Can Cats Eat Takis? (Are Takis Safe for Cats?)

I’m sure you’ve all seen the Takis commercials- those chips that look like rolled up mini tacos and are so spicy they come with a warning. They’re delicious, addicting, and probably not something you’d think twice about eating… until you have a cat. Because now you’re wondering, can cats eat Takis?

Yes, cats can eat Takis but it shouldn’t be include in their regular diet. However, I do not recommend to giving it to your cats because of its extremely spicy flavor. And while some cats might enjoy the flavor, the spice can be harmful to their delicate digestive systems.

In addition, the corn chips that make up Takis are not particularly healthy for cats– or anyone, for that matter. So while your cat might be able to stomach a few Takis, it’s not something you should make a habit of feeding them.

What are Takis and What’s in Them?

Takis are a type of corn tortilla chip that is popular in Mexico. They are made from yellow corn that is fried and then flavored with chili, lime, and salt.

Takis are typically sold in small bags or foil packets, and they are often eaten as a snack. Some people also enjoy them as a side dish or as an ingredient in Mexican dishes such as tacos and enchiladas.

While Takis are generally safe to eat, some people may experience digestive issues after consuming them. This is likely due to the high fat content of the chips.

Takis also contain gluten, which can be problematic for people with celiac disease or who are sensitive to gluten.

Overall, Takis are a tasty and convenient snack that can be enjoyed by most people. However, those with digestive issues or food sensitivities should proceed with caution when eating them.

Why does my Cat Love Takis?

So suddenly you discovered that your cat loves Takis? It’s not because they’re delicious (to them) but because of the flavors. Cats have a much higher sensitivity to taste than we do- up to 19 times more!

This means that they can taste things that we can’t, and they find certain flavors much more appealing than others. The lime and chili in Takis are especially attractive to cats, and the saltiness is also a plus.

While your cat might love the taste of Takis, it’s important to remember that they are not a healthy snack for felines. The high fat and sodium content can be harmful to your cat, so it’s best to limit their intake of these chips.

Can Cats Lick Takis?

While I do not recommend feeding Takis to your cat, I also don’t recommend letting them lick the chips. The spices in Takis can be irritating to a cat’s tongue and throat, and they may start coughing or gagging. In severe cases, the spices could even cause an allergic reaction.

If your cat does lick a Takis chip, be sure to monitor them closely for any signs of distress. If they seem to be having trouble breathing or their throat appears to be swelling, call your veterinarian immediately.

Are Takis Safe for Cats?

As I mentioned before, the answer is technically yes- cats can eat Takis. However, I do not recommend it. The high fat and spice content of these chips can be harmful to your cat, and they are better off sticking to their regular diet.

If you must share Takis with your feline friend, give them only a few chips at a time and monitor them closely for any adverse reactions. It’s also a good idea to keep some water handy in case they need to drink it to cool down their mouth.

Are Takis Bad for Cats?

Yes, Takis are bad for cats. The high fat and spice content can be harmful to their health, and they are better off sticking to their regular diet.

To make this concept clear I talked to a Veterinarian and she said

“Takis are not something we would recommend feeding to cats,” says Jennifer Coates, DVM. “The spice in Takis can irritate a cat’s tongue and throat and potentially cause an allergic reaction.”

Why Are Takis Bad For Cats?

Its time to get into the nitty gritty of why Takis are so bad for cats.

1. Takis contain unhealthy ingredients

Yellow Corn Flour, Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin, Salt, Chili Pepper, Citric Acid, Lime Juice Powder (Corn Syrup Solids, Lime Juice Solids), Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Natural Flavors.

Many of these ingredients are unhealthy for cats because they are either difficult to digest or potentially toxic. For example, onion powder can cause anemia in cats while citric acid can irritate their digestive system.

2. Takis contain high levels of fat and sodium

I know what you’re thinking, “all chips have fat and salt.” This is true, but Takis take it to a whole other level. A single serving of Takis (27g) has 9g of fat and 290mg of sodium. Compare that to a similar sized serving of Lay’s Classic potato chips which has 10g of fat and 160mg of sodium.

While a little fat and salt isn’t going to kill your cat, it’s important to remember that they are not equipped to handle these ingredients in the same way that we are. Too much fat and salt can lead to obesity and heart disease in cats, so it’s best to avoid feeding them Takis altogether.

3. Takis are spicy

The chili pepper in Takis is what gives them their characteristic heat, and that spice can be a problem for cats. Their bodies are not able to handle spices the same way that ours are, and the chili pepper can cause irritation to their tongue and throat. In severe cases, it could even lead to an allergic reaction.

What should you do if your cat ate Takis?

If you’re in a hurry and scrolled down directly to this section I assume your cat already ate Takis. In that case, follow my advice below.

1. Don’t make panic yourself

I know when our pets do something out of the ordinary it can be tempting to panic, but try to stay calm. The chances that your cat will experience any serious adverse effects from eating Takis are relatively low.

If your cat ate a small number of chips and seems otherwise healthy then there’s no need to worry. Just keep an eye on them for the next few hours to make sure they don’t have any adverse reactions and give them plenty of water to drink.

If your cat ate a lot of Takis or is showing signs of distress then call your veterinarian immediately.

2. Monitor your cat for signs of distress

As I mentioned above, you should keep an eye on your cat for any signs of distress after they eat Takis. Look out for things like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat. If you see any of these signs, call your veterinarian immediately.

3. Give them plenty of water to drink

Cats need to stay hydrated, especially if they’ve eaten something that might be hard on their digestive system like Takis. Be sure to offer them plenty of fresh water to drink and if they’re not interested in drinking on their own then you can try syringe feeding them.

Can Takis Kill Cats?

Believe me, I understand how scary it can be when our pets eat something they’re not supposed to. But the good news is that Takis are not likely to kill your cat. The vast majority of cats will be able to digest them without any serious problems.

Of course, there is always a chance that your cat could have an adverse reaction to the ingredients in Takis. If you’re concerned about your cat’s health after they’ve eaten Takis, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Takis?

Preventing your cat from getting their paws on Takis in the first place is the best way to keep them safe. Here are a few tips to help you do that:

1. Keep Takis out of reach

This one should be pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. Cats are curious creatures and if they see something they want they’re going to try to get it. So, it’s important to keep Takis (and other human food) out of reach.

2. Feed your cat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is important for cats of all ages, but it’s especially important for kittens and older cats. A balanced diet will help keep them feeling full so they’re less likely to beg for human food.

3. Provide plenty of toys and enrichment

Cats need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical activity. Provide them with plenty of toys and enriching activities to keep their minds occupied. This will help prevent them from getting into trouble when you’re not around.

Wrapping Up

Takis are not something that I would recommend feeding to your cat. The high fat and spice content can be harmful to their health, and there’s really no need to take the risk. If your cat does eat Takis, just keep an eye on them for any signs of distress and give them plenty of water to drink.

Lastly, did you ever give your cat Takis or something similar? How did they react? Let me know in the comments below!