Despite the fact that Pringles potato chips are thin, crispy, and the ideal snack for binge-watching Netflix, is it really a good idea to feed them to your cat? Can Cats Have Pringles? The answer is No. No Pringles flavor is safe for cats to eat.
While a few chips won’t kill your cat, there’s really no point in feeding them Pringles since they provide no nutritional value.
Pringles are not only nutritionally useless, but also potentially toxic to cats due to the high salt content of the chips.
Therefore, despite the fact that it may be tempting to share this mountain of tasty treats with your cat, it is best to refrain from doing so for the reasons we will discuss below.
Reasons Salt Is Bad for Cats
Most households keep a container of salt in their kitchen. While it may be a human favorite, that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your cat. The Food and Drug Administration warns that salt is toxic to cats and dogs, and includes it on a list of foods to avoid giving your pet.
We humans can handle a lot of salt, but cats can’t. Of course, your pet needs some sodium, but giving them too much of the good stuff can be fatal.
What Is a Healthy Feline Diet?
Feeding your cat a nutritious feline diet rich in protein, fat, minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, and water will help him live a long, healthy life. Your cat only needs a basic feline nutritional balance, which can be found in any high-quality commercial cat food.
Choose a brand of cat food that has a statement of nutritional adequacy from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the label. Officials in charge of regulating the sale and distribution of animal feeds, such as pet foods and drug remedies, are members of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) does not conduct its own tests or provide certifications for pet foods, but it does provide guidelines for how ingredients should be defined, how labels should look, and how nutrients should be analyzed in laboratories.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Salt Poisoning?
There are a few things to look out for if you’re worried that your cat has been poisoned by salt. Those signs and symptoms are detailed below.
- Inability to eat
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Incapable of normal walking
- Confusion
- Extreme dehydration
- Urinating a lot
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of these signs in your cat after he has consumed anything containing salt. In extreme cases, salt poisoning can be fatal.
Severe Symptoms
The symptoms of salt poisoning can be quite severe.
- Coma
- Seizures
- Tremors
The electrolyte imbalance that too much salt causes can be fatal for cats, so it’s crucial that you take yours to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
So, keep your cat away from Pringles, despite their delicious salty flavor and wide range of flavor options. Some flavors, such as pizza, sour cream, and onion, also contain milk, which is poisonous to cats. Onions and garlic are also bad for cats, so it’s best to stay away from those.
How to Stop Your Cat from Begging for Pringles
Stop your cat from meowing for Pringles every time you open a can and put an end to the constant begging. The simplest solution is to hide your Pringles from your cat and eat them when they’re not looking. If your cat occasionally goes outside, you can let him out while you eat without him noticing the difference.
To prevent your cat from interrupting your meal, you can also give him a cat toy to play with. The toy should be stimulating to your cat. If you need something to occupy your pet while you eat, head to the nearest pet store and pick up something new.
Giving your cat some healthy cat treats to snack on while you’re eating is another way to prevent him from begging. If you don’t want your cat to stop eating his regular cat food, treat him occasionally rather than constantly.
Train your cat to stay away from the table while you eat if all else fails. Don’t give in to your cat and teach it the meaning of “no.”
Although cats are more challenging to train than dogs, they can still be taught simple commands with consistent, positive reinforcement. If your cat won’t leave you alone no matter how many times you tell him “no,” try picking him up gently and putting him in another room.
Is It Okay to Feed Cats Potato Chips?
No brand of potato chip, not even Pringles, is safe for your cat to eat. Whether they’re Pringles or another brand, it’s best to keep your cat far away from any chip bowl.
Why Do Cats Like Potato Chips?
You’ve probably caught your cat trying to steal a potato chip, whether they be Pringles, Lays, Ruffles, or something else entirely. True cat owners know that their feline companions enjoy licking the salt off the potato chips. Salt is essential for the proper functioning of the mammalian body, and cats are no exception.
When the cat consumes excessive amounts of salt, issues arise.
Why Cats Beg for Human Food
When you eat chips and other human foods, your cat may paw at you and meow. He could be begging for food for a variety of reasons. Perhaps he’s hungry and waiting for you to fill his bowl. It’s possible your cat is drawn to the aroma of your food.
When cats don’t care for their cat food, they sometimes try to eat what humans eat. Your cat may not like the food if he isn’t eating very much of it. Perhaps the taste or texture is off-putting to him. Your cat relies on you to give him the food he enjoys. Pick up a few different types of sample-sized cat food from the pet store until you find one that your cat enjoys.
Try switching your cat from dry food to wet and see if that makes a difference. If you’ve exhausted all other options, it’s time to call the vet.
What Foods Should Be Included in Your Cat’s Diet?
Now that you know that your cat shouldn’t be fed potato chips like Pringles, you may be wondering what they should be eating instead.
You know that cats need a high-protein diet because they are carnivores. Kittens, until they are weaned, can only survive on their mother’s milk. When fully grown, cats do best on a diet consisting of 20% protein and 17% fat.
Even if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet yourself, you shouldn’t force it onto your carnivorous cat. Feeding your cat a combination of high-quality dry and wet cat food will ensure its long-term health.
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you have questions about your cat’s diet. After examining your pet, he will be able to recommend a diet and food plan that will help him thrive.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, the answer to the question of whether or not cats can eat Pringles is an easy yes. The detailed explanation is that the answer is no because Pringles contain ingredients that are harmful to cats. Your cat can safely eat a few Pringles without any ill effects.
However, if he eats more than a couple of cans, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.