Can Cats Eat Saltine Crackers? (No & Vet Suggestions)

It’s my daily evening ritual. After dinner I enjoy a small bowl of ice cream or a couple of cookies. My cat watches me with eager eyes, and as soon as I’m done she’s at my feet begging for a treat. But is it safe to give our feline friends human food? Can cats eat saltine crackers?

No, cats should not eat saltine crackers. Saltine crackers are high in sodium and fat, which can be harmful to cats. Cats also lack the ability to digest complex carbohydrates, so they would not get any nutritional value from eating saltine crackers.

In this blog post I’ll share what you need to know about feeding saltine crackers (or any human food) to your cat. I’ll also give some suggestions for safe and healthy snacks that both you and your cat can enjoy together.

Why you Shouldn’t Feed Saltine Crackers to your Cats?

I’m sure you’ve seen those cute videos of cats eating all sorts of human foods. And while it may be tempting to share your snacks with your feline friend, there are some human foods that can be dangerous for cats. Saltine crackers are one of those foods.

Saltine crackers are a type of unleavened flatbread cracker made from flour, water, and salt. They are typically thin and crispy, and often served with soups or dips.

While saltine crackers may be safe for humans to eat, they are not a good choice for cats. Here’s why:

1. Saltine crackers are high in sodium

Yes, even crackers can be high in sodium. In fact, one saltine cracker has about 37 mg of sodium. That might not sound like a lot, but it’s actually more than 1% of the daily recommended intake for cats.

2. Saltine crackers are high in fat

Saltine crackers are also high in fat. In fact, one cracker has about 1.5 g of fat. That’s not a lot for humans, but it’s a significant amount for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use animal-based proteins and fats. They do not have the ability to digest plant-based fats as efficiently.

3. Saltine crackers are high in carbohydrates

Saltine crackers are also high in carbohydrates. In fact, one cracker has about 7 g of carbohydrates. That’s not a lot for humans, but it’s a significant amount for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use animal-based proteins and fats. They do not have the ability to digest complex carbohydrates as efficiently.

4. Saltine crackers lack nutrients that are essential for cats

Saltine crackers also lack many of the nutrients that are essential for cats, such as taurine, arginine, and vitamin A. Taurine is an amino acid that is found only in animal-based proteins. It is essential for heart health, vision, and reproductive function in cats. Arginine is an amino acid that is found in both animal and plant proteins.

It is essential for wound healing and immune function in cats. Vitamin A is a nutrient that is found in animal-based proteins. It is essential for eye health, skin health, and immune function in cats.

5. Saltine crackers can be a choking hazard for cats

Saltine crackers can also be a choking hazard for cats. Cats have small mouths and throats, so they can easily choke on small pieces of food. Crackers can also break into small pieces that can block your cat’s airway.

Symptoms of Saltine Cracker Poisoning in Cats

I talked to a vet Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, and she told me that the symptoms of saltine cracker poisoning in cats can include:

1. Vomiting (with or without blood)

According to Dr. Osborne, vomiting is the most common symptom of saltine cracker poisoning in cats. She says that it can occur within minutes to hours after eating saltine crackers. Vomiting can also be accompanied by blood or streaks of blood.

2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea can also be a symptom of saltine cracker poisoning in cats. It can occur within minutes to hours after eating saltine crackers. Diarrhea can also be accompanied by blood or streaks of blood.

3. Lethargy

Lethargy is another common symptom of saltine cracker poisoning in cats. Cats who are poisoned by saltine crackers may seem tired or sluggish. They may also sleep more than usual.

4. Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is another common symptom of saltine cracker poisoning in cats. Cats who are poisoned by saltine crackers may lose their interest in food.

5. Dehydration

Dehydration is another common symptom of saltine cracker poisoning in cats. Cats who are poisoned by saltine crackers may drink less water than usual. They may also urinate less frequently.

Treating a Cat Who Has Eaten Saltine Crackers

Here are some things you can do if your cat has eaten saltine crackers:

1. Call your veterinarian

As soon as you realize that your cat has eaten saltine crackers, call your veterinarian. They will be able to give you specific instructions on what to do and how to treat your cat.

2. Do not induce vomiting

Some people may think that inducing vomiting is a good way to get rid of the saltine crackers in your cat’s stomach. However, this is not the case. Inducing vomiting can actually make your cat’s symptoms worse and can cause further damage to their digestive system.

3. Give your cat plenty of water

Giving your cat plenty of water is important. Dehydration is a common symptom of saltine cracker poisoning in cats, so it’s important to keep your cat hydrated. Offer your cat fresh water and let them drink as much as they want.

4. Watch for symptoms

It’s important to watch for symptoms of saltine cracker poisoning in your cat. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, call your veterinarian immediately.

5. Bring your cat to the vet

If your cat is showing any symptoms of saltine cracker poisoning, bring them to the vet immediately. They will be able to give your cat the proper treatment and care.

The Summary

I hope now you know all the risks associated with feeding your cat saltine crackers. I also hope you know what to do if your cat has eaten saltine crackers and is showing symptoms of poisoning.

Remember, if in doubt, always call your veterinarian. They will be able to give you specific instructions on what to do and how to treat your cat.

Did you ever give your cat saltine crackers? Let me know in the comments below!