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Spaghetti with red sauce is a favorite dish in many homes! And why not? Spaghetti is made with those wonderful noodles and that heavenly spaghetti sauce! It’s yummy! But what happens if your cat eats some spaghetti sauce?
Has your cat eaten some spaghetti sauce? Are you worried the spaghetti sauce will make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. It’s scary when your cat eats something they maybe shouldn’t have. And it’s sometimes hard to know what to do in this situation.
In this article, we’ve put together some information about spaghetti sauce and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Spaghetti Sauce?
The red sauce that’s usually served on spaghetti noodles is made from tomatoes. Tomatoes, part of the nightshade family, contain healthy vitamins and antioxidants. These include lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, and more.
The sauce also may include other ingredients such as herbs and spices.
But can cats safely eat spaghetti sauce?
Spaghetti Sauce & Cats
Spaghetti sauce made from tomatoes is not safe for cats. If your cat has a small lick of tomato sauce, he will probably not get sick. The amount is too little, and it probably won’t affect his system.
However, if a cat eats a larger amount of spaghetti sauce, he has a high risk of becoming sick. This is because our cats’ stomachs are not designed to digest tomatoes. .
Spaghetti sauce contains other ingredients that can make cats very sick. These ingredients include onions, garlic, along with other herbs and spices. The main problem is the onion and garlic. These are highly toxic to cats and can destroy red blood cells, leading to a serious type of anemia.
Spaghetti sauce also contains high amounts of sodium, which is also very bad for cats.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Tomato Sauce Toxicity in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten tomato sauce:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Poor muscle coordination
- Hypersalivation
- Brown or red urine
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Increased breathing and heart rates
- Collapse
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, then call the vet immediately. This could be a medical emergency. It is important to note that your cat may not show any of these symptoms. Therefore, if you suspect your cat has eaten spaghetti sauce, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian for individual advice on the next best step.
As you can see, spaghetti sauce is not good for cats. However, if your cat shows symptoms and you get him to the vet as soon as possible, they have the best chance of making a full recovery.. He should be back to his normal playful self in no time!
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Evie Moloney, RCVS
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Evie is a vet surgeon who graduated from the University College Dublin, which is the only university offering the veterinary medicine degree in Ireland. She really enjoys surgery and has also worked as an emergency and critical care vet. She is passionate about sharing education about preventative health care for pets, especially the importance of regular dog and cat teeth brushing at home. She also enjoys helping owners find practical solutions for keeping pets as comfortable as possible while living with conditions such as arthritis. When not working, she enjoys hiking and swimming.Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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