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Can Cats Eat Pringles? What You Need to Know!

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Can Cats Eat pringles

While Pringles potato chips are crisp, thin, and make the perfect snack when you’re curled up on the couch watching Netflix, should you really share Pringles with your cat? The answer to whether cats can eat Pringles is no. Cats should not eat Pringles of any flavor or variety.

While your cat can eat a chip or two without it poisoning their system, there’s no nutritional value to Pringles at all, so what’s the point? Not only is there no nutritional value to giving Pringles to your cat, but the chips also contain salt, which in high doses can be toxic to your feline friend. So, while it may be tempting to share this towering stack of delicious treats with your cat, it’s best to avoid giving them to your cat for the reasons we’ll get into below.

hepper cat paw divider

Reasons Salt Is Bad for Cats

Salt is one of the most used seasonings in most people’s spice cabinets. However, just because humans love it doesn’t mean it’s the best seasoning to give your feline companion. In fact, the FDA includes salt in its list of edible dangers for pets, specifying that salt can poison your cat and your dog as well.

While we humans can tolerate quite a bit of salt, cats can’t. Of course, they need some sodium in their body, but too much of the good stuff can be lethal to your furry friend.

person petting a sick cat
Image Credit: Alexander Andrews, Unsplash

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Salt Poisoning?

If you’re worried that your cat has gotten into too much salt and been poisoned, there are a few signs and symptoms to watch for. We’ll list those symptoms below.

  • A loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Unable to walk properly
  • Confusion
  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive urination
Cat vomiting
Photo Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

If you notice any of these symptoms in your feline after he’s eaten something with salt in it, contact your vet right away. Salt poisoning can lead to serious issues and even death.

Severe Symptoms

There are also severe symptoms of salt poisoning to watch for as well.

  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Tremors

If your cat isn’t treated for the electrolyte imbalance too much salt causes, it can end in death, so get your cat to a vet for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

So, regardless of the variety of flavors and the fantastic salty taste, Pringles should be kept away from your cat. In addition, some flavors, including pizza, sour cream, and onion, have milk in them, something that can also be toxic to cats. On top of that, onion and garlic are not healthy for cats as well, so it’s best to just avoid them altogether.

domestic cat lying on its back
Photo Credit: mrs. pandora, Pixabay

Is It Okay to Feed Cats Potato Chips?

Whether it’s Pringles or another brand, potato chips really shouldn’t be fed to your cat. It’s just best to keep the chips away from your cat completely, whether the chips are Pringles or some other brand.

Why Do Cats Like Potato Chips?

Whether it’s Pringles, Lays, Ruffles, or a generic potato chip, you’ve probably caught your cat trying to take a chip out of the bag or off your plate. The truth is that cats like potato chips because they enjoy licking the salt off of them. All mammals need a certain level of salt in their system, and cats are no different.

It’s when the cat ends up getting too much salt that a problem presents itself.

What Foods Should Be Included in Your Cat’s Diet?

Now that you know Pringles and other potato chips shouldn’t be included in your cat’s diet, you might be wondering what should be.

Well, you already know that cats are carnivores, so a protein-based diet is essential. Of course, a kitten needs only mother’s milk until they’re weaned. Once they are weaned, an adult cat needs a diet of 20% protein and 17% fat to be healthy and happy.

Also, though you may be a vegan or vegetarian, it’s not a good diet to put your cat on because they are carnivores and need meat to survive. A good mix of high-quality dry cat food and wet cat food will ensure that your cat is healthy for many years to come.

If you’re unsure about what food to feed your cat or the best diet for him, it’s best to contact your vet for an appointment. He can examine your pet and tell you what the best food and diet is for him.

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.

Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
  • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
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hepper cat paw divider

Final Thoughts

So, in answer to the question of can cats eat Pringles, the quick answer is yes. The longer answer is no because there are things in Pringles that can hurt your cat. So, if your cat eats a couple of Pringles, there’s no cause for concern. But, if he eats an entire can or more than a couple, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet just to be on the safe side.

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