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Can Cats Eat Truffles? Health & Safety Guide

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Can Cat Eat truffles

There are two types of truffles: the more common mushroom variety and the chocolate kind. While the mushroom truffle is safe enough in moderation, it’s important not to slip up and give them chocolate truffles.

Chocolate and mushroom truffles are very different despite having similar names. To help you keep your cat safe, here is everything you need to know about cats and both kinds of truffles.

hepper cat paw divider

 

Can Cats Eat Mushroom Truffles?

As a mushroom, the truffle is a favorite of pigs and dogs and a delicacy for humans. It’s one of the many safe wild mushrooms, along with chanterelles.

Cats are carnivores and, unlike dogs, can’t digest much plant matter in their diets. It’s why vegetarian diets never work well for our feline friends. However, they can eat some plant matter like small pieces of fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms. Since their primary source of protein should come from animals, it’s important not to let any of these non-animal foods become a significant part of your cat’s diet.

Truffles are non-poisonous mushrooms and are one of the few mushrooms you can give your cat. They don’t have many health benefits besides providing a meaty textured snack instead of your usual cat treats.

Your picky feline might not want to eat them in the first place, but if they’re the sort to eat anything, a small bite once in a while won’t hurt them. Don’t feed your cat too many mushrooms, whether they’re truffles or not. Your carnivorous cat will struggle to digest the tasty treats.

shredded mushroom truffles
Image Credit: Jumpstory

What are the Risks for Cats Eating Mushrooms?

While truffles are safe for your cat in moderation, most mushrooms aren’t safe for your cat. The mushrooms you buy from a store are generally safe—in moderation where your cat is concerned—but the primary concerns are the mushrooms you find in your yard or during woodland walks.

With so many hazardous mushrooms known to cause various health issues or death, it’s always safer to avoid wild mushrooms if you’re not absolutely sure you’ve got the right one. That goes for your cat, too; they’ll suffer from the same health risks you will if they eat a poisonous mushroom.

What Mushrooms Are Toxic to Cats?

To play it safe, it’s always best to avoid giving your cat mushrooms you wouldn’t eat yourself. Feeding your cat mushrooms has no real benefit, but if you really want to, stick with the store-bought variety. Wild mushrooms are particularly dangerous, especially the following:

  • Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)
  • Angel of Death (Amanita ocreata)
  • False Parasol (Lepiota)
  • Galerina
  • Conocybe
  • Gymnopilus
  • Psilocybe
  • Panaeolus
  • Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina)
  • Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)
  • Inocybe
  • Clitocybe

This list isn’t all-inclusive, and there are a lot more mushrooms you should be wary about. Play it safe, and consider all mushrooms dangerous if you’re not sure. Your cat will thank you for it.

box filled with mushroom truffles
Image Credit: Jumpstory

What Are the Symptoms of Mushroom Toxicity?

Cats are less likely to spend hours shuffling around the yard in search of something interesting to chew on as dogs will, but if they stumble across a mushroom, they might take a bite out of curiosity.

If you’re worried your cat has been nibbling on the wild mushrooms in your yard, here’s a list of symptoms to look out for. Many of these signs are the same for dogs, so pay attention to both of your furry friends.

Other underlying health issues can also cause some of these signs. Either way, it’s a good idea to go to your veterinarian. Remember to take a sample of the mushroom you suspect your cat has eaten, just in case.

Can Cats Eat Chocolate Truffles?

We all like to splurge a little for celebrations, holidays, and a treat now and then. Unfortunately for your cat, chocolate is hazardous for them to consume. We all know dogs can’t eat chocolate, but many people don’t realize this also extends to cats. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are harmful to all felines.

For your cat, eating your delectable chocolate truffles can cause arrhythmia, tremors, and seizures.

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...
  • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...

hepper cat paw divider

Final Thoughts

Both mushroom truffles and chocolate truffles vary in toxicity for your cat. While the latter should be kept away from your inquisitive feline due to the chocolate and caffeine content, your cat can eat mushrooms. They might not want to, but a piece of your mushroom truffle won’t hurt them.

If you’re unsure about feeding your cat truffles, stick to cat food and treats instead. This will keep your cat’s diet healthy and balanced without risking a life-threatening reaction to mushrooms.


Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory

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