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Grease is usually the byproduct of cooking meat. And this can be extremely tempting for a cat! She may smell the meat in the grease and then try to eat some. Fat is necessary for a cat’s diet; however, what happens if a cat eats too much grease? Can grease make a cat sick?
Has your cat eaten grease? Are you worried the grease will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about grease and whether it can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Grease?
Grease is rendered animal fat. It usually is the fatty stuff that remains after roasting beef or chicken. Rendered fat is something used as an ingredient in cooking. It can also be used for baking or used as a spread in place of butter.
Most people through grease out after they’ve cooked the meat. But what happens if a cat eats the grease?
Grease & Cats
Unfortunately, grease can make a cat pretty sick. If she has only a lick or two, she will probably be OK. However, if a cat eats more grease, it could cause some unpleasant GI problems. Grease can also cause pancreatitis in cats, which can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Grease Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat eats grease:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Increased thirst & urination
- Hiding
- Crying
If you notice these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency. These symptoms may indicate that your cat has developed pancreatitis.
Treatment of Grease Ingestion in Cats
The vet may give your cat an IV to give her fluids. This helps to detoxify the pancreas and rehydrate your fur baby. The vet may also treat your cat with anti-nausea medications, along with medicines to stop diarrhea and vomiting.
It’s possible your feline companion may need to spend time in the hospital until she’s feeling better. Once your fur baby is home, she may need an alternative diet for a while. This is done to allow the pancreas to rest. As your cat feels better, it’s possible to slowly reintroduce her normal food over time.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment after eating grease. If your cat loves to eat grease, it’s best to keep her out of the kitchen! You’ll both be happier for it!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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