, cats love the taste of human food. On the other hand, salami does have its risks. So, let’s investigate whether or not your feline pal can partake in your salami snack.
Nutritional Stats
Salami is a type of fermented and dried cured meat that is typically made from pork or beef.
In 3 salami slices, you’ll find:
| Calories | 99 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrate | 0.5g |
| Sodium | Approximately 23% of the Daily Value (DRI). |
Zinc and copper are also present in salami, and it also has B vitamins like B12, B6, niacin, thiamine, and pantothenic acid.
Nutritional Facts
Despite being a processed food, salami is an excellent source of protein, which the body needs for the development and maintenance of muscles and other tissues. Salami is a fermented meat, so it may contain probiotics that help with digestion and gut health.
Several B vitamins, which are essential for energy, metabolism, brain function, and DNA synthesis, are among the many vitamins and minerals found in salami.
Benefits Of Salami For Cats
While salami won’t poison your cat, it’s not exactly the healthiest snack thanks to its processed nature and high salt content.
Because of their obligate carnivorous nature, cats can only survive on a diet rich in meat. Protein, vitamins, and minerals are all abundant in salami because it is made from meat.
Salami is not necessarily bad for cats, and a small amount can be a tasty treat. However, its high salt and processing levels mean it may not have the same nutritional value for cats as it does for humans, and you may find better alternatives.
How Much Salami Can A Cat Eat?
Most cats will go crazy for a taste of salami, and it is fine to give them a small amount. However, as with any human food, it should be limited to special occasions only to avoid excess weight gain.
See also: Top 7 Feline Dietary Supplements
In addition, your cat’s health may be compromised by the fact that salami is not cooked. It’s fine to have one or two slices occasionally, but don’t go overboard.
How Often Can A Cat Eat Salami?
You shouldn’t feed your cat salami on a regular basis. Once every few weeks or so, enjoy a slice or two of salami as a treat.
Is Salami Used In Commercial Cat Food?
Commercially available cat food does not contain salami. All commercial cat foods feature prominent meat and fish flavors, but unlike processed meats like salami, the meat and fish ingredients in fresh cat food are cooked.
The Risks Of Eating Salami For Cats
Salami has a lot of fat and salt, two things that can make a cat very sick.
Salami is a processed meat, so there are advantages and disadvantages to eating it. Saturated fats, which are abundant in processed meat, contribute to weight gain. Cats are more attuned to this than humans are, and eating too much salami may increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Cats have a low salt tolerance, and since salami has a high salt content, eating too much of it can lead to dehydration. It’s possible that the preservatives, garlic, or seasoning in the salami or pepperoni on your pizza could be harmful to cats.
Cats may have trouble chewing on tough cuts of salami or salami jerky.
Uncooked salami presents a risk of bacterial contamination. Salmonella contamination of fermented meat products is extremely unlikely but does occur. Salmonella poisoning can lead to nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Because of this, pregnant cats and kittens whose immune systems are still developing should never be fed salami.
When Is Salami Okay For Cats To Eat?
Because of their nature as strict carnivores, cats should get the vast majority of their daily calories from meat.
Salami is typically made with pork, which isn’t the best protein source for your cat. While it’s not recommended that cats consume it regularly, it’s not harmful to them in moderate amounts.
A small amount of salami that is low in sodium and contains few other spices or ingredients might be safe to feed to your cat as a hypothetical.
However, the vast majority of salami sold commercially is not going to be good for cats.
When Is Salami Bad For Cats?
Because of the high sodium content and the common inclusion of garlic in the salami making process, feeding your cat too much salami is likely to have a negative effect.
Even though cats have a higher salt tolerance than dogs do, adding extra salt to your cat’s diet isn’t a good idea and will force your cat to consume significantly more water than usual. And it’s common knowledge that felines can be finicky about drinking enough water.
The second, more pressing problem is that salami often contains garlic. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), cats who eat garlic may need to go to the emergency room.
In the end, it’s probably not a good idea to knowingly feed your cat salami.
Signs Your Cat Has Eaten Salami
You probably won’t notice anything out of the ordinary if your cat gets ahold of some salami.
If your cat contracts a bacterial infection from eating salami, however, you may see more severe symptoms, including dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
These infections are especially dangerous for pregnant cats, who may experience a miscarriage or septicemia. Kittens are susceptible to illness and weakness due to their underdeveloped immune systems.
Consult your vet if you suspect that salami has made your cat sick.
What Happens If Your Cat Eats Salami
While most cats recover quickly from a salami snack, some may experience stomach distress if they consume a large amount or if they have a bacterial infection. Plain chicken or white fish and plain cooked white rice are great examples of bland food that can help soothe an upset stomach.
Your veterinarian may inject your cat with probiotics or kaolin to stop the diarrhea, and they may be able to prevent further illness. If the cat’s condition worsens, it may require hospitalization so that it can receive antibiotics and intravenous fluids.
Do Cats Like The Taste Of Salami?
All processed meats, including salami, are superior to their fresh counterparts in terms of texture and flavor. Most cats would do anything to get their paws on a slice of salami due to its delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
Salami is a delicious and versatile meat product that is likely to be enjoyed by your cat. Although it’s packed with protein, it also has a lot of sodium and saturated fat. While cats can safely consume a small amount of salami on occasion, eating too much of it can lead to obesity and dehydration.
Never feed salami to pregnant cats or kittens because it is not cooked and could potentially contain bacteria. A little bit of salami here and there probably won’t hurt your cat, but you probably shouldn’t make it a regular part of their diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a cat eats salami?
Your cat is probably fine even if it eats a few slices of salami. However, because it is uncooked, it may contain bacteria that can make you sick with vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and a high temperature. Kittens and pregnant cats should avoid this at all costs.
How much salami can a cat eat?
Only give your cat one or two slices of salami every few weeks, at most. Excessive consumption of salt and calories can both contribute to unwanted weight gain.
What deli meats can cats eat?
Deli meats are safe for cats to eat as long as they don’t contain any potentially toxic seasonings or flavors. On rare occasions, deli meats can be enjoyed as a treat.