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Rice is a common side dish for many people in this country. It goes with everything from Asian and Mexican cuisine and much more! It’s also great in soups!
Many people use rice that comes in a box and is uncooked. As you know, cats can be curious about many things around them, including a box of rice. After all, if she knocks over a box of rice, all those pieces of rice are fun to bat around. But some cats may eat uncooked rice. Could uncooked rice make a cat sick?
Has your cat eaten uncooked rice? Are you worried the uncooked rice 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 uncooked rice and whether it can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Uncooked Rice?
Uncooked rice is rice that hasn’t yet been cooked. It may come in a box or bag, and it can be used in many different ways and with different cuisines. Rice is a versatile dish that goes great with almost anything.
But what happens if a cat eats uncooked rice? Can uncooked rice make a cat sick?
Uncooked Rice & Cats
Unfortunately, uncooked rice can make a cat sick. For instance, uncooked rice may contain a bacterium called Bacillus cereus. This is a common bacterium that’s found in soil and can cause food poisoning.
In addition, uncooked rice is very difficult for a cat (or human) to digest. Uncooked rice contains a certain protein called lectin. This is a substance found in many plants that works to protect themselves from predators. If eaten in high amounts, lectin can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive issues.
One myth we’d like to dispel is that uncooked rice can cause a cat’s stomach to explode. That’s not the case! Even so, uncooked rice is not safe for cats to eat.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Uncooked Rice Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten uncooked rice:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
If your cat eats uncooked rice and develops any of these symptoms, it’s best to call the vet. She could have food poisoning or another health issue caused by uncooked rice.
Treatment of Uncooked Rice Ingestion in Cats
Treatment depends on the vet’s diagnosis. For instance, if your cat is diagnosed with a bacterial infection, the vet may prescribe a round of antibiotics, along with medication to stop diarrhea and vomiting. They may also prescribe medicine to calm and soothe your kitty’s stomach and digestive tract.
If your cat has diarrhea and vomiting not caused by an infection, the vet may prescribe medications to end these symptoms. They may also give your kitty medicine to calm her stomach.
In either instance, the vet may give your cat an IV with fluids. This may be done if your fur baby has become dehydrated from persistent diarrhea and vomiting.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment after eating uncooked rice. In the future, it’s best to keep uncooked rice out of your cat’s 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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