Can Cats Eat French Fries?

Some cat parents are fond of seeing their precious pets eating French fries. Feed your household feline this delectable snack, and you might see their eyes widen in euphoria. But can cats really eat French fries? We asked the experts in the pet industry and here’s what we found.

Cats shouldn’t eat French fries. Although this particular food isn't toxic to felines, the high carbohydrate, fat, and sodium content can increase the risk of upsetting your pet's stomach. Similarly, potatoes don't have enough calories and don't provide optimal nutrition for cats.

Although some cats may steal a few French fries from your plate, it’s best to let them stick to their healthy diets. Additionally, continue reading to learn why letting your cat eat French fries and potatoes is not good for their health.

Is It Safe For Cats To Eat French Fries?

Cats are carnivores and require more protein from meat from animal products than dogs. High levels of protein are necessary for the optimal well-being and survival of your household feline. With that in mind, it’s not safe to let your cat eat significant amounts of junk food, particularly French fries.

Why are French Fries Bad for Cats?

The stomachs of many humans can handle greasy and salty foods like French fries. However, a cat’s stomach is smaller than that of a human. It means that the animal’s stomach cannot process and excrete food the same way humans do.

For many humans, eating French fries and other food options bathed in grease and salt don’t harm the body if they’re eaten in moderation. On the other hand, the high amounts of carbohydrates, fat, and sodium in French fries can be detrimental to a cat’s overall well-being.

Take a look at these contents in detail to learn why French fries are bad for felines:

Carbohydrates

According to a 2017 study, researchers found that there’s no minimal carbohydrate requirement in cats. But feeding your indoor feline French fries and other carbohydrate-rich foods can increase the risks of obesity and cardiovascular concerns.

Fat

Although cats need fats in their diets, they need foods with those nutrients from healthy sources like fish. Generally, the oil used in cooking fries is rich in saturated fat, which can promote significant weight gain.

Since the recommended amount of saturated fat that a typical cat can consume is significantly lower than most humans, your feline will be at a high risk of contracting issues like heart and joint problems.

Sodium

A 100-gram serving of French fries has about 289 calories, which also has about 357 grams of sodium. That amount is already about 16% of the recommended daily value for the average human being.

On the other hand, feeding a 100-gram platter of French fries to cats will be approximately 90% more than the recommended amount of sodium needed for their bodies.

Scientists found that the average household feline should only consume 0.4 grams of sodium per pound of weight. If your cat is about 11 pounds, the amount of sodium that the animal consumes from that platter of French fries is about 9 times more than the recommended amount, which can promote sodium toxicity.

If you want your cat to be happy and healthy, make sure to only feed them with balanced food options fine-tuned for the animal’s well-being. Additionally, let your pet eat cat foods rich in protein because this macronutrient is the most important element in their diet.

Check out this Purina Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food on Amazon.

If you want to know which wet cat foods contain the most protein on the market, check out our post on What Wet Cat Foods Have the Most Protein.

Is Fried Food Bad for Cats?

Fried foods are generally non-toxic for cats when eaten in moderation. But it doesn’t mean you should feed your cat foods dripping in oil every day.

The extra fat, grease, and sodium can give your pet a stomachache. Failure to let your household feline enjoy healthy food options can lead to serious symptoms and long-term damage to their health.

Take a look at the True Chews Chicken Cat Sticks on Amazon.

What Happens if my Cat Eats Too Much French Fries?

If your cat eats a significant amount of French fries for extended periods and without proper exercise, it can lead to serious health issues. Some of the health risks that your pet can contract from eating too much greasy and salty foods are obesity, diabetes, and kidney or renal failure.

If your cat shows signs of discomfort or distress from eating French fries or other food options from potatoes, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Can Fries Kill Cats?

Letting your cat eat one or two French fries won’t kill them. However, if you add fries to your feline’s daily diet, the chances of early mortality will increase.

Avoid your cat’s pleading eyes when they’re begging for your French fries if you find it difficult to resist their cute stares. Otherwise, you can distract your cat by giving them a treat instead of one of your fries. You can check out our post on the Top 10 Cat Treats Brands for healthier options.

Why Does My Cat Like French Fries?

Like many humans, several cats can’t resist the allure of delicious food, despite it having adverse effects on their health. Take note that many animals, especially cats, don’t have the ability to recognize if a particular food is healthy for them or not. As pet parents, you should be responsible for your feline’s well-being by choosing the right food options for them.

Is It Safe For Cats To Eat Potatoes?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) notes that a cat’s digestive system isn’t fit for a plant-based diet.

Take note that French fries primarily come from potatoes, which are starchy vegetables. You can add a chunk or two to your cat's bowl now and then, but avoid feeding this food to your pet every day.

Cats that eat more than the recommended amount of sodium in their daily diets will be at risk of health issues like high blood pressure, kidney disease, and adverse cardiovascular changes. Some felines may also be at a higher than average risk of contracting urolithiasis or the forming of stones in organs like the bladder, kidney, and urethra.

Still, the different types of potatoes have varying levels of toxicity in cats. For instance, sweet potatoes are healthier alternatives to French fries for felines. However, it’s still not the best option to let your cat maintain peak health.

On the other hand, uncooked potatoes can be more toxic to cats than sweet potatoes. It’s because of a chemical called solanine, which is a poisonous compound in green potatoes and other plants that can lead to upset stomachs in cats.

Additionally, avoid adding spices and extra flavors to cooked potatoes if you have intentions of feeding them to your cat. Ingredients like onions, garlic, and artificial flavoring can be dangerous to your pet’s health.

Final Words

Cats can eat French fries, but it shouldn't be part of your pet's daily diet. Furthermore, French fries generally have significant amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and sodium, which can lead to certain health issues.

If you can’t resist your household feline’s begging eyes, you can give them one or two fries. Otherwise, give your cats healthy treats to distract them from your snack.