Some cat owners get in the habit of feeding their cats human food. Many cats enjoy things like whipped cream, Cool Whip, and mayonnaise. Cats happily lap these foods up, and many people feel like they are creating a bond with their feline when they feed them in this manner. But is it good to feed your cat human food? Should cats eat mayonnaise? Is mayo toxic to cats? Mayonnaise is not toxic to cats, but they shouldn’t eat it.Â
This quick guide will cover everything you need to know about whether your cat can eat mayonnaise, including the main ingredients, the toxicity of mayonnaise, and the side effects of eating mayonnaise.
Can Cats Eat Mayonnaise?
Cats can technically eat mayonnaise, but they shouldn’t. Mayonnaise is high in fats and cholesterol that cats do not need in their diet. Cats can take a few licks of mayonnaise, but you shouldn’t make a habit of letting them eat it. Cats have a nasty habit of getting hooked on foods that are bad for them, and if you let them eat mayonnaise, they might start bothering you for more or seeking it out themselves. If you find your cat eating some mayonnaise, there is no need to panic but try not to make it a regular occurrence and monitor them for any adverse effects.
Mayonnaise Ingredients
Mayonnaise is made of three simple ingredients, some sort of oil, egg yolk, and acid. The oil is usually made of safflower, canola, grapeseed, or peanut oil. Mayonnaise is considered an emulsion which is a mixture of different liquids. All of the ingredients in mayonnaise are liquids. None of the usual ingredients in mayonnaise are toxic to cats, but mayonnaise is filled with things that cats do not need in their diets, and can be detrimental to their health.
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts (14 g serving)
Is Mayonnaise Toxic to Cats?
No. Mayonnaise is not toxic to cats. Cats that eat mayonnaise are not at risk of dying. They can suffer from adverse side effects if they eat too much. You should keep an eye on your cat if you catch them eating mayonnaise to make sure that they do not get sick.
Side Effects of Cats Eating Too Much Mayo
The biggest side effect of eating too much mayonnaise is gastrointestinal issues. Cats can get nauseous and even vomit. They also might start salivating or show a decreased appetite and may develop diarrhea.
Eating fatty foods and excess calories can also contribute to feline obesity. Many cats are obese. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 60% of American household cats are obese. Eating human foods like mayonnaise contributes to this problem. Cats do not need all of that extra fat and calories in their diets. Obese cats are more likely to have joint problems, mobility issues, lack of energy, and a decreased lifespan.
Stick to Cat Food
When it comes to feeding your cat, you should stick to food made for cats. Feed them properly formulated cat food and cat treats. Do not resort to feeding your cat table scraps or letting them lick your plates that contain things like mayonnaise. Cats will do much better when they eat food that is specifically made for them. A well-balanced diet made for cats is the best way to keep your cat at a healthy weight and avoid the pitfalls of obesity and stomach issues.
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Conclusion
Cats can eat mayonnaise, but they shouldn’t. Mayonnaise is not toxic to cats, but it is filled with calories and fat that your cat does not need. If you let your cat lick a small amount of mayonnaise once or twice, it probably won’t harm them, but you should not make it a regular occurrence. Your cat will be much happier and healthier if they avoid human food like mayonnaise.
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Featured Image Credit: Tutatamafilm, Shutterstock
