Condiments are an enjoyable part of life. They come in many types and include everything from mustard to ketchup and more! What many pet parents may find surprising is that their cats often beg for a share of some yummy condiment such as ketchup.
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However, is ketchup safe for cats?
Has your cat eaten some ketchup? Are you worried the ketchup will make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at ketchup and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Ketchup?
Ketchup is a tomato-based condiment that’s extremely popular in the US. People use ketchup on a wide range of foods. Some people even like putting ketchup on just about everything they eat!
Did you know that ketchup originally came from China? In fact, the word “ketchup” comes from the Chinese word “ke-tsiap,” which means “pickled fish sauce.” Yum! The original ketchup didn’t have tomatoes in it at all! Who knew?
Over time, ketchup moved to other parts of Asia and eventually made its way to England in the 17th century. It was only when ketchup was brought to America that tomatoes were added to the pickled fish and other ingredients. The very first recipe for American ketchup was by Sandy Addison in 1801. The recipe included tomatoes, salt, mace, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and pepper.
Over time ketchup has become one of our favorite condiments. But is ketchup safe for cats? Will ketchup make cats sick?
Ketchup & Cats
Ketchup can be toxic to cats. If your fur baby has eaten a small amount of ketchup, she should be OK. Some cats, who have sensitive stomachs, may experience vomiting and diarrhea.
However, ingesting a large amount of ketchup can make your cat pretty sick. This is because the yummy condiment contains some ingredients that are toxic to cats, including:
- Onions & garlic
- Salt
- Acid
- Preservatives
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
Symptoms of Ketchup Toxicity in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has ingested ketchup:
- Diarrhea
- Gastro-intestinal irritation
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, be sure to call the vet right away. Your cat needs to be treated for ketchup toxicity.
The good news is that most cats will go on to make a full recovery after being treated for ketchup toxicity. Your fur baby will be good as new in no time!
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.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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