Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Cats Eat Bologna? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Can Cats Eat Bologna

You may not be able to make a bologna sandwich without your cat meowing at your feet, begging for some. Bologna has a strong scent that some cats find irresistible. Since bologna is made from meat, it might seem fine to offer your carnivorous kitty a taste.

But bologna is not a healthy food option for cats. Even though it’s a meat product, it contains ingredients that your cat should not eat. This doesn’t mean bologna is toxic to cats, but it does mean that eating too much of it can lead to health problems.

Eating a small piece of bologna occasionally may not cause any issues for your cat, but read on to learn more about why this meat shouldn’t be a regular treat.

divider 1 paws

Risky Bologna Ingredients

If you’ve been routinely sharing your bologna sandwich with your cat up until now, there’s no need to worry. It’s not poisonous to your cat, but it’s not the healthiest snack for them either. The ingredients in bologna are what make this meat so tasty, but they can pose health risks to your cat.

Cats are obligate carnivores and were designed to digest meat. Their digestive systems work well to process simple, lean meats. Bologna is usually made from pork and seasonings but may be a mix of beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. By themselves, these ingredients won’t harm your cat, unless they are allergic to one of these proteins. But the cuts of meat that are used can be extremely fatty. Too much fat is not healthy for your cat to eat, as they thrive best on a moderate amount of fat. The ingredients will differ depending on the brand and flavor of bologna that you purchase.

However, most bolognas include:

  • Fat
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Garlic
bologna slices
Image By: seiki14, Shutterstock

1. Fat

Fattier portions of meat are processed and used for bologna. While some fat is good for your cat, they can get the amount that they need from their regular food. Too much fat in your cat’s diet can cause obesity if the extra calories go unused.

Obese cats may have a higher risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. They may also develop fatty liver disease if they stop eating for a few days due to illness. Fatty liver disease is life-threatening.


2. Salt

Too much salt in a cat’s diet can lead to salt poisoning. Excessive amounts of salt are toxic to cats. Bologna has large amounts of salt in it. While a small piece of it won’t hurt your cat, problems can occur if your cat eats bologna regularly or eats a large portion of it at a time.

Signs of salt poisoning include vomiting, excessive thirst, diarrhea, incoordination, and lethargy. In extreme cases, salt poisoning can cause kidney damage and lead to death.


3. Sugar

Sugar in bologna can be in the form of corn syrup. Sugar isn’t toxic to cats, but their digestive systems weren’t made to process a lot of it. A natural diet for cats would consist of very small amounts of carbohydrates. Any unused calories from sugar will be stored as fat and cause weight gain. While it’s safe for your cat to have sugar occasionally, they shouldn’t eat it often. This should be a rare occurrence to avoid potential health problems. They also have no taste receptors for sweet items.


4. Garlic

Garlic can be found in some bologna. In all forms — powdered, crushed, dried, raw, cooked, etc. — garlic is toxic to cats and they should not eat it. Garlic powder is more toxic than fresh garlic because its condensed form makes it more potent.

Garlic contains the oxidant n-propyl disulfide. Cats are more sensitive to this oxidant than humans are, and it causes oxidative damage to red blood cells. This leads to hemolysis, the destruction of the red blood cells by the body, which in turn leads to anemia.

Pale gums, lethargy, weakness, and fatigue are signs of anemia; blood in the urine and gastrointestinal problems can also be seen with garlic toxicity. If the condition is severe enough, a blood transfusion will be necessary to save the cat’s life. Anemic cats may need a lot of veterinary treatment for recovery.

cooked bologna on a plate
Image By: Mayu S, Shutterstock

divider single cat paw oct 2024

How Much Bologna Can a Cat Eat?

If you can avoid giving your cat any bologna, this is the safest option. If you must give them some, stick to as little and as few pieces as possible. They should not be given a full slice of bologna to eat.

Cut up small pieces about the size of your fingertip, and give them to your cat if you can’t refuse them, but remember that this is not healthy food for them. One or two bites likely won’t do any harm, as long as this isn’t done every day.

If you’re training your cat to do something new, small pieces of lean meat such as chicken or beef can be offered as an incentive instead of bologna.

Can Cats Eat Other Lunch Meats?

Deli meat is usually loaded with salt, which is unhealthy for cats. Turkey or chicken breast and lean ham or roast beef are healthier than bologna but should still only be offered to your cat in moderation. These meats can be used for training or disguising short-term medication.

silver tabby cat eating in ceramic bowl
Image Credit: Laura Chouette, Unsplash

divider 1 paws

Conclusion

Cats shouldn’t eat bologna regularly, though a few pieces likely won’t harm them. Bologna is filled with ingredients that aren’t healthy for cats, like salt, fat, garlic, and sugar. Too much of these ingredients may lead to health problems.

If you are going to offer bologna to your cat, give them small pieces on rare occasions. Bologna should not be given to your cat often or for long periods. Healthier meats like chicken and turkey are better options. Deli meat should be given to your cat rarely or as a special treat.


Featured Image Credit: HandmadePictures, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Cats Eat Crackers? Vet-Verified Facts & Safe Alternatives

Our feline friends expend so much of their energy during the day playing or hunting down food. The more active their bodies get,...

Can Cats Eat Crackers

Can Cats Eat Corned Beef? Vet Approved Risks & Nutritional Information

Cold corned beef and boiled cabbage may be a St. Patrick’s Day staple for many Americans, but unfortunately, this dish is another human...

Can Cats Eat Corned Beef

Can Cats Eat Pancakes? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts & Health Advice

If you have a family tradition of eating pancakes for breakfast on a Saturday morning, you might feel bad for excluding your cat....

Can Cats Eat Pancakes

Can Cats Eat Vanilla Pudding? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats are independent creatures, but they rely on us humans to take care of their nutritional needs. Commercial cat food is the easiest...

Catster_Can Cats Eat Vanilla Pudding_v1_Dec 4 2024

More related

Can Cats Eat Crab

Can Cats Eat Crab? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

We’ve all been there. You go to crack open a can of crab to make some dip, or maybe whip up some delicious...

Can Cats Eat Prosciutto

Can Cats Eat Prosciutto? Vet-Approved Nutritional Advice & FAQ

One might not think cats would be beggars like dogs when it comes to our food, but they can be! If your cat...

Can Cats Eat Pecan Pie

Can Cats Eat Pecan Pie? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Pecan Pie is a delicious dessert traditionally served in the United States during the winter and fall. It is mouth-wateringly sweet and contains...

Can Cats Eat Pesto

Can Cats Eat Pesto? Vet-Approved Risks & Safe Alternatives

Pesto is a household staple used in various foods, such as salad dressing, pizza, and chicken—the possibilities are limitless! If you’re a cat...

Keep reading

11 Best Poultry-Free Cat Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats are carnivores and need protein in their diet to be healthy and active. Chicken is an abundant ingredient in all types of cat foods, but turkey is also a popular option. While these proteins are healthy for the average...

cat eating chicken dinner

How Do I Choose the Right Toys for My Cat? Vet-Approved Tips & Guide

When you have a cat, you already know how important it is to make sure they have something to do. This is particularly true of purely indoor cats. Cats have a natural instinct to stalk and hunt prey, so without...

Young happy woman choosing toys for pets in pet shop

Will Stress Cause a Cat To Lose Their Hair? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Several problems, conditions, and situations can cause a cat to lose its hair. One of those conditions is something we humans regularly face, stress. Yes, stress can cause your cat to lose its hair, a condition called psychogenic alopecia. If...

cat losing hair

Maine Coon Hip Dysplasia: Why Is It So Common? Our Vet Answers

Your Maine Coon is a loveable giant of a cat, but you’ve noticed that they seem to favor a hind leg when they’re walking or jumping. You’ll want to consult a veterinarian because it could be hip dysplasia. Let’s take...

maine coon cat at the vet with owner

Why Do Cats Hide Their Toys? Funny Feline Behavior

If you’re around cats long enough, you come to find that they thoroughly enjoy hiding things. Whether it’s their favorite toys, a treat, or even your car keys, if they like it, they want to keep it for themselves. It’s...

cat with toy on the cat house

Hand Sanitizer & Cats: Vet-Reviewed Safety Tips & How to Use It Around Your Pets

In the wake of heightened health awareness, hand sanitizers have become a staple in households worldwide. While they offer a convenient way to eliminate germs from our hands, pet owners, particularly cat owners, face a unique set of challenges. Keep...

Woman Applying Hand Sanitizer

Do Cats Get Seasick? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Info

Everyone gets a little uneasy sometimes when their body is being tossed this way and that. Some animals get motion sickness far easier than others. If you’re wondering if cats get seasick, or motion sick, the answer is they absolutely...

tabby cat lying on the boat

Why Does My Cat Sit By the Door? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons

To many cat owners, it may seem as if their beloved kitties intentionally and precisely plan their actions to confuse us! Many of our cats’ behaviors are obvious and easily understood, but there are still more that we may never...

cat-meowing-or-trilling-by-the-door