Why only in moderation for cats
Cooked potato is not toxic to cats, but it does them little good either. Cats are carnivores with no need for starch, so potato is fine only as a small piece now and then.
Raw potatoes, especially green ones, as well as the sprouts and leaves, contain solanine. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness, and a larger amount also affects the nervous system. Cooking does not fully remove solanine, so do not give a green potato even when cooked. Crisps, chips and mash with butter, milk or salt are too fatty and too salty for a cat.
How to give it
- Peel the potato and boil it with no salt.
- Do not give green or sprouting potatoes.
- Give only a small piece, with no butter, milk or seasoning.
- Give it only now and then, not as part of the meal.
What to watch out for
- Raw and green potatoes, their sprouts and leaves contain solanine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness.
- Starchy potato adds to weight gain if given all the time.
- Crisps, chips and mash with butter or salt are too fatty and too salty for a cat.
- If your cat ate raw or green potato and vomits or turns lethargic, contact a vet.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Raw potato
Not safeHard to digest and contains solanine, so never give it to a cat.
-
Green potato, sprouts and leaves
Not safeThese hold a lot of solanine, so never give them to a cat, even cooked.
-
Crisps and chips
Not safeToo fatty and too salty, so it is better not to give them to a cat.
What to give instead
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin without sugar or spices is harmless to cats and fine as a small treat. Safe
- Carrots Yes, plain cooked carrot is harmless to cats, but cats have no need for vegetables, so give it only as a small treat. Safe
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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