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Can Cats Eat Kidney Beans?
Please read the risks below before offering any.
Are kidney beans safe for cats?
Kidney beans are a common bean, but raw and undercooked kidney beans contain a natural toxin called phytohaemagglutinin (a lectin). Raw or undercooked kidney beans contain a lectin that is toxic and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and cooked beans offer little to a meat-eating animal, so it is simplest to avoid them. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need kidney beans. If you offer them at all, treat them as a rare, tiny extra.
How to reduce the risks if you offer kidney beans
- Only offer kidney beans that have been fully cooked, plain, with no seasoning
- Never offer raw or undercooked kidney beans, or the soaking water
- Keep dry beans and bags of raw beans out of reach
What to avoid
- Raw or undercooked kidney beans, including a few undercooked beans in a slow-cooked dish
- Canned beans in sauce, which are often high in sodium or seasoned with onion or garlic
How many kidney beans can my cat have?
If you decide to offer kidney beans 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 kidney beans?
Because kidney beans need extra caution for adult cats, it is best to avoid them for kittens.
What if my cat ate too many kidney beans?
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 kidney beans be a regular part of my cat's diet?
No. We recommend not making kidney beans a regular part of your cat's diet.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Kidney Beans?