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Can Cats Eat Hamburgers?
Please read the risks below before offering any.
Are hamburgers safe for cats?
A hamburger is a cooked beef patty served in a bun, usually with toppings such as cheese, lettuce, onion and sauces. A small taste of plain cooked beef will not hurt most cats, but the bun, cheese, salt and toppings are not suitable, and cats do not need a burger. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need hamburgers. If you offer them at all, treat them as a rare, tiny extra.
How to reduce the risks if you offer hamburgers
- Offer only a small piece of the plain cooked patty, with no seasoning
- Remove the bun, cheese, sauces and any toppings
- Check that there is no onion or garlic mixed into the patty
What to avoid
- Buns, cheese, ketchup and other sauces
- Onion and garlic, whether raw, cooked or in powder form
- Seasoned or fast-food patties, which are high in salt and fat
How many hamburgers can my cat have?
If you decide to offer hamburgers despite the cautions above, give just one tiny taste and check with your vet first, especially if your cat has any health condition. When in doubt, skip it.
Signs your cat may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your cat has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat hamburgers?
Because hamburgers need extra caution for adult cats, it is best to avoid them for kittens.
What if my cat ate too many hamburgers?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your cat ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
Should hamburgers be a regular part of my cat's diet?
No. We recommend not making hamburgers a regular part of your cat's diet.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Hamburgers?