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Meatloaf is a favorite food for many people, especially on cold days. This amazing dish can be made in a variety of ways. And no matter what, each one tastes yummy! But what happens if a cat eats meatloaf? Can the meatloaf make a cat sick?
Has your cat eaten meatloaf? Are you worried the meatloaf 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 meatloaf and whether it can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Meatloaf?
Meatloaf is a dish made with ground meat mixed with other ingredients. The ingredients can vary between meatloaf recipes. For instance, some meatloaf recipes use ground beef, lamb, pork, veal, venison, poultry, and seafood! What’s more, each country has its own version of meatloaf. So, there are many different ways to eat this yummy dish!
Meatloaf ingredients can include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Eggs
- Flour or bread crumbs
- Milk
- And more
Once the meatloaf has been mixed together, the meat mix is shaped into a loaf and baked. The result is an easy meal that tastes scrumptious!
While meatloaf is safe for humans (in moderation), what about cats? Can cats eat meatloaf?
Meatloaf & Cats
Unfortunately, meatloaf is not suitable for cats. The main reason is some of the ingredients used to make this dish. For one thing, garlic and onions are extremely toxic to cats. Our feline friends may also develop digestive problems from the milk used in the meatloaf recipe.

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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Meatloaf Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten meatloaf:
- Elevated heart rate
- Weakness
- Blood in the urine
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Collapse
If you notice any of these or other concerning symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Meatloaf Ingestion in Cats
These symptoms are indicative of onion toxicity. This condition is mostly treated with supportive care. The cat may need to be hospitalized and given IV fluids. The fluid helps flush the toxins from the cat’s body.
In addition, the cat may also need a transfusion if she’s suffering from anemia.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical care after eating meatloaf. If your feline companion loves meatloaf, it’s best to keep this out of her reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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