Potatoes are a common staple in many households, but as a pet owner, you might wonder, Can cats eat potatoes? The simple answer is that while cats can eat small amounts of cooked potatoes, they shouldn't. Cats are carnivores with specific dietary needs that potatoes don't meet. While cooked potatoes aren't immediately harmful, they offer no real benefits to your cat and could cause problems if fed regularly.
In this AnimalWised article, we’ll explore whether potatoes are safe for cats, discuss their nutritional value, potential dangers, the risks of raw potatoes, what happens when cats eat them, and what to do if your cat gets into the potato bin.
Can cats eat potatoes?
While cats can eat small amounts of cooked potatoes safely, they shouldn't. You might have spotted your cat eyeing your mashed potatoes or even trying to sneak a bite of a french fry, but there's a lot to consider before sharing this common food with your pet.
The reason cats shouldn't eat potatoes comes down to basic biology. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are built differently from ours. Your cat's entire digestive system, from teeth to intestines, is designed to process meat. They create energy by breaking down proteins, not carbohydrates like we do. This isn't just a dietary preference, it's how their metabolism works at its most fundamental level.
The feline digestive system has limited capacity for processing starches, though certain forms may be more digestible than others. In fact, cats and carbohydrates have a complex relationship because, while not immediately harmful, carbohydrates aren't essential to feline nutrition.
You might notice potato ingredients in commercial cat food and wonder what that's about. Usually listed as potato starch or potato protein, these ingredients mainly serve as binders to hold the food together or as cost-effective fillers. They're not there for nutrition, and quality cat foods typically minimize these ingredients in favor of meat proteins.
Ready to become an expert in feeding your cat? Our complete guide to feline nutrition will show you exactly what your cat needs to thrive.
Are potatoes safe for cats?
As mentioned, potatoes aren't good for cats in any form, but raw potatoes are particularly dangerous. Raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that's toxic to cats. This poison shows up most concentrated in green parts, sprouts, and just under the skin. If your cat eats raw potato, you'll need to call your vet right away. The symptoms of solanine poisoning can be severe: your cat might show signs of gastrointestinal upset, become very drowsy or weak, and in serious cases, develop heart problems.
Can cats eat cooked potatoes?
Now, cooking does break down solanine and makes potatoes non-toxic, but this doesn't mean they become good for cats. The problem lies in how cats process different nutrients. Their bodies produce very little amylase, the enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. When a cat eats potatoes, their digestive system struggles to process these complex carbs. This can lead to bloating, gas, and irregular stools. More concerning is that filling up on potatoes means your cat isn't eating the meat-based foods they actually need.
Can cats eat mashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes pose specific problems for cats. While plain, cooked potato isn't immediately harmful, mashed potatoes come with added ingredients that can cause real issues. The butter, milk, salt, and seasonings in typical mashed potato recipes spell trouble for your cat's digestive system.
Dairy products in mashed potatoes are a big concern. Most cats are lactose intolerant, so the milk and butter can cause diarrhea or vomiting. The added fats might trigger pancreatitis - a painful inflammation of the pancreas that often needs veterinary care.
On the other hand, most seasonings we love such as garlic and onion powder are toxic to cats, and even plain salt can be too much for their systems.
If your cat snags a small bite of plain mashed potatoes, don't panic. But don't make it a habit, and definitely keep seasoned mashed potatoes away from your pet.
What are the benefits of potatoes for cats?
As mentioned before, potatoes offer almost no benefits for cats. Their bodies aren't designed to extract nutrients from plant matter, and potatoes don't contain any nutrients cats can't get better from meat sources.
The only time potatoes might serve a purpose is in specific medical situations, such as:
- Plain, cooked potato can help firm up loose stools temporarily.
- Some vets use it as part of a brief bland diet for upset stomachs.
- It can work as a short-term vehicle for medications.
But these are medical uses, not nutritional benefits, and should only happen under veterinary guidance.
Instead of sharing potatoes with your cat, focus on foods that match their carnivorous nature. High-quality commercial cat food provides complete nutrition, but if you want to give treats, consider small pieces of cooked chicken or specially made cat treats. These options satisfy your cat's natural dietary needs while still letting you share bonding moments through food.
How to safely serve potatoes to your cat
If your vet has recommended potatoes for a specific reason, here's how to prepare them safely:
Peel the potato completely because the skin has higher toxin levels
- Cut away any green parts or sprouts.
- Cook thoroughly by boiling in plain water.
- Mash or cut into very small pieces.
- Serve plain, without butter, salt, or seasonings.
- Give only the amount your vet recommends.
Remember, this isn't meant to be a regular treat or meal component. It's for specific situations only, usually temporary.
Smart cat owners know their homes can hide risks. Learn to spot and prevent access to common toxins in our other article.
Contraindications of potatoes in cats
Several situations make potatoes particularly risky for cats. Never feed potatoes to cats with:
- Diabetes: potatoes can cause dangerous blood sugar spikes. Even small amounts of potato can interfere with diabetic management and insulin dosing.
- Obesity: overweight cats need protein-rich, low-carb foods. Potatoes add unnecessary carbohydrates that make weight management harder.
- Kidney disease: these cats need carefully controlled mineral levels. Potatoes can throw off their delicate nutritional balance.
- Food allergies: some cats develop allergies to potatoes, showing up as skin problems or digestive issues. If your cat has any food sensitivities, avoid potatoes completely.
- Digestive problems: cats with IBD, sensitive stomachs, or other digestive issues often react badly to potatoes. The complex carbohydrates can worsen their symptoms.
- Pancreatitis: the fats often served with potatoes can trigger this painful condition. Even plain potatoes might stress an already sensitive system.
- Senior cats: older cats need highly digestible proteins. Potatoes take up space in their diet without providing needed nutrients.
- Growing kittens: young cats need dense nutrition for proper development. Potatoes fill their small stomachs without providing essential nutrients.
The bottom line is that cats with any health issues should stick to a meat-based diet appropriate for their condition. Even healthy cats have no need for potatoes in their diet.
Side effects of potatoes for cats:
Looking at long-term effects, regularly feeding potatoes to cats can lead to several health issues. Weight gain often comes first, as cats fill up on carbs instead of protein.
The starch in potatoes can ferment in their gut, leading to gas, bloating, and discomfort. Even if your cat seems fine after eating potatoes, their digestive system is working harder than it should.
Over time, this improper nutrition might show up as a dull coat, reduced energy, or more serious health problems. Cats eating too many carbohydrates face increased risks of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
What happens if my cat eats a raw potato?
If your cat eats raw potato, you need to act quickly, this is a true emergency situation.
As mentioned before, raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause serious problems for your cat. The solanine starts affecting their system within a few hours. Your cat might start drooling more than usual or showing signs of stomach pain. They could become lethargic or start vomiting.
As time passes without treatment, the situation can become more serious. Your cat might develop:
- Severe stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Problems with coordination
- Heart rhythm issues
- Breathing difficulties
The green parts of potatoes, sprouts, and skin contain the highest levels of solanine. If your cat has eaten any of these parts, the risk is even higher.
The first thing you should do is contact your vet immediately, don't wait to see if symptoms develop. Also:
- Try to figure out how much potato they ate.
- Note when they ate it.
- Keep an eye on their behavior while getting veterinary help.
- Don't try to make them vomit unless your vet specifically tells you to.
If it's after hours, call an emergency vet clinic. Raw potato poisoning isn't something to wait out until morning.
The good news is that most cats recover from raw potato exposure if they get prompt treatment. The key is acting quickly - don't wait for serious symptoms to develop before getting help. Even if your cat seems fine right after eating raw potato, the toxins take time to cause problems. Better to get checked out and be safe.
Prevention is the best approach. Keep raw potatoes in closed cabinets or high shelves where curious cats can't reach them. Clean up potato peels and trimmings right away when cooking. Don't leave raw potatoes on counters.
Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. Learn how to recognize and respond to poisoning in our detailed safety guide.
If you want to read similar articles to Can Cats Eat Potatoes?, we recommend you visit our Homemade diets category.
- Escalona, C. Augusto, Y. Martinez. Veterinary Toxicology. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yordan-Martinez/publication/318323199_Toxicologia_Veterinaria/links/5b19589245851587f29886ab/Toxicologia-Veterinaria.pdf