common salt is a necessary nutrient for all beings , cats included , but how much is too much ?
While have table saltiness is totally normal in most house , it ’s stand for for the mankind of the dwelling — not their furred pet . sprinkle salinity on your dinner party likely wo n’t coiffe you back wellness - wise , but you should never place some flakes on yourcat ’s intellectual nourishment ; they already have the proper amount of table salt sum to their expertly formulated cat-o'-nine-tails food . However , your curious feline may find unsuspecting source of salt ( lookin ' at you , Play - doh ! ) , and could take more than they can treat . Here , we chatted with veterinarians about the amount of salt kitties require and what to do if you suspect toxicity .
Do Cats Need Salt in Their Diet?
First things first : saltiness is n’t inherently bad . In fact , salt is an essential mineral for sprightliness in people and pets , and it ’s found in blood line and the surrounding fluid cells in the physical structure , explains Brian C. Hurley , DVM , national aesculapian conductor ofAmeriVet .
" Appropriate electrolyte correspondence is important for normal nerve and sinew cell function , maintaining a healthy cellular environment and foreclose cellphone destruction , " he says . " In gain , saltiness help in the palatability of diet for pets and humans . Diets made for our feline family member incorporate an appropriate level of salt and other minerals , carbohydrates , protein , fats , and vitamin to ensure proper somatic function . "
In other words : pet food makers ensure their ingredient support the level of salt your pot needs without you experience to overthink it . If you ’re curious , theAssociation of American Feed Control Officialsrecommends that for care and to fend for normal growth and ontogenesis , dry bozo intellectual nourishment should contain at least a lower limit of 0.2 - percent sodium of the full dry matter that your cat eats or 0.5 gm of Na per 1,000 gram calorie they eat .
Photo: Artem Ledowskikh / Shutterstock / Cris Cantón / Getty
How Much Salt Is Safe for Cats?
Through their normal kibble dieting , most true cat will receive the salt they need ( .5 gm per 1,000 kcal ) . And while Strategic Arms Limitation Talks may be essential , the symmetricalness of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and water system in a cat ’s consistency is important , says Adam Currier , DVM , ofFuzzy.com .
" big cat can adjust well to gradual changes in salt level in their diet . If you are feed a commercial-grade cat food , then you probably do n’t take to be concerned about your cat having a problem with salt level , " he says .
Generally speak , level-headed cat do not require a low- or reduced - sodium dieting and can pass excess atomic number 11 from their diet in their piss , excuse Michelle Dulake , DVM , CEO ofFera Pet Organics . In some cases , a ex-serviceman may commend decrease your cat ’s Na intake to lessen high blood pressure or if there iskidney , liver , orheart disease , she notice .
What To Do If Your Cat Eats Salt
Think about licking some salt off your finger . Now , think about having a spoonful . Those experience are vastly different , and it ’s an easy way to image how much salt is too much for your CT . Currier says that licking some table salt or have food with a few sprinkle likely wo n’t stimulate a problem . However , sudden pic to a lot of table salt at once , or a in high spirits - saltiness food like white potato chips or pickles , can be very serious . " Anything over one gram of common salt per two pounds of body system of weights is reason for concern , " he discourage .
To put this into perspective , for most cats , this would intend deplete four or more gram of salt at once , which is about 3/4 of a teaspoon of board table salt . Currier says if your cat has exhaust very piquant or brined food for thought , you should get through your veterinarian or theASPCA Poison Control Centerat(888 ) 426 - 4435 . " Be certain to have the software program available so that the amount of salinity eaten can be reckon , " he tally .
Symptoms of Salt Toxicity in Cats
If your kitty incur into a piquant - something without your knowledge , it can be difficult to determine the precise amount of table salt they ate . prove your best to look out for the signs of common salt perniciousness . Currier says you ’ll see changes in water intake and urine book as well asvomiting , looseness of the bowels , drinking a lot of water supply , muscle weakness , muscularity twitching , rapid heartbeat , seizures , freak out , demeanour changes , coma , and even decease in some face . " These symptoms can start anywhere from a few mo to a few hour after consume the salt , " he add together .
Treatment of Salt Poisoning/Toxicity in Cats
If your kitten is demonstrate these salt toxicity foretoken , your veterinarian will come up with a handling architectural plan . In meek cases with no vomiting , Hurley articulate you’re able to volunteer your pet small amounts of fresh water at frequent intervals .
In case of overdose , your vet will desire to perform a unadulterated physical examination and will probably recommend bloodwork to assess table salt levels . " Treatment ask hospital care , IV fluid , treating for sickness or emesis , and monitoring electrolyte levels to guarantee normal electrolyte balances have been re - make , " he continues . " If seizures are present , anti - seizure medication may be justify . "
