Marshmallows are one of our favorite snacks. We eat them however we want to. So, if you see your kitty eyeing the bag of marshmallows you left open, you might wonder – can cats eat marshmallows?
Can Cats Eat Marshmallows?
No, cats cannot eat marshmallows. Marshmallows, like all sweet treats, are empty calories for cats and have no nutritional benefits. Moreover, they can cause obesity and is harmful to felines’ health and safety altogether.
We are going to elaborate on the reasons you shouldn’t feed this junk food to your cat.
First of all, cats are strictly carnivorous. All the nutrients they need come from meat.
Therefore, their diet should be rich in protein. You can meet the necessary nutritional and calorie intake by feeding your cat homemade or high-quality commercial cat food.
Cats don’t need any sugar-rich or plant-based foods to thrive. There are healthy cat treats and animal products available in the market that they can snack on. You can even make them at home.
Secondly, the consistency, along with the shape and size, make marshmallows a choking hazard. They can easily lodge in your feline’s throat and obstruct it. This is also the reason why children below three years of age are not allowed marshmallows.
Why Are Marshmallows Not Safe for Cats?
Marshmallows have a high content of sugar. To be specific, there are 4.1 grams of sugar in each standard-sized marshmallow.
Studies have concluded that a house cat of standard size needs about 300 calories a day. One piece of marshmallow has about 23 calories. So, even a few marshmallows can lead to obesity and other health-related issues. They include –
- Heart disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Breathing problem
- Insulin resistance
- Diabetes
- Several types of cancer
- Oral infections
Obesity can also shorten your pet’s lifespan.
Besides sugar, a marshmallow also has a sodium content of 5.8 mg. Sodium is very toxic to cats; their diet needs very little of it. The amount present in the marshmallow exceeds the limit that is safe for cats.
Some marshmallows also contain xylitol and chocolate. These two items fall under the list of foods cats should never consume as they are extremely toxic.
Marshmallows are not toxic for cats. But that shouldn’t encourage you to feed your cat marshmallows. As mentioned above, they are a choking hazard and don’t offer any healthy nutrition as it is a high-calorie treat.
Even if there is a slight chance that your cat might get her paws on a bag of marshmallows, read the labels and ensure your marshmallows don’t contain anything that might be harmful to your pet.
What Should I Do If My Cat Has Eaten Marshmallows?
If your cat has managed to sneak in a marshmallow without you noticing, don’t panic. Instead, check her airway and see if she is choking or not. If you detect the signs of choking, call the vet and calmly follow the instructions being given.
If there is no choking incident, you don’t need to worry. However, keep the marshmallows away from her reach to prevent this from happening again.
Can I Let My Cat Eat Marshmallow Herbs?
We use marshmallow herbs mostly because of their demulcent properties. It also acts as an alternative to nutritive, galactagogue, diuretic, emollient, and expectorant. It contains iron, sodium, calcium, pantothenic acid, iodine, and vitamins A and B-complex. Wild cats are safe to use this herb to get their nutrients so that you can feed marshmallow herbs to your kitty.
Summary
So, in answer to your question, can cats eat marshmallows? – no, they can’t. It isn’t safe food for them. The shape of the marshmallows makes them a choking hazard. Also, cats don’t get any nutrients from marshmallows. Instead, they can cause obesity and other health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can My Cat Eat Graham Crackers?
Yes, your cat can consume Graham crackers. But it is not the healthiest of food choices. They need a protein-rich diet which they can get from cat foods. So, it isn’t necessary to give your cat Graham crackers as they add no nutritional value to her diet.
Cats have no sweet taste receptors, but they can taste salty food. So, if you want to, you can give your feline a small piece to nibble on. A small cracker won’t harm her, but human junk food has no place in her diet.
Can Cats Taste Sweet?
No, cats can’t taste anything sweet. They lack the required taste receptors. So, if you think your cat is enjoying a sweet treat, you are wrong. Plus, sweet treats for humans are not healthy for cats.
You absolutely should avoid giving her chocolate and other artificial sweet treats. Instead, you can feed her fruits as snacks occasionally.
Can I Let My Cat Eat Rice Krispies?
Cats don’t recognize Rice Krispies and hence, won’t eat them. Moreover, your feline needs a protein-based diet; she won’t get any from Krispies.
