Can Cats Eat Chorizo? What You Need to Know

If you’re reading this, you’re probably worried about your cat’s tummy being upset after eating something unusual. This article was carefully written to meet the specific situation of a cat eating a small amount of chorizo, offering expert guidance on how to treat their digestive problems. 

We understand your cat’s health is crucial, and we’re here to help you through this stressful circumstance. We’re here to help your beloved pet recover quickly and stay healthy and happy.

What Is Chorizo?

Chorizo is a spicy sausage that is known for having a lot of flavor. It’s usually made with pork, but you can also get versions with chicken or beef. Chorizo is from Spain and Portugal, but it is also popular in many European and Latin American dishes. 

It is bright red color and intense flavor comes from the spices used to season it, such as paprika and garlic, which give it a smoky and spicy flavor. There are two main types of chorizo: cured and fresh. 

The cured variety has been air-dried and is ready to eat, while the fresh variety needs to be cooked first. This spicy sausage is a mainstay in many traditional dishes, such as stews, paellas, and tapas.

Here is a rough idea of how much of each ingredient is usually in 100 grams of chorizo:

Component	Approximate Percentage in 100g Chorizo
Meat	70-85%
Fat	15-25%
Seasonings	5-10% (including spices, salt, and other flavorings)
Other	Varies (vinegar, sugar, and other minor ingredients)

Is Chorizo Safe for Cats?

Unfortunately, chorizo is not safe for cats to eat. Chorizo is a cured and smoked pork sausage that is known for having a lot of fat and salt. 

Also, chorizo from the store usually has onions, garlic, and spices in it, all of which are bad for cats. When cats eat chorizo, it can cause a lot of health problems, like stomach problems, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe problems. Because of this, you should avoid giving chorizo to your cat because it is very bad for their health.

The Risks of Feeding Chorizo to Cats

1. Chorizo Contains Paprika

A key ingredient in chorizo is paprika, which gives it its deep orange-red color. Food tastes unique with paprika, but cats may not like it.
Because cats have such keen senses of smell, paprika’s heat can irritate and damage their scent receptors, damaging their digestive system.
However, paprika can make cats sick or upset them, so don’t give them any.

2. Chorizo Is High In Salt 

Chorizo is cured with a lot of salt to remove moisture and prevent spoilage. The food is high in sodium, which cats shouldn’t eat. Even a little salt in food can make cats sick.
Salt can cause nausea, diarrhea, thirst, urination, balance loss, and appetite loss. Cats don’t need much sodium, so giving them chorizo can be harmful.

3. Chorizo Is High In Fats 

Chorizo is delicious because of its fat content. Chorizo is usually made with fatty pork and sometimes added fat. Chorizo has 25g of fat per 100g.
Fats are essential for cats, but too much can cause diabetes, pancreatitis, heart disease, obesity, and high cholesterol. Chorizo is high in fat, so it’s not a good diet for cats.

4. Chorizo Contains Garlic And Onions 

Some chorizo contains garlic and onions, which are bad for cats. Onion and garlic are Alliums, and even small amounts can be harmful. Garlic is five times more dangerous to cats than onions.
They can cause loose stools, stomach pain, facial rashes, and, in severe cases, red blood cell damage that can cause anemia, fatigue, and death. Take your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect garlic or onions.

5. Chorizos Contain Preservatives 

For preservation, chorizos are often preserved with nitrites and nitrates. These chemicals prevent bacteria and pathogens from spoiling food. However, eating a lot of nitrates and nitrites increases cancer risk.
Cats exposed to these preservatives may have tremors, weakness, lack of coordination, breathing problems, drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, and trouble breathing.

Spanish vs. Mexican Chorizo

It is essential to be aware that chorizo can come in a variety of flavors and textures. The swine that is used to make Mexican chorizo must be cooked after it has been ground, in contrast to the raw and excessively salted form of Spanish chorizo. 

Even though the latter may appear to be a more secure choice, it still includes spices and, more significantly, garlic powder, both of which are harmful to cats.

Understanding a Cat’s Diet

It’s important to know what your cat needs to eat before you think about giving them human food as treats. Felines must eat mostly animal-based foods, with at least 70% of their diet coming from meat. This is called being an “obligate carnivore.” Plant matter is hard for them to digest, and high-quality commercial cat food is the best way to meet their nutritional needs.

Good cat food is made to give cats a healthy, balanced diet by adding just the right amount of fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. 

The corn in cat food has been changed so that cats can digest it. Even though small treats are okay once in a while, it’s essential to make their main diet a priority.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Ate Chorizo?

When you realize your cat has eaten chorizo and is freaking out, it’s essential to stay calm and figure out what’s going on. 

Talk to your vet about what to do next and let them know how much your cat has eaten. If your cat doesn’t need medical help right away, keep a close eye on it for one to two days. If you have loose stools, feel sick, are tired, or lose your appetite, these could be signs. If any of these signs show up, you should take your pet to the vet right away.

Safer Alternatives

Before you give your cat chorizo, here are some other tasty and safe treats you could give them instead:

• Plain, Cooked Chicken: 

Plain-cooked chicken, without any seasonings or bones, can be a good source of protein for cats.

• Turkey: 

Cats can eat plain cooked turkey, which is a lean source of protein like chicken.

• Fish: 

Cats that like fish can have treats like cooked salmon or tuna in water (not oil) from the can, but fish shouldn’t be their primary food source because it could contain toxins.

• Commercial Cat Treats: 

Pet stores sell a lot of treats for cats that are made to meet their nutritional needs.

• Freeze-Dried Meats: 

Freeze-dried meat treats are easy for you to give to your cat and are suitable for them.

• Homemade Cat-Friendly Treats: 

If you like to cook, look for recipes that use cooked chicken, turkey, or small amounts of cooked vegetables like pumpkin or carrots that are safe for cats. Please make sure the recipes are safe for cats and don’t have any ingredients that could hurt them.

Final Words

Chorizo shouldn’t be a treat for your cat. If your cat eats some chorizo, especially if it has a lot of garlic or onions, you should take them to the vet right away. Even if the chorizo doesn’t have these bad things in it, you should still watch out for stomach problems in your cat for the next 24 hours.

If you need more clarification about what your cat should eat, you should always talk to your vet. You can get advice from them on what food and treats are best for your cat. Some cats might be interested in chorizo, but it’s more important to put their health and happiness first by giving them a diet that fits their needs.

Remember that the health and safety of your cat should always come first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay for cats to eat sausages? 

Sausage should only be fed to cats occasionally. Although a tiny piece is unlikely to damage cats, sausages are high in salt and fat, which can cause digestive difficulties, pancreatitis, and obesity. Sausage may also contain cat-harming spices or flavorings. Instead of sausages, give your pet cat-friendly goodies.

What meat can cats not eat? 

Raw or rotten meat might carry hazardous microorganisms, so cats should avoid it. They should also prevent poisonous meat with onions, garlic, and salt. High sodium and preservatives make deli and processed meats hazardous. Finally, fish and poultry bones can splinter and choke.

What kind of meat can cats eat? 

Being obligate carnivores, cats can consume chicken, turkey, steak, and fish. They should be cooked without seasonings. Make sure the meat is boneless and safe. Safe and balanced commercial cat food is designed to supply cats with the nutrients they need.

Can cats eat scrambled eggs? 

Cats can moderately eat scrambled eggs. When cooked properly, eggs provide protein and are healthy for cats. Scrambled eggs should not have salt, butter, or oil. Scrambled eggs should be a treat for your cat, not a main meal.