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Hot dogs are an American staple that tastes great and can be enjoyed almost anywhere. And what happens if your cat sees you eating a hot dog? She may come up and beg for a piece. But are hot dogs safe for cats?
Has your cat eaten a hot dog? Are you worried the hot dog 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 hot dogs and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Hot Dog?
A hot dog is something like a sausage. It’s made with an outer cover filled with meat and spices. Hot dogs may go by other names, such as frankfurters (German), wieners (Austrian), or párky (Czech), and other names. Even so, they’re all something like sausages, and they’re pretty yummy!
American hot dogs can be made with the following ingredients (they vary by brand):
- Meat: beef, poultry, pork (or a combination of these)
- Water
- Spices: garlic, pepper, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, paprika, allspice
- Beef stock: to add more flavor
- Cherry powder: for color
- Citric acid: used to control the acidity of the hot dogs
- Sugar & corn syrup: these improve browning
- Collagen casing: an edible covering (used rather than pig or sheep intestines)
- Yeast extract
- Modified food starch: used as a thickener/stabilizer
While hot dogs are safe for humans (in moderation), what about cats? Are hot dogs safe for cats?
Hot Dogs & Cats
Unfortunately, hot dogs are not suitable for cats. Hot dogs contain meat; however, they are also made with other ingredients that can harm our feline fur babies.
For instance, hot dogs are high in sodium and preservatives. Too much salt can cause salt toxicity in cats (and dogs). Hot dogs are also high in fat, which can be bad for cats.
One of the worst ingredients in hot dogs is garlic. Garlic is highly toxic to cats (and dogs). If a cat eats enough garlic (it doesn’t take much), they can develop serious GI problems and a deadly form of anemia.
If your kitty has eaten a small piece of hot dog, chances are she will be OK. Some cats may develop gastrointestinal symptoms, but these will pass, and your fur baby will be OK. However, if a cat eats an entire hot dog, she could become very sick.
Symptoms of Hot Dog Ingestion in Cats
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Nausea
- Increased urination/thirst
- Lack of appetite
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Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment of Hot Dog Ingestion in Cats
We were not able to find specific treatment options for cats that eat hot dogs. However, if your cat is showing signs of toxicity (from salt or garlic, etc.), the vet may try to decontaminate your cat’s system by inducing vomiting and using activated charcoal.
Depending on your cat’s symptoms, she may need an IV for fluids and to administer medications. The vet will then treat other symptoms as they arise.
As with other cases of poisoning in cats, the prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment. It’s best not to allow your cat to eat hot dogs and keep them out of her reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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