While giving your cat beef jerky in small amounts can be beneficial, giving them too much sodium can pose risks. Cats have an intricate electrolyte balance and become dehydrated by too much salt exposure.
If you decide to give your cat jerky, make sure it is made with lean meat and contains no added sugar. Doing this will guarantee that it is nutritious for your furry friend.
Contents
High in sodium
Jerky uses sodium as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer, helping to prevent bacteria growth and enhance the meat flavor. Unfortunately, too much salt can be toxic for cats, leading to excessive thirst, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration.
Beef jerky is made by curing strips of meat in a salt solution and then drying them out for flavor. This makes for an irresistibly tasty snack that’s portable too – ideal for traveling!
Dehydration can turn fresh meat into a tough, chewy texture that may be difficult for cats to swallow. Even if your cat manages to get it down their throat, the piece could lodge in their esophagus, restricting airflow and leading to an uncomfortable choking episode.
Your cat may enjoy some beef jerky from time to time, but overconsumption can lead to dehydration, fluid buildup and kidney damage. Therefore, it’s best to steer clear of jerky made for humans and opt for feline-specific varieties instead.
Choking hazard
Manufacturers often add salt to food in order to prevent bacteria from growing and spoiling it, but cats’ bodies cannot handle these preservatives when used regularly.
Beef jerky contains high levels of salt which can be problematic for cats, who are more sensitive to it than humans are. Signs of salt poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and excessive thirst or urination.
Furthermore, some brands of jerky contain silica gel packets to absorb moisture and keep the snack fresh. Unfortunately, these small packets are inedible for cats and should be thrown away immediately after consumption.
Teriyaki beef jerky, in particular, contains brown sugar and soy sauce which are both harmful for cats. If your feline has consumed any teriyaki jerky, look out for disulfides and thiosulphates in its diet – these could lead to hemolytic anemia or Heinz body anemia, both potentially fatal conditions. If you suspect your cat has consumed some teriyaki jerky before feeding you, contact your vet right away!
Listeria
If your cat enjoys eating, it may be tempting to give her some beef jerky as a treat. Unfortunately, due to its high sodium content, this treat should be avoided.
Listeria is a serious bacterial infection that can cause serious illness in both humans and animals, with particular impact on the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Misra cautions that bacteria can also be found in unpasteurized milk and raw meats, particularly at low temperatures like those found in refrigerators. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your fridge below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent spoilage of foods.
Jerky presents a risk for cats due to its dense and chewy texture. Furthermore, it may contain sugar as well as flavoring ingredients like onions or garlic powder which are toxic to felines.
After your cat consumes jerky, it is essential to monitor for signs of dehydration, digestive upset or electrolyte imbalance. If she begins showing any symptoms, take her immediately to the veterinarian.
Salmonella
Cat jerky may contain salmonella, a bacteria that can lead to infection in humans. People who become infected may experience fever, vomiting and diarrhea; those with weaker immune systems such as children or the elderly are especially vulnerable.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that cat jerky may contain Shiga toxin-releasing E. coli O121, a pathogenic bacteria which can make you ill.
This bacteria is usually found in raw meats, eggs and dairy products. It can spread through contact with infected feces, soil or other surfaces.
Two cats in the same household who were fed a commercial frozen poultry raw diet developed gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. Once the diet was discontinued, both cats recovered fully.
