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 Horseradish? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

Written by: Patricia Dickson

Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Can Cats Eat Horseradish

Can Cats Eat Horseradish? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

VET APPROVED

Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg DVM Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

While we pet parents may want to let our cats eat everything that we do, it’s just not feasible or even safe for our feline friends. So, when it comes to whether we should allow cats to eat horseradish, the answer is ideally not.

Horseradish comes from the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbage and broccoli, among other vegetables. While we humans may benefit from eating these plants, despite not being toxic, horseradish isn’t the best snack option for your cat.

3 cat face divider

Is Horseradish Toxic to Cats?

The short answer is that horseradish isn’t necessarily toxic to your cat, but it’s not good for them either. The ASPCA doesn’t list this in its list of known toxins as poisonous to cats, but it can make them sick, and it also makes their breath smell horrible.

cat eating food
Image Credit by: Seattle Cat Photo, Shutterstock

What Are the Signs of Horseradish Ingestion?

If your pet gets into some of the horseradish in your kitchen, there will be a few clinical signs for you to watch out for at home.

  • Excessive drooling
  • Foul breath
  • Stomach upset
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Irritation of the mouth and throat

These are the signs that your cat might exhibit if they managed to sneak a bit of your roast beef sandwich with horseradish sauce on it. While not toxic to your furry friend, you need to keep an eye on the cat should you notice any of the aforementioned problems, and if they get worse with time, make an appointment with your vet to be on the safe side.

💛 😺 Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
PangoVet

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Can Horseradish Kill Your Cat?

While the ASPCA doesn’t list horseradish on its poisons list for cats, some experts say that the plant and leaves are toxic to cats. Given the lack of consensus and known anecdotes of cats developing issues post-horseradish ingestion, even if it won’t kill your cat, it is best to err on the side of caution and prevent your pet from eating it.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Horseradish

As any pet parent would be, you’re probably concerned about what to do if your cat eats the horseradish in your kitchen.

The best thing to do is keep a close eye on your cat. Some mild signs that could occur are sneezing, itchiness, and hives if your cat happens to be allergic to the horseradish. If they have difficulty breathing, it’s imperative that you get your cat to a vet right away.

cat examined by Vets
Image Credit: Kzenon, Shutterstock

What Should a Cat’s Typical Diet Be?

The first thing you need to know about your cat is that they’re a carnivore. Cats are hunters, and they need meat in the form of protein in their diets to be healthy, happy, and loving.

It is harder for cats to digest anything that isn’t meat, including vegetables, fruits, and of course, horseradish. While humans benefit from eating horseradish, those same benefits don’t necessarily apply to our cats.

It’s best to feed your domesticated cat a diet rich in protein in the form of commercial food that contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals the cat needs to be healthy. Horseradish is nowhere in those ingredients.

cat eating food at home
Image Credit by: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

yarn ball divider

Final Thoughts

While horseradish won’t kill your cat and is not considered to be toxic by some experts, it’s best just to keep the horseradish away from your cat to be extra safe!

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?

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.

PangoVet Image Speak With A Vet Online

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.