Cats aren’t shy about sneaking a chunk of unattended meals, and whether or not it’s a sizzling canine, burger, or turkey sandwich, there’s a very good likelihood that they had a little bit of mustard within the combine. Mustard is just too widespread a condiment for a cat to overlook in the event that they continuously partake in human fare. However whereas it’s possible not a problem in the event that they seize the occasional tiny style, mustard isn’t an ingredient cats ought to eat.
What’s the issue with mustard, and what occurs when your cat takes an unintended chunk? Discover out as we discover if cats can eat mustard and the problems of overindulgence.
What Is in Mustard?
Distilled vinegar and mustard seed are the first elements of most kinds of mustard. Extra components embody salt and varied spices, reminiscent of:
A few of these may be poisonous to cats, and subsequently mustard shouldn’t be fed to cats. Many types can also incorporate taste enhancers like sugar, honey, citric acid, and tartaric acid. Dijon mustard provides white wine to exchange a few of the vinegar content material, giving it a novel style. The important distinction between any mustard type is the kind of mustard seed they use. Spicy brown mustard, as an example, makes use of extra pungent and warmer brown mustard seeds for added kick.
Can Cats Eat Mustard?
Even placing the poisonous components apart, the condiment could cause delicate to extreme gastroenteritis. The irritation of the abdomen and intestines isn’t unusual with new meals, and mustard is much from a cat’s typical food plan. You could discover some irritation even when your cat hasn’t eaten a lot. Indicators of gastrointestinal upset from consuming mustard might embody:
Monitoring your pet for a couple of hours after they by accident ingest mustard is significant in guaranteeing they don’t have a life-threatening response. Contact your vet in case your cat reveals indicators of extreme ache or meals poisoning.
Do Cats Like Mustard?
Fortuitously, a cat vegging out on mustard-covered meals isn’t terribly possible. Mustard’s spiciness and taste aren’t notably interesting to obligate carnivores trying primarily for meat. The highly effective aroma advertises its warmth, so your cat might not even dare to attempt mustard when given the possibility.
What Ought to I Do If My Cat Eats Mustard?
Monitor your cat for behavioral adjustments or GI upset for a number of hours after consuming mustard. When your cat vomits or has gentle stools or diarrhea, hold contemporary water accessible and encourage them to drink to keep away from dehydration. In the event that they don’t present enchancment after a couple of hours, observe up along with your vet.
Ultimate Ideas
Mustard is much from the worst thing your cat could ingest, and on the similar time, it’s not wholesome, could cause gastrointestinal points, and will comprise poisonous components. Don’t sweat your cat consuming a small quantity of it, however don’t encourage its consumption. Your cat received’t admire the flavour, nor will you benefit from the potential mess and vet go to that follows, making it effectively value your time to maintain your cat away from the mustard basically.
Featured Picture Credit score: Aleks shutter, Shutterstock
