We use salt in many ways every day. For example, you may enjoy a little salt added to your eggs in the morning. Or you may want to add salt to soup or other dishes when cooking. But what about salt and cats?
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Has your cat eaten salt? Are you worried the salt will make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s scary when our cats eat things they shouldn’t.
To help you and your cat, we’ve put together some information about salt and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Salt?
Salt is a crystalline compound made of sodium chloride (NaCI). This is a naturally occurring mineral in seawater, which has been commonly used as a preservative for thousands of years. It’s also used to season food and more.
Salt is also mined underground. In the past, these areas were once ancient seas, filled with all types of life. Over the centuries, the seas dried up and all the remained was the salt. This was eventually buried. Over time, the salt deposits were found, and mines were dug to get at the salt.
While salt, in small amounts, is safe for us humans, is it safe for our cats? Can salt make a cat sick?
Salt & Cats
Unfortunately, salt is not safe for cats. Just 4 grams of salt/2 lbs of your cat’s weight is enough to make him sick.
If your cat has had one sip of a salty soup or even saltwater, he should be OK. However, if your cat has ingested a large amount of salt, then you’ll need to call the vet.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Salt Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten salt:
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst/drinking/urination
- Increased heart rate
- Increased breathing rate
- Muscle tremors
- Stiff and/or painful muscles, muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Comma
- Death
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Salt Ingestion in Cats
The vet will want to check your cat’s electrolytes and provide fluids through an IV. The goal is to get your kitty’s electrolytes back normal while lowering the sodium concentration slowly. When done too rapidly, this can be harmful to your fur baby.
The good news is that your cat should be back to his normal self if he receives prompt medical treatment for salt ingestion!
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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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