Can Cats Eat Hash Browns? (No & What about McDonald’s?)
You may seen those advertise on television where the family is sitting around the breakfast table, eating a delicious stack of hash browns. And as you watch, you may wonder to yourself, can cats eat hash browns?
The answer is no, cats should not eat hash browns even it is from McDonald’s. Because hash browns are fried in oil and contain other ingredients that are harmful to cats, such as onions and garlic. So, if you’re looking for a way to share your morning breakfast with your feline friend, hash browns are not the way to go.
In this blog post I’ll be discussing why hash browns are bad for cats, what ingredients in hash browns are harmful to them, and what if your cat ate a hash brown. Let’s get started!
A Little Knowledge about Hash Browns & Its Origin
Before I start, let’s take a little detour and learn about hash browns. Hash browns are a breakfast dish that consists of chopped or shredded potatoes that are fried in oil. They are often served with eggs, bacon, and toast.
Hash browns were first created in the early 1900s in the United States. The dish gained popularity in the 1950s, when restaurants began serving them as a breakfast side dish. Today, hash browns are a staple of American breakfast culture and can be found in diners and fast food restaurants across the country.
Despite their popularity, there is some debate about where hash browns actually come from. Some people claim that they were invented in New York City, while others say that they were created in California. No matter where they came from, one thing is for sure: hash browns are a delicious and popular breakfast food.
Why Cats should not Eat Hash Browns?
I think we can all agree that hash browns are delicious. But as tempting as it may be to share your breakfast with your cat, hash browns are not a good choice. Here’s why:
1. Hash browns are fried in oil
You may not think twice about eating fried food, but it’s not good for cats. When cats eat fried foods, they can suffer from pancreatitis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
2. Hash browns contain onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are both harmful to cats and can cause anemia. So, if you’re looking for a way to share your breakfast with your feline friend, hash browns are not the way to go.
3. Hash browns are high in carbs
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need to eat meat in order to survive. Their bodies are not designed to process carbohydrates, so feeding them carb-heavy foods like hash browns can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
4. Hash browns are salty
As a cat owner, you know that cats are attracted to salt. But what you may not know is that too much salt can be harmful to cats and can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
5. Hash browns are greasy
Do you like the feeling of greasy food sliding down your throat? I didn’t think so. Well, neither do cats. Eating greasy foods can cause gastrointestinal problems in cats, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Now What about Kittens?
I know just like me, you are probably wondering, can kittens eat hash browns? And the answer is still no.
Kittens can not eat hash browns because their bodies are not fully developed and they are more susceptible to the harmful effects of oil, onions, garlic, carbs, and salt.
Now lets see a video where kitten eating hash brown.
Here cat enjoying these delicious snacks not means you should also give it to your cat. As we saw earlier, hash browns are not good for cats and can cause health problems.
What Health Risks do Hash Browns Pose to Cats & Symptoms
Here I’ll go over a few of the health risks associated with feeding cats hash browns.
1. Pancreatitis (Due to fried foods)
Pancreatitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when cats eat fried foods. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, and dehydration. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet immediately.
2. Anemia (Due to onions and garlic)
Onions and garlic are both harmful to cats and can cause anemia. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and difficulty breathing. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet immediately.
3. Weight Gain (Due to high carbs)
Cats who eat carb-heavy foods like hash browns are at risk for weight gain and other health problems. Symptoms of weight gain include a rounded belly, increased appetite, and lethargy. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet.
4. Dehydration (Due to salt)
Too much salt is not good for cats and can cause dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, and weak pulse. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet immediately.
5. Gastrointestinal problems (Due to grease)
Eating greasy foods can cause gastrointestinal problems in cats, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms of gastrointestinal problems include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet immediately.
What if my Cat Already Ate Hash Browns?
I’m assuming as you scrolled down all the way long and reading this, it means your cat already ate hash browns. And now you’re freaking out thinking what should I do next?
First and foremost, don’t panic
I know it’s easier said than done but try to remain calm. The first thing you should do is take a look at the list of symptoms mentioned above and see if your cat is displaying any of them. If they are, then it is important to take them to the vet immediately.
Observe your cat closely
Yes you are in right path by just observing your cat closely. If your cat ate a small amount of hash browns, they will probably be fine and you won’t need to take them to the vet.
However, if your cat ate a large amount of hash browns, it is important to monitor them closely for any signs of illness and take them to the vet if they develop any symptoms.
Make sure they stay hydrated
Dehydration is one of the main risks associated with hash browns, so it’s important to make sure your cat stays hydrated. Offer them fresh water and make sure they have access to it at all times. You can also give them wet food to help increase their fluid intake.
Give them bland food
If your cat is showing signs of gastrointestinal distress, it is important to give them bland food. Bland food will help soothe their stomach and ease any diarrhea or vomiting. A simple diet of boiled chicken and rice is usually all that is needed.
Do not try to induce vomiting
A lot of people think that the best way to solve this problem is to make their cat vomit it up. But that is not the case, and in fact, it can actually make the situation worse. So, please do not try to make your cat vomit.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, hash browns are not good for cats. They are high in carbs and salt which can cause weight gain and dehydration. They also contain oil and onions which can cause gastrointestinal problems.
If your cat has eaten hash browns, it is important to monitor them closely for any signs of illness and take them to the vet if they develop any symptoms.
