Grains often end up in cat food and you could be forgiven for thinking that the manufacturers were doing it for their health, adding some quality carbs and fibre. But the truth is they are used as bulking and binding agents and cats don’t really need those carbs and fiber like we do. But that still begs the question, Can cats eat pasta and is there anything to worry about if you find that your feline friend has stolen some of your pasta without your consent?
Can Cats Eat Pasta?
While pasta really shouldn’t feature prominently in your cat’s diet, it’s not going to poison it or cause it any serious harm. Also, you have to consider that some cats may be allergic to wheat—in which case they definitely can not eat pasta—and that many of them will simply turn their little noses up at the foodstuff.
You may love this carb-heavy, Italian favorite, but your cat is more interested in the meat that you pile on top of it. And even if they do have a little nibble and they enjoy it, it’s not the sort of thing that they should be eating on a regular basis. Pasta may be good for you, but it’s not good for your cat. It is low in the vitamins and minerals that they require and it also has minimal protein, which is the main component of a cat’s diet.
Can Cats Eat Raw Pasta?
This is a definite no. Their bodies did not adapt to consume this food and it may cause digestive discomfort if they do. If you have a little pica cat that turns into a furry vacuum cleaner when he or she is hungry and you’re here because they happened to consume a little dried pasta, then don’t worry. Just keep an eye on them and contact you vet if there are any warning signings (basically anything that is out of the ordinary).
Other Problems with Cats and Pasta
Another issue with giving cats pasta is that humans rarely consume it on its own. If we add a little meat or fish and nothing else then it’s actually better for your cat then the pasta is on its own. Assuming you’re adding lean meats like chicken or tuna, that is. If, however, you add a lot of salt, pepper and other spices, or you cover it in thick creamy, buttery or tomatoey sauces, then you have a recipe for a pussycat disaster.
Anything that is high in salt, sugar, fat and additives is simply not good for your cat. A little bit probably won’t do much harm, but you’re giving the cat a taste for something it shouldn’t eat and can’t properly digest and that will lead to an expectation that you can’t meet.
As someone who owns a little pica cat that will eat every human food it can get its paws on, trust me when I say that the last thing you want to do is let your cat believe that it has the option to eat human food over its own food. I haven’t eaten a meal in two years without having those two little beady eyes staring at me in expectation, even though I only recall giving the little guy food on a handful of occasions.