Can Cats Eat Hummus? (No & What if they already ate?)
My sister’s cat, Lulu, loves to eat anything and everything. However, my sister is very particular about what she lets her cat eat. So, when I asked her if cats could eat hummus, she looked at me like I was crazy.
“Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are poisonous to cats,” she said. “So, no, cats cannot eat hummus.”
I was surprised to learn this because I thought that since hummus is a healthy food for humans, it would be fine for cats to eat as well. However, my sister assured me that this was not the case and that I should never give Lulu (or any other cat) hummus to eat.
So, if you’re wondering whether or not cats can eat hummus, the answer is no – they absolutely cannot. Chickpeas may be healthy for humans, but they are poisonous to cats and can make them very sick. So, please, keep your feline friends away from this tasty treat!
Is Hummus Bad for Cats?
Let’s talk about hummus, that delicious Middle Eastern spread made from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil. It’s a staple of my diet, and I’m sure many of you enjoy it as well.
But what you may not know is that hummus can be dangerous – even deadly – for cats. The problem is that chickpeas contain a high level of a substance called saponin.
Saponin is poisonous to cats, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. So if you’re a cat owner, it’s important to keep your furry friend away from any and all types of hummus. Trust me: it’s not worth the risk.
Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Hummus?
As much as you may want to share your delicious hummus with your cat, it’s important to remember that this food can be very dangerous for them.
Here I’ll explain why you should never give hummus to your cat:
1. Chickpeas Are Hard to Digest
Once I read a journal where a group of scientists did an experiment with cats and chickpeas. They found that even though the cats ate the chickpeas, their bodies couldn’t digest them properly.
This is because chickpeas are very hard for cats to digest, and can cause all sorts of gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Chickpeas Contain Saponin
As I mentioned before, chickpeas contain saponin – a poisonous substance that can be deadly for cats. Even a small amount of saponin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
3. Chickpeas Can Cause an Allergic Reaction
Another reason why you shouldn’t give hummus to your cat is because they may have an allergic reaction to it. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
4. Hummus Contains Garlic and Onion
Last but not least, hummus contains garlic and onion – two ingredients that are toxic to cats. Both garlic and onion can cause anemia in cats, so it’s best to avoid giving them this food.
What’ll Happen If Cats Eat Hummus?
If by some chance your cat does eat hummus, it’s important to watch them closely for any signs of illness. Here I’ll list some of the symptoms that may occur if your cat eats this food:
1. Vomiting (With or Without Blood)
One of the first signs that your cat is sick is vomiting. If your cat vomits more than once, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet right away.
2. Diarrhea
Another symptom of saponin poisoning is diarrhea. If your cat has diarrhea, it’s important to make sure they stay hydrated by giving them plenty of water to drink.
3. Dehydration
One of the dangers of saponin poisoning is dehydration. This is because saponin can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration in cats include lethargy, dry mouth, and sunken eyes.
4. Difficulty Breathing
If your cat is struggling to breathe, it’s a sign that they’re in serious danger. This is a medical emergency, and you should take them to the vet right away.
5. Anemia
Anemia is a condition where there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. This can be caused by the toxicity of garlic and onion. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, lethargy, and pale gums.
6. Seizures
Seizures are another symptom of saponin poisoning. If your cat has a seizure, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
7. Death
In severe cases, saponin poisoning can be deadly. If your cat is showing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Hummus?
Now that you know how dangerous hummus can be for cats, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from eating it. Here are some things you can do:
1. Keep Your Cat Away from Hummus
The best way to prevent your cat from eating hummus is to keep it out of their reach. If you have hummus in your fridge, make sure to keep it covered and stored away from your cat.
2. Train Your Cat Not to Eat Human Food
One of the best ways to prevent your cat from eating dangerous foods is to train them not to eat human food. You can do this by consistently rewarding them for not eating food off your plate.
3. Feed Your Cat a Nutritious Diet
Another way to prevent your cat from eating dangerous foods is to feed them a nutritious diet. A healthy diet will help keep your cat’s hunger in check and reduce the likelihood of them begging for food.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Cat
If you have hummus in your house, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat. If you see them sniffing around the hummus, be sure to stop them before they have a chance to eat it.
5. Talk to Your Vet
If you’re concerned about your cat’s diet, be sure to talk to your vet. They can give you advice on what foods are safe for your cat and what to avoid.
The Bottom Line
Hummus may be a delicious snack for humans, but it can be dangerous for cats. Chickpeas, garlic, and onion are all toxic to cats and can cause serious illness.
If you have hummus in your house, be sure to keep it out of reach of your cat. And if you think your cat has eaten hummus, be sure to take them to the vet right away.
