Yes, cats can safely eat plain, cooked potatoes as an occasional treat. Ensure the potatoes are peeled, roasted (or boiled), and served without any added fats, spices, or salt.
When it comes to our feline friends' diet, cat owners often wonder which human foods are safe and beneficial for their pets. Potatoes, a common kitchen staple, might catch the interest of a curious cat.
So, can cats eat potatoes? Yes, but with several important caveats. Potatoes must be cooked thoroughly to be safe, as raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxin harmful to cats. However, while potatoes aren't toxic to cats once cooked, they offer little nutritional value and should only be given occasionally and in small quantities. Let's take a closer look.
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Are Potatoes Good for Cats?
Potatoes are not toxic to cats if cooked properly. However, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to cats, so it's crucial to ensure any potatoes fed to your cat are thoroughly cooked, with the skins removed to minimise risk.
Nutritional benefits:
- Vitamin supply: cooked potatoes provide vitamins such as C and B6, though these aren't as crucial for cats, who naturally derive necessary nutrients from animal-based sources.
- Mineral content: potatoes contain minerals like potassium, which can support overall health but aren't a necessary part of a cat's diet.
Potential risks:
- Solanine toxicity: raw potatoes contain solanine, which can be very harmful to cats. Cooking reduces it significantly, but this highlights the importance of proper preparation.
- High carbohydrates: potatoes are high in carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain and diabetes in cats, especially with regular consumption.
- Digestive issues: cats are carnivores, and their digestive systems aren't designed to process high amounts of carbohydrates effectively — feeding potatoes, particularly in mashed form, can lead to digestive discomfort fairly quickly.
- Nutritional imbalance: regular potato consumption can disrupt the nutrient balance in a cat's diet, which should be primarily proteins and fats suitable for a carnivore.
Given all this, while small amounts of cooked, unseasoned potato can be safe for cats, they don't provide significant nutritional benefit and carry risks that make them less ideal as a treat. High-protein, low-carb foods that meet a cat's nutritional needs are the better focus.
If you want to give your cat the occasional piece of potato, here's how to do so safely:
- Cook thoroughly: never feed your cat raw potato — always cook it fully to eliminate solanine.
- No seasonings: cook without any added seasoning, butter, or salt, all of which can be harmful to cats.
- Small quantities: only offer small amounts — a few small bites is enough, and shouldn't replace a regular, balanced diet.
- Infrequent treats: potatoes shouldn't be a regular part of your cat's diet — treat as an occasional extra.
How Much Potato Should You Feed Your Cat?
| Cat weight | Indoor cat (amount of potato) | Outdoor cat (amount of potato) |
|---|---|---|
| 2kg | 1 small cube (1cm³) | 1 small cube (1cm³) |
| 4kg | 1–2 small cubes (1cm³ each) | 2 small cubes (1cm³ each) |
| 6kg | 2 small cubes (1cm³ each) | 2–3 small cubes (1cm³ each) |
| 8kg | 2–3 small cubes (1cm³ each) | 3 small cubes (1cm³ each) |
After feeding your cat potato for the first time, monitor them closely to make sure they aren't showing any signs of a food allergy or intolerance.
Can Your Cat Be Allergic to Potatoes?
It's not common for cats to be allergic to potatoes specifically — cats can develop food allergies, but typically to protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Potatoes, being a carbohydrate, are less likely to cause a reaction, though it's not impossible.
Food allergies in cats can show up as skin irritation or gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Allergies can develop at any age, and might appear even if a cat has eaten the same food for years without previous issues.
The best way to diagnose a food allergy is through an elimination diet — removing potentially allergenic foods, then gradually reintroducing them to pinpoint the allergen (Great Pet Care).
However, an elimination diet is time-consuming to manage and, more importantly, can be unpleasant for your cat. That's why we developed our cat food intolerance test — a fast, effective way to get peace of mind when introducing new foods. You can test your cat for intolerances to 300 cat food items and get results in a matter of days.
Alternatives to Potatoes
Given the limited nutritional benefit and the risks involved, you might consider safer, more suitable treats for your cat. Cooked meats like chicken or turkey are great alternatives, providing the protein cats need without the unnecessary carbohydrates.
In conclusion, while potatoes aren't toxic to cats once cooked, they offer minimal nutritional benefit and pose potential health risks if not prepared properly or fed in large quantities. It's best to keep potatoes as a rare treat and focus on a balanced diet tailored to a cat's carnivorous needs.
FAQs
Are sweet potatoes safe for cats to eat?
Sweet potatoes are considered safe for cats in small amounts, and can provide some nutritional benefit, though the same moderation principles apply as with regular potato.
Why are some potatoes harmful to cats?
Green potatoes in particular can contain higher levels of solanine, a toxic compound that's harmful to cats if ingested in large amounts.
What symptoms might indicate potato poisoning in cats?
If a cat ingests a toxic amount of solanine, they may show lethargy, weakness, and gastrointestinal upset. Contact your vet if you notice these signs after your cat eats potato.
To provide you with technically accurate, evidence-based information, content on the My Pet Sensitivity blog is reviewed by medical professionals with veterinary expertise.
Related reading: What Can Cats Eat? · Signs & Symptoms of Cat Food Intolerance and Allergies