Humans can’t help but want to share their grub with their furry friends, but is it safe for you to do so? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at a popular condiment for sandwiches to answer the question “can cats eat mayo?”
So, can cats eat mayonnaise?
It’s okay, but not great. If your cat eats a little mayonnaise it won’t kill them. Mayo is mostly made of eggs and vegetable oil, which is not toxic to cats. However, there is another issue for this food that you may want to be aware of..
What’s wrong with feeding my cat a little mayonnaise?
While it likely won’t kill them to have a bit of mayo once in a while, a cat’s digestive system is different than a human’s!
Cats are not used to eating fats and oils like what’s found in mayo like we are.
So, if you do give your cat mayonnaise, do so with caution. It’s likely that they will experience stomach upset which could either give them diarrhea, or force them to throw up.
Fatty foods also contain a lot of calories, and even if your cat can digest it, this may be too much for them. Cats have much smaller bodies than us and eating food that is too rich can quickly make them fat.
Can Cats Eat Mayonnaise With Tuna?
Again, while it’s not harmful, they could experience diarrhea. However, if your cat is frequently constipated, adding a bit of mayo to some fish once in a while might actually help them to relieve their bowel dysfunction.
Just be mindful of how much you give to them, because loading them up with too much fat could deliver the opposite effect!
Watch for other ingredients though!
The ingredients of mayo can vary by variety and brand. While eggs and oil aren’t harmful to cats, if the mayo you’ve purchased contains garlic or onions, those items are toxic to felines. So, be careful.
What should I give my cat instead of mayo?
If you’re looking to give your cat a healthier snack, then opt for something that’s made just for them. Our cat loves these Applaws fish flavors. They’re limited in ingredients, and they give that fish taste cats crave!
However, if you’re looking for a solution for a constipated kitty, then increasing their water intake is a good bet. Try getting them a ‘cat fountain’. These provide constant, fresh running water which is more appealing to cats and encourages them to drink more.
Switching to a fresh food that has more moisture can also be helpful, or you can try adding some fish oil or broth to their existing dry food to help them with digestion and hydration.
PS. We’ve also done a few other articles about what cats can and can’t eat, like this one on chicken nuggets, and this one on hot dogs!
