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Can Cats Eat Curry? Facts & FAQ

Can Cats Eat curry
Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Christian Adams
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Curry is a popular dish made with various spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander. While it is enjoyed by humans all over the world, can cats eat curry too? And is it healthy for them? While most people believe that cats can’t eat anything but canned cat food, this is not the case. In fact, cats can eat a variety of different foods.

Some people argue that cats can eat curry as long as it is not too spicy. However, onions and garlic are common ingredients in curries, and both of these ingredients can be toxic to your cat if they consume them. This makes curry a plate not suitable for cats.

If your cat has some, it is important to monitor their intake of curry, as too much could lead to an upset stomach, or worse.

divider-catclaw1Is Curry Good for Cats?

Cats vary in their dietary needs, just as humans do. Some people believe that giving cats curry is a good way to add some flavor and variety to their diet, while others believe that it is not healthy for them.

There is currently no scientific evidence to support the claim that curry is good for cats. Some veterinarians believe that spices, such as turmeric in curry, can be harmful to cats if consumed in large quantities. While there are many benefits of curry for humans, such as its high antioxidant content, it is unclear whether these benefits extend to cats.

We do know, however, that onions and garlic—often used as a basic ingredient in curries—are toxic to cats. For this reason alone, you shouldn’t feed your cat a curry made with these two ingredients.

Curry
Image Credit: Pixabay

Are Garlic And Onions Dangerous for My Cat?

Our pets can get sick from eating garlic and onions. Garlic and onions are part of the allium family, which also includes leeks, scallions, and chives. These vegetables contain sulfur compounds that can be harmful to cats. While a dog may not be too affected by a small taste, cats aren’t so fortunate. The ingestion of garlic and onions can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, in cats.

Their tiny bodies can be damaged by even a small amount of these two ingredients. Your cat’s red blood cells can be damaged if it eats garlic or onions. If this occurs, your cat is at risk of developing Heinz Body Anemia, a condition that can lead to death.

What Is Heinz Body Anemia?

Heinz Body Anemia is a type of anemia that is caused by the presence of Heinz bodies in red blood cells. These Heinz bodies are deposits of protein that can cause the red blood cells to burst which can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. You should keep an eye out for these Heinz body anemia symptoms if your cat eats garlic or onions.

Symptoms of Heinz Body Anemia in cats include lethargy, loss of appetite, pale gums, and blood in the stool. Although it can be caused by eating garlic or onions, it is most commonly caused by exposure to certain toxins, such as antifreeze or insecticides. In the event that you observe these symptoms in your cat, take them to the veterinarian right away.

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Image Credit: Nikolay Bassov, Shutterstock

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Is Indian Food Toxic for Cats?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the toxicity of Indian food for cats will vary depending on the ingredients used in the dishes. Some spices, aromatics, and herbs used in Indian cuisine, such as garlic and onion, can be toxic to cats, so it’s important to avoid feeding them any dishes that contain these ingredients. Additionally, cats are not able to digest lactose properly, so dishes containing dairy products can also be harmful.

Can Cats Eat Korma?

Some people believe that korma is a safer dish for cats to eat, while others think that it may not be the best option for their diet. Korma is a dish made with meat or vegetables cooked in a spiced yogurt sauce. It is typically served with rice or naan bread. Korma is a fairly mild dish, but it does contain some spices that may be harmful to your kitty.

There are also some ingredients in a korma, such as onions and garlic, that can be toxic to cats. Korma is also high in dairy which is not ideal for felines. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving korma to cats.

Korma
Image Credit: Pixabay

Can My Cat Eat Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is a dish originating from the Indian subcontinent made from chicken that has been cooked in a butter and tomato sauce. It is often served with naan bread, rice, roti, and raita. It is not inherently dangerous for cats to eat butter chicken, but it is not typically a recommended food item for felines due to its high fat and high-calorie content.

The sauce in butter chicken can also be high in sodium, which can be harmful to cats if eaten in large quantities. While butter chicken may be considered a safer dish for cats to eat than some other curries, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked properly and that the dish does not contain too much spice, nor any garlic and onions.

Can Cats Eat Chicken with Spices?

While it is generally safe for cats to eat chicken, adding spices to the dish may not be a good idea. Some spices, like garlic and onion, can be harmful to cats if ingested in large quantities. So, while it’s probably fine to add a little salt or pepper to your chicken dish, avoid using any herbs or spices that could potentially make your cat sick. Cinnamon and ginger, are generally safe. If you are unsure whether a particular spice is safe for your cat, it is best to avoid giving them any chicken that has been spiced up.

Spices
Image Credit: Pixabay

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Does Spicy Food Affect Cats?

The jury is still out on whether or not spicy food affects cats. Some people swear by the theory that feeding your cat spicy food can make them urinate more and help with hairballs, while others believe that it can give them tummy issues. There has been no scientific study conducted on the matter, so it is difficult to say for certain what the effects of spicy food are on cats.

However, it is generally accepted that cats are more sensitive to spices than humans and can experience negative side effects, such as digestive problems, from consuming them. In some cases, flavorings such as garlic and onions are potentially toxic to cats.

Therefore, it is generally advisable to avoid giving your cat spicy food.

Is Chili Toxic to Cats?

The effects of chili ingestion can vary depending on the cat’s individual tolerance and susceptibility. Although it is generally not considered toxic to cats, chili ingestion can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, more serious complications may occur. Therefore, if you suspect your cat has ingested chili, it is best to contact your veterinarian for advice.

chili peppers
Image Credit: Pixabay

What Spices Can Cats Not Eat?

Some spices are harmful to cats and can potentially cause serious health problems. The most common spices that are toxic to cats include garlic, onion, and chives. These spices can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases may lead to liver damage. These spices can be harmful to cats because they contain compounds that can damage their red blood cells. Most people include chili peppers in the list of foods harmful to cats, as many cats will have digestive issues with spicy food.

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Can Cats Eat Human Food?

This depends on the specific food in question. Some human foods are safe for cats to eat, while others can be dangerous. For example, most cats can eat cooked meat and fish, but should not eat cured meats because they can contain harmful amounts of sodium. Additionally, cats should not consume dairy products, as they can cause intestinal upset. Processed or junk foods contain too much sugar, salt, and fat for cats and can cause digestive problems, and if eaten long-term, some serious health issues.

What Should I Feed My Cat?

Cats have different dietary needs, but in general, cats should eat a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they require animal-based protein to survive. A diet that is high in carbohydrates can lead to health problems for cats, such as obesity and diabetes.

There are many opinions on what cats should eat, but the majority of cat experts believe that a diet that is based on wet and dry food is the best way to ensure that your cat is getting all the nutrients they need. Wet food is generally seen as more nutrient-rich, while dry food helps to keep your cat’s teeth healthy. You can also give your cat small amounts of human food, but it’s important to avoid giving them anything high in salt or sugar.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, cats can eat curry, but it is not necessarily healthy for them. Some cats may have a sensitivity to spices, which could cause them to become ill. Some cats may have a reaction to spicy food, which may lead them to develop diarrhea or an upset stomach.

If your cat enjoys eating curry, be sure to monitor their health x and discontinue the dish if they experience any negative side effects. Animal-based protein in the form of dry or wet food is the best diet for your cat. Before giving your cat any new type of food, it is important to speak with your veterinarian.

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About the Author

Christian Adams
Christian Adams
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.

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