Can Cats Eat Teriyaki Chicken? (Good or Bad?)
No, cats should not eat teriyaki chicken. While cats are carnivores, they do not have the digestive system to tolerate foods that contain spices, like teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki sauce is made up of soy sauce and other seasonings such as ginger and garlic which can be harmful to your cat’s health. Furthermore, teriyaki chicken is usually cooked in oil which can be difficult for cats to digest.
Here in this blog post, I’ll explain why cats should not eat teriyaki chicken and what may happen if they do. I’ll also try to explain what to do if your cat does eat teriyaki chicken and how you can help keep them away from it in the future.
Why Cats Should Not Eat Teriyaki Chicken?
Here I’ll list some of the reasons why cats should not eat teriyaki chicken.
1. Teriyaki Sauce Contains Spices and Seasonings
I know that teriyaki sauce tastes great on chicken, but unfortunately, the spices and seasonings in it can be extremely harmful to your cat’s digestive system. A study on cats found that garlic, ginger, and other spices in teriyaki sauce were toxic to the cats’ digestive systems.
2. Teriyaki Chicken is Usually Cooked in Oil
Most teriyaki chicken dishes are cooked in oil, which can be difficult for cats to digest. The oil can also cause digestive upset and other gastrointestinal issues.
3. Teriyaki Chicken Can Contain High Levels of Sodium
The soy sauce used to make teriyaki sauce is high in sodium, which can be dangerous for cats who already have kidney or heart issues. High sodium levels can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
What May Happen If a Cat Eats Teriyaki Chicken?
Here I’ll discuss some of the potential issues that can arise if a cat eats teriyaki chicken.
1. Digestive Issues
As mentioned above, the spices, seasonings, and oil used to cook teriyaki chicken can all be difficult for cats to digest. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
2. Toxicity
The spices and seasonings in teriyaki sauce have been found to be toxic to cats in high doses. If your cat has ingested a large amount of teriyaki sauce they may experience symptoms such as nausea, lethargy, drooling, tremors, or seizures.
3. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Teriyaki sauce is high in sodium which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if consumed in large quantities. These conditions can be very serious so it is important to contact your veterinarian if you think your cat has eaten teriyaki chicken.
First Aid and Treatment for Cat Who Ate Teriyaki
If you know your cat already ate teriyaki chicken and its very little amount you can go for some home remedies to reduce the effects.
1. Hydration
The first step is to provide your cat with plenty of fresh water. This will help to flush out the toxins and reduce the effects of dehydration.
2. Introducing a Bland Diet
Introducing a bland diet to your cat will help to soothe their stomach and provide some relief from gastrointestinal upset. This should consist of boiled chicken, chicken liver or turkey with white rice.
3. Monitoring
You should monitor your cat closely after they have eaten teriyaki chicken, as there may be delayed symptoms that appear later on. If your cat shows any signs of distress or has any strange symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
My Cat Ate Teriyaki Chicken, What Should I Do?
If your cat ate teriyaki chicken, the first thing you should do is check the ingredients list to make sure it doesn’t contain any onions or garlic. These ingredients can be toxic to cats and may cause digestive upset.
If the chicken is safe for cats, offer your cat a small amount of plain, cooked rice to help settle their stomach. You should also contact your veterinarian to discuss the situation and ask for advice on how to proceed.
In most cases, mild gastrointestinal upset is nothing to worry about and will resolve on its own. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical advice when in doubt.
Preventing Cats from Eating Teriyaki Chicken
Here are some tips on how to prevent your cat from eating teriyaki chicken in the future.
1. Keep All Teriyaki Dishes Out of Reach
It is important to keep all teriyaki dishes out of reach of cats, as they can be very tempting and hard to resist. Make sure all meals are stored in a secure container and out of reach of curious cats!
2. Discourage Your Cat From Eating Human Food
Discouraging your cat from eating human food is an important part of responsible pet ownership. If you notice your cat trying to sneak bites of teriyaki chicken, firmly reprimand them and provide them with a suitable alternative.
3. Offer Healthy Alternatives
If your cat is a fan of teriyaki chicken, why not try offering them some healthy alternatives such as cooked eggs, steamed vegetables, or even tuna? These can all be great sources of protein and vitamins for cats.
4. Contact Your Veterinarian
If you are concerned about your cat’s health, contact your veterinarian for advice. They will be able to advise on the best course of action and can provide further information on the risks associated with teriyaki chicken.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can help to ensure that your cat stays safe and healthy.
My Final Thoughts
In conclusion, cats should not eat teriyaki chicken as it can be harmful to their health. The spices, seasonings, and oil used in the sauce can all cause digestive upset or even toxicity in some cases.
If your cat does happen to eat teriyaki chicken, contact your veterinarian immediately and take steps to ensure that they don’t do it again in the future.
It is also important to remember that cats are carnivores and need a diet high in protein from animal sources such as fish, poultry, beef, and eggs. A balanced diet with plenty of fresh water is essential for keeping your cat healthy and happy!
