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Can Cats Eat Deli Meat (Lunch Meat)? Nutritional Facts & Safety Guide
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Deli meat is a tasty part of daily lunches for many people. We also know that cats enjoy meat, so you may have wondered if you can share the deli meat from your lunch sandwich with your cat. It’s important to consider the benefits and risks associated with giving your cat deli meat before you try it.
With that said, we recommend you avoid feeding deli meat (lunch meat) to your cat. Here’s what you need to know about feeding deli meat to cats, and why it's best to avoid it.
Can Cats Eat Deli Meat?
Deli meat is not ideal for cats for a few reasons. In very small quantities, most lean deli meats can be safe for your cat to consume, but it’s best to avoid feeding it to your cat regularly.
Deli meat contains high levels of sodium for preservation purposes. Even in humans, this isn’t ideal, but for cats, high amounts of sodium can be dangerous. Cats are much smaller than humans, so the sodium in a piece of deli meat would negatively impact a cat more than it would a human.
Most deli meat also contains sodium nitrate, which is a preservative. Some studies in humans have indicated that sodium nitrate consumption may damage blood vessels by leading to atherosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Although this condition is very rare in cats, it’s possible that this preservative can have a similar impact on a cat’s cardiovascular system.
Seasonings like onion and garlic may also be added to deli meat, both of which are toxic to cats. Some meats have seasonings listed as “seasonings” or “flavors”, which makes it nearly impossible to know what you’re really giving your cat sometimes.
Are There Better Alternatives to Give to My Cat?
There are lots of great options you can offer to your cat as a treat that are safer and healthier alternatives to deli meat. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they love meat of almost any kind. You can offer your cat lean meats in small quantities as a treat. Chicken, turkey, and fish are great options that most people already have in their kitchen. Make sure to only offer meats that are cooked without oil, salt, and seasonings.
What are the Best Foods to Feed My Cat?
Commercial pet foods formulated to AAFCO standards are the best option for your cat. Commercial treats are also a great option because they are formulated with the nutritional needs of cats in mind. By feeding commercial cat food and treats, you can know that you are giving your cat something safe for them and nutritionally sound.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your cat’s veterinarian to discuss non-commercial food and treats you may offer to your cat. Your cat’s vet knows your cat’s medical needs and history, so they’ll be able to help guide you into making an informed decision that will support your cat’s highest level of health.
Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.
- NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and contain stray crumbs and drips. Protect your indoors and floors from wet and messy meals!
- WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy mealtime free from whisker fatigue!
- CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking hazard. Our cat feeding station materials are anti-chew for a 100% safe feeding frenzy!
In Conclusion
Deli meat is not an ideal food to offer to your cat. A tiny bite or two on occasion is unlikely to cause an issue, but there are many options that are far better for your cat than deli meat. Deli meat is packed full of sodium and sodium nitrate, both of which can stress the cardiovascular system. It can also contain seasonings and flavorings that could be toxic to your cat, like onions and garlic. Sometimes, you may not even know your deli meat contains these seasonings, so it’s best to avoid it altogether to keep your cat safe.
If you’re interested in feeding meat to your cat, stick to non-processed, fresh foods that are plain and cooked without oil and other additives. Avoid giving your cat meat that has been seasoned. Lean meats, like chicken and fish, are the best options to offer to your feline friend. When in doubt, talk to your cat’s veterinarian before offering them something. They are a fantastic resource to ensure you are giving your cat the best foods to keep them happy and healthy.
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After nine years as a veterinary assistant, Brooke Billingsley transitioned to a career as a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend, sharing their home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. A dedicated animal lover, Brooke has a special place in her heart for special needs pets, including a three-legged senior dog and a famous cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. Fish keeping is one of her hobbies, and she is constantly improving her knowledge to care for her aquarium pets. Brooke is an active yoga enthusiast, having obtained her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. She believes in the importance of continuous learning and dedicates time each day to developing new skills and expanding her knowledge.
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