For some Americans, ham is a festive must-have, while for others, cured pig is an everyday mealtime staple. Although you might assume that ham would be okay for meat-eating cats, this isn’t always the case. Even though cats can eat ham, depending on how it’s prepared, ham might be harmful to cats.
Can Cats Eat Ham?
Although ham is not poisonous to cats, they shouldn’t eat it either. According to the Association of American Feline Practitioners, cats are obligate carnivores and require protein for a happy, healthy life. which might include meats made of pork, like ham, correct?
A healthy cat shouldn’t have any issues with a tiny piece or two of ham, according to Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, a veterinarian toxicologist who works with Pet Poison Helpline.
According to Schmid, one method for persuading a wary cat to take medication is to give it a taste of ham. Ham, however, is not a necessary component of a cat’s diet. It may be seasoned or cooked with substances that will irritate a cat’s digestive system. It is heavy in fat and salt. Cats should not consume ingredients like onions, garlic, and some others.
Is Ham Bad for Cats?
Typically, veterinarians suggest that a cat’s daily calorie consumption from human food and other treats should not exceed 10% of the feline’s typical, balanced diet. That is not a lot. According to calculations made by Banfield Pet Hospital, one slice of deli ham has 46 calories, which is 20% of a typical cat’s daily calorie need.
According to Schmid, taking too much can cause problems: “Larger doses, especially daily, can cause a danger for gastrointestinal discomfort and pancreatitis.”
In the event that your cat steals some ham off the Thanksgiving or Christmas table without your knowledge or consent, keep an eye out for these symptoms and consult your veterinarian if your cat doesn’t recover soon.
- Lethargy/sluggishness
- Inappetence (not eating)
- Hiding
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Schmid urges owners of senior cats to avoid ham since it contains a lot of salt, which can be problematic for animals that already have heart disease or other chronic ailments.
Why Cats Can’t Eat Ham Bones
According to Schmid, cat owners should refrain from giving their cats bones since they pose a choking risk. While wild cats consume bones as part of their prey, there are alternative, safer ways for your indoor cat to receive nutrition.
Any actual bone has the potential to splinter, which could harm a cat’s esophagus, stomach, or digestive tract. “Ham bones can splinter more easily than other bones, such as chicken bones, because they are often more brittle. This is more of an issue for cooked ham bones.”
Do Cats Like Ham?
Most cats love ham because it’s a meat. If you give your cat some chopped up ham, they’ll most likely eat it. However, for some of the reason stated above, you shouldn’t give your cat too much ham.
