Spam is among the most iconic and indispensable foods in the United States. All of us are well-versed in the versatility and convenience of this canned meat. It may not be very healthy, but when prepared properly, it tastes great.
People often wonder if Spam is something they can feed their cat as a treat, despite the fact that it isn’t the healthiest option.
It seems like a natural fit; after all, cats are carnivores and the food is meat. While Spam isn’t harmful to cats, it’s still not a good idea to feed it to them.
Can Cats Eat Spam?
There is no need for alarm if you discover that your cat has sneaked a few bites of SPAM when you weren’t looking. Small amounts of SPAM, which is made from pork, are safe for your cat to eat. You need not worry about SPAM making your cat ill.
Since SPAM contains so much pork, you might even consider feeding it to your cat. Many people believe SPAM is an acceptable substitute for regular cat food because it contains pork and protein, two essential nutrients for cats.
Although SPAM is not chemically toxic to cats, you still shouldn’t give it to them.
SPAM is high in fat and sodium because it is a processed food. Obesity is just one of many health problems caused by excessive fat and sodium in cats and other animals.
Leads to Obesity
Cats tend to be overweight. Many indoor cats already have weight problems, so avoiding foods that will make that worse is important.
Regularly feeding your cat SPAM will cause rapid weight gain due to SPAM’s high fat content.
Contains 20x More Sodium Than Cats Should Eat In 1 Day
SPAM is not only high in sodium but also contributes to weight gain. Sodium is an essential electrolyte for your cat, but too much of it can be harmful. Excess sodium is a leading cause of modern feline illness.
Salt poisoning, dehydration, fluid loss, acute illness like diarrhea, and chronic disease like kidney disease are typical results of consuming too much sodium.
Do not feed your cat foods that are high in sodium because doing so can cause serious complications. The sodium content of SPAM, for example, is nearly twenty times higher than what a cat’s daily sodium intake should be.
What Is Spam?
Hormel introduced Spam in 1937 to increase demand for pork shoulder, which was then a relatively unpopular cut of meat.
Though many assume it’s an abbreviation for “spiced ham,” the origin of the name “Spam” is a mystery known only to Hormel.
During World War II, when fresh meat was in short supply, the military turned to Spam as a substitute.
Its rising popularity and low cost caused it to rapidly become a staple in people’s diets all over the world, not just in the United States.
How is Spam constructed? There are only six basic ingredients in a can of classic Spam: pork, ham, potato starch, salt, sugar, water, and sodium nitrate.
The nutritional value of Spam is, unsurprisingly, low. Spam has 180 calories and 16 grams of fat per 2 ounce serving. It also contains a lot of sodium; one serving has 34% of the recommended daily allowance.
SPAM Nutrients
Facts About Nutrition:
- 174 calories
- 7 g of protein.
- 2 grams of carbs
- 15 gram(s) of fat
SPAM is a combination of canned pork and ham. The fact that this canned meat is delicious, satisfying, and inexpensive makes it a great choice for many households.
It contains a sufficient amount of protein and micronutrients like potassium, iron, and zinc due to its ingredients.
However, SPAM is cheap because of its high level of processing. Because of the processing involved, it has a lot of added sugar, salt, and fat. This product’s lackluster protein and micronutrient content pales in comparison to its excessive carbohydrates, fat, and sodium.
What Happens If My Cat Eats SPAM?
Don’t freak out if you’re making your favorite lunch and your cat eats a bite or the whole can of SPAM while you weren’t looking. Your cat can safely eat SPAM once without any negative effects on their health or wellbeing.
SPAM’s savory and salty flavor makes it a great treat for your cat. You can consult your vet for advice if you’re concerned your cat has eaten too much SPAM at once. Your cat probably won’t have any bad reactions.
Your cat’s health may suffer if it is fed SPAM on a regular basis, but only for a very long time.
The long-term effects of, say, giving your cat SPAM every night for dinner, are severe.
Stop feeding your cat SPAM immediately if you have been doing so regularly. To further ensure your cat’s health, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian. Pay attention to the advice your vet gives you about your cat’s health.
When Is Spam Okay For Cats To Eat?
Since pork is one of Spam’s main ingredients, it stands to reason that this processed meat might be suitable for a cat’s diet, given that felines are known to be strict carnivores.
Well, the truth is a bit more nuanced than that.
Small amounts of Spam are not toxic or poisonous for cats, so you can relax if your feline friend sneaks a nibble. Your cat needs a high-protein diet, and spam can help provide that.
Make sure your cat doesn’t eat too much Spam, or any other human food.
When Is Spam Bad For Cats?
While Spam is made from pork, it’s not something you should feed your cat on a regular basis because of how high in sodium and fat it is.
Both of these are terrible choices for a cat’s daily diet. Eating too much Spam could lead to feline obesity due to its high fat content.
Spam contains about 20 times the amount of sodium that a cat should consume in a day, and it only takes a sixth of a can to do so.
You shouldn’t freak out if you find your cat sneaking a snack of Spam, but you also shouldn’t expect it to improve the feline’s health.
What to Feed Your Cat Instead
Cats, being true carnivores, need a diet rich in animal protein. Due to their widespread availability in modern households, numerous brands of commercial cat food can be found in any supermarket.
However, not all store-bought kibble is healthy for cats. Finding high-quality cat foods that are good for your cat’s health and keep them feeling full and satisfied is essential.
Your vet should be consulted for advice. They might also have suggestions for special cat food for felines with allergies or health problems.
Cat Food by Age
Cats of different ages require different diets, and age is a major factor in deciding what to feed them. Your cat’s dietary requirements and medical conditions may change as they age.
Choose a premium kitten food that is nutritionally sound. These meals will be planned around fostering a robust urinary system and normal development.
Meat with bones or raw meat should not be given to kittens under the age of 20 weeks.
As they get older, adult cats require less food. Choose a reputable brand of cat food. You can feed your cat anything from freshly cooked meat to commercial cat food. If you want to know what’s best for your cat, consult your vet.
Due to age-related health problems, senior cats require a helping hand when it comes to feeding time. If your senior cat is experiencing health problems, it is important to discuss a specific diet with your veterinarian. An additional benefit of a wet diet for senior cats is the increase in fluid intake.
Do not give your cat, of any age, fish on a daily basis. Fish is fine on occasion, but if your cat eats too much of it, it could be harmful to their health. Similarly, cooked bones pose a choking risk and should not be given to cats.
Spam Alternatives for Your Cat
Your cat may be trying to get its paws on Spam because it tastes good, but there are probably better meat alternatives out there.
Treats designed for cats, rather than humans, are the safest option. These Blue Wilderness treats are soft and meaty, so they’re like Spam in texture.
Low-sodium, unflavored ham is a good option for when you want to give your pet some real meat.
Your pet will likely be satisfied with some plain, unseasoned cooked turkey or chicken.
What Other People Foods Should I Avoid Giving My Cat?
In addition to the foods already mentioned, there are many others that should not be given to your cat because they are either unhealthy or poisonous. Examples of such foods are:
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated beverages
- Milk
- Bread
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Nightshades
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Onion
- Raw eggs
- Yummy treats
- Alcohol
Conclusion
Even though cats can safely consume Spam, doing so is not recommended for their health.
Overfeeding your cat Spam can cause weight gain, pancreatitis, diabetes, hypertension, and other health problems due to the high sodium and fat content of the meat.
Don’t freak out if they sneak a bite here and there, but don’t give them Spam on purpose, either.
Instead, you should feed your cat kitty-friendly treats, cooked chicken, turkey, or even unflavored low-sodium ham on occasion.
Additionally, there are many other human foods that can be harmful to or even fatal for your pet.
It’s best to avoid feeding them anything prepared for humans, but if you must, make sure it’s completely safe before serving it to them.