Can Cats Eat Pizza?

Pizza is one of the culinary options that delight millions of people around the world. But can cats delight in this recipe for traditional Italian cuisine? Have our colleagues at Wamiz Italia spoken to experts on the subject?

Delicious and irresistible, pizza is a popular food all over the planet and there are millions of people who love to put a piece in their mouths. There are many versions of this typical Italian dish  (from a simple margarita to an American version with extra cheddar cheese, for example), and they are all equally delicious.

Dear reader; After opening his mouth, he has to put his hands in the dough to answer a question that worries many cat owners: can my feline eat a piece of pizza? 

Experts consulted by our colleagues at Wamiz Italia give us the answer. 

Can cats eat pizza?

No, cats can’t eat pizza. Despite being carnivores, that is; They consume a diet based on animal proteins, this dish does not provide them with vital and sufficient nutrients to cope with their routine. 

In addition, most pizzas contain at least one potentially harmful ingredient for cats such as spices and/or sauces that can put their health at risk.  Get all the essential cats and sardines info you need to make informed choices for your pet. Explore the nutritional value, preparation tips, and potential risks associated with feeding sardines to your cat.

Why can’t cats eat pizza?

Many experts ensure that a simple bite of pizza does not have to harm the cat, however; It is better not to risk it since many pizzas contain ingredients dangerous for felines such as salt, garlic, and onion… Furthermore, due to the wide variety of pizzas with their corresponding toppings, the caregiver runs the risk of accidentally feeding the cat an ingredient that causes allergies or, worse yet, something toxic. 

Unfortunately, the problem with pizza is that it provides few nutrients to the cat, even if it is prepared with safe options for him. 

My cat ate pizza, is he in danger?

As we highlighted a few lines above, a piece of pizza does not have to hurt the cat. The most important consideration is to ensure that its ingredients do not alter the animal’s digestive system or are toxic to the feline. For example:

• it
• Onion
• Sal
• spices
• Hot sauce

Garlic and onion should be avoided at all costs since both are toxic. Spices and sauces (especially if it is spicy) are also not recommended as they can cause digestive problems for the cat. 

For its part, ingesting high amounts of sodium (table salt) could cause sodium poisoning in felines. And if the animal is not taken to the vet immediately, its life could even be in danger. 

Feline caregivers should also keep in mind that pizza is not a healthy food and it is best to prevent the cat from having access to it. 

Additionally, cats, due largely to their small size, do not need many calories to stay in shape. Otherwise, they risk developing obesity and diabetes. 

Can cats eat pizza dough?

A piece of pizza crust is harmless to most cats. However, an owner can never allow his feline to eat raw dough because the fermenting yeast can cause indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, and general discomfort.

Today we are talking specifically about pizza, but feline guardians should keep in mind that certain foods for humans are dangerous and it is best to leave them safely stored and never in the cat’s sight. 

What happens if the cat eats pizza?

The most important consideration when giving your cat a piece of pizza is to make sure there are no toppings that could upset the animal’s digestive system or even be toxic to him.

Among these, we find:

• Garlic;
• Onion;
• Salt;
• Spices;
• Spicy sauce.

First of all, garlic is absolutely to be avoided, as are onions, both being toxic. Even pizzas that contain spices, or even hot sauce, should stay out of Kitten’s stomach.

Secondly, ingesting high amounts of sodium (table salt) could lead to sodium poisoning in felines. And if the animal is not taken to a vet immediately, it could even risk its life.

Finally, pizza isn’t exactly a healthy food. So make sure your cat only has a small amount of pizza, especially if he seems to like to feast on the high-calorie pizza dough, crust.

Due to their small size, cats need a few calories to stay fit. Instead, it risks leading to feline obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

How to feed pizza to your cat?

The best practice is to only allow your cat a very small bite of pizza every now and then.

Make sure it’s a fairly plain slice, and always check your cat immediately after the snack for signs of food poisoning or intestinal discomfort, such as abdominal bloating and constipation.

Useful tips

If you really want your friend with a tail to keep you company while you enjoy a nice pizza, put some cat snacks in his bowl, they will still be appetizing and will benefit Kitty’s health!

Furthermore, any leftover pizza must be placed in the refrigerator or in other well-closed spaces that the cat cannot access. Placing it on the highest shelves is not enough as cats will know how to climb to those high places!

Mozzarella or other cheeses

The most used ingredient on pizza is mozzarella. Most, but not all, cats cannot eat mozzarella or other cheeses as they are lactose intolerant.

If your cat happens to eat mozzarella or any other type of cheese and has problems digesting it, it is best to prevent the cat from eating cheese.

Condiments

Most of the toppings used on pizza, even if it is a vegetarian pizza, are very harmful to cats. Usually, frankfurters or sausages are used on pizza, which are very fatty foods rich in sodium for cats.

Even just a small portion of pizza, with these types of toppings, has a higher sodium percentage than what felines can usually ingest.