Whether for lunch or dinner, a bowl of soup is always a good choice. Soup can be prepared in a wide variety of ways, and eating it is both satisfying and warming on chilly days.
It has the potential to be the best meal ever. Maybe you’re thinking, though, that your cat would enjoy a bowl of soup. How secure is it for them to possess? Is it safe or harmful to use?
There is no easy answer to any of these problems. Cats shouldn’t be fed table scraps as a rule. The ingredients in many soups are toxic to cats. However, they may reap health benefits from consuming particular broths and soups.
This piece details the reasons most soups are bad for you and the few that aren’t.
It takes some investigation to find soups that are safe and healthy for your cat to consume, but it can be an interesting way to get more water into your cat’s diet.
. Some things to think about when choosing soup. They are not meant to replace food, but rather to supplement it.
Sodium Levels
Even those with low-sodium recipes, many commercial brands of canned and bottled soups have high levels of sodium. Ingestion of excessive amounts of salt can cause sodium ion poisoning in cats.
The following are symptoms of sodium ion poisoning:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Lethargy
Incoordination
A rise in thirst
Urination too often
Tremors
Seizures
Sodium is used in commercial soup primarily for preservation purposes. Many types of preservatives are based on salt. Potassium sorbate, sodium phosphate, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are some of the most frequently used preservatives in soups.
Lactic acid, which has antimicrobial properties, can also be found in creamy soups. Cats can safely consume lactic acid, and the probiotic bacteria responsible for its production are called lactic acid bacteria.
Ingredients
Check the ingredient list for organic ingredients and steer clear of foods that could be harmful to cats.
Cats shouldn’t eat these common soup add-ins:
Chives
Eggplants
Garlic
Leeks
Milk
Mushrooms
Onions
Scallions
What Can Cause Soup to Be Harmful to Cats?
Brand names and product packaging are not sufficient evidence of safety. It all depends on the components. Some common soup ingredients that are harmful to cats include:
Sodium is the first element on the list. This is due to the fact that soup, especially canned soup, can have an enormous amount of sodium. This is because substantial amounts of salt-based preservatives are used to extend the soup’s shelf life. Cats have a sodium requirement, but they cannot tolerate high sodium diets. For them, too much sodium can be fatal.,which is why you shouldn’t give table salt to your cat either.
Both the garlic clove and the onion bulb belong to the allium family. Cats shouldn’t ingest anything from this family. Anemia and digestive problems are possible side effects of consuming this substance regularly or in large quantities.
Mushrooms: Since cats are obligate carnivores, they aren’t particularly interested in eating fruits and vegetables. Mycotoxicosis is caused by mushrooms, but it is unusual in cats. Consuming decaying organisms like mushrooms or mold can lead to this condition. The severity of the symptoms is proportional to the amount consumed.
Milk and cream are not fatal to cats, but they can cause stomach problems. Cats can’t digest lactose, so this happens. This is a normal occurrence that occurs soon after a kitten is weaned from its mother. They lose the ability to digest milk as their bodies become accustomed to solid food and no longer require it for survival.
Many kinds of fresh produce and herbs: You should also avoid leeks, eggplants, scallions, and chives when selecting a cat-friendly soup.
See a vet if you’re worried about your cat after it eats any of these.
When Can Soup Be Good for Cats?
Health problems tend to increase in frequency and severity as cats age. In addition, an age-appropriate diet is necessary because senior cats have a lower caloric need than younger cats.
Even though soup is low in calories and a good source of vitamins and protein for senior cats, it shouldn’t be their only source of nourishment.
Cats with dental problems or mouth sores would greatly benefit from the adjustment. It’s easier for sick cats to digest a liquid than solid food, so this is another benefit.
If your cat isn’t drinking enough water throughout the day, soup is a great way to boost their hydration levels.
Soups that are safe for cats can help with their digestion and their joints, too. Collagen can be found in abundance in beef bone broth. Collagen shields your cat’s joints and helps calm his digestive tract, keeping undigested food out of his system.
This makes it a wonderful option for senior cats, especially those with joint pain. A liver detox using bone broth is another potential benefit.
The cat industry has also joined the soup trend, so you can buy canned soup, but there are also ingredients you can use to make your own.
Bone broth, made at home and safe for cats, is a nutritious option. However, before making any changes to your pet’s diet, talk to your vet about safe serving sizes and recipes for homemade bone broth.
Can Soup Replace a Cat’s Meal?
Cats shouldn’t consume commercial soup due to its high sodium content and potentially harmful ingredients. Homemade soup that is low in salt and free of potentially harmful ingredients is the best option if you want to feed your cat soup.
But even the best homemade soup is no match for a cat’s meal. Homemade cat soup is unlikely to meet the nutritional needs of your feline friend. Protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals in specific amounts are required on a regular basis for cats.
Protein
As strict carnivores, felines need a meat-based diet rich in protein. Studies have shown that adult cats lose muscle mass when their diets don’t contain at least 40% protein. Over time, a cat’s health can suffer at a saturation level of less than 26%.
Animal protein is essential for cats because of the high taurine concentrations found in it. Cats require the amino acid taurine, but they are unable to produce it themselves.
Feline central retinal degeneration and cardiomyopathy are two conditions that can develop in cats that are taurine deficient. The effects of these diseases are often terminal and cannot be cured.
In addition to taurine, cats require the following 10 amino acids:
Arginine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Fats
Cats need fat for energy, insulation, and other functions. It provides energy and is a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which are essential for a cat’s health. Some nutrients can’t cross cell membranes without the assistance of fats. Fat is an important part of a balanced diet for cats.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
These are the vitamins recommended for inclusion in cat food by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO):
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Thiamine
Riboflavin
Acid Pantothenic
Niacin
Pyridoxine
Acid folic
Biotin
B12 Vitamin
Choline
The following minerals have also been deemed necessary for cats by the AAFCO:
Calcium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Low levels of sodium and chloride.
Magnesium
Iron
Copper
Manganese
Zinc
Iodine
Selenium
Soup Alternatives for Cats
Soup manufacturers often overlook cats because of their unusual dietary requirements. Attempting to ensure that soup recipes contain adequate amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals can be a source of additional stress.
If your elderly cat has trouble eating dry food or drinking water, there are some alternatives you can try that won’t compromise the quality of their diets.
If you want to increase the amount of water in your cat’s diet, switching to wet food is a great option. Wet cat food is easier to chew and digest, making it a good option for senior cats.
Make the switch to wet food for your cat as gradual as possible. Cats have delicate digestive systems, and a sudden shift in their staple food can cause an upset stomach. The process of switching your cat to a new diet should take at least a week.
Add Broth to Meals
You can improve your cat’s diet and increase its fluid intake by adding broth to its meals. Choose a broth that uses only organic ingredients and has a low sodium content.
There are also broths designed for cats, which typically include some sort of meat attractant like flakes or shredded meat.
Feed Cat Soup
Many companies that specialize in feline nutrition offer canned cat food that includes a broth. That means you can stop giving your cat soup.
It would be much more efficient to give cats soup made specifically for them rather than having to read the ingredient lists of human soups.
Use Electrolyte Supplements
Electrolyte supplements can help your cat stay hydrated if it has a history of becoming dehydrated. The one drawback of this method is that some cats may be finicky about taking their supplements.
Switch Out Water Bowls
Adjustments that are easy to implement can often have the greatest impact. Cats’ sensitive whiskers are a common cause of them avoiding water bowls.
A cat’s whiskers can feel uncomfortable if they brush up against the sides of a bowl.
Choose a water bowl with plenty of room for your pet to drink comfortably. Your cat’s face shouldn’t have to be submerged in the water, so fill the bowl accordingly.
Water bowls placed at a higher level will also facilitate drinking for cats with flatter faces.
Use Running Fountain
Many felines favor drinking from moving water. The sound of running water can entice cats to drink it, while still water may be perceived as contaminated.
You need not spend a fortune to encourage your cat to drink more water, as there are many inexpensive options available.
Final Thoughts
Our cats are very spoiled, and we enjoy feeding them. It’s a great way to spend time together, and we enjoy spoiling them. But you’re concerned about whether or not the food we’re giving them is safe and nutritious.
Sodium and other ingredients in most human soups are harmful to cats. Only give your cat foods that are safe for them.
