Can Cats Eat Soy Sauce and What Should You Do If Your Cat Ate Soy Sauce?

I’m not sure if this only happens in my house, but my kids have to share their meals with our cat. On this particular day, I’d warned my son not to give our cat any meat since it had soy sauce.

Needless to say, he still gave our cat some! This didn’t go well as our kitto developed diarrhea. It was quite a fiasco and we rushed him to the vet.

After all that, I decided to write a blogpost addressing cats and soy sauce. Can cats eat soy sauce? Is it safe for them? Read on to find out.

Can cats eat soy sauce?

Yes, cats can eat soy sauce in small amounts. However, it is never a good idea to intentionally feed your cat soy. So keep the sauce away from your kitto to avoid any health issues.

Is soy sauce bad for cats?

Soy sauce is bad for cats. It should not be given to them in large quantities or on a daily basis. The sauce comprises very few nutrients as compared to your feline’s actual requirement and can be poisonous in small amounts.

Excessive intake of sodium can leave your cat dehydrated and, in extreme cases, can lead to seizures, tremors, and even death. Small amounts of soy sauce given only as treats wouldn’t do any harm, but if the moderation key is not retained by owners, then your cat may fall into a coma and eventually die too.

Negative effects of cats feeding on soy sauce

1. Nausea

Soy sauce can be harmful to cats if they consume too much of it. The histamine and tyramine content in soy can cause nausea, vomiting, and other harmful effects. Cats should only consume a small amount, if any at all.

2. Tiredness

Soy sauce can be harmful to cats if they consume too much of it. The salt content can cause salt poisoning, which can lead to lethargy and tiredness. In addition, the sauce can also cause digestive problems, which can make your cat tired from the discomfort.

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common sign that something is wrong with your kitto’s tummy. I did observe my cat experiencing diarrhea after consuming soy.

Try to get your cat to drink more water to avoid dehydration. If left untreated, soy sauce poisoning can lead to organ failure and coma in cats.

4. Excessive thirst

The high salt content in soy can make your kitto thirsty. Remember how thirsty you become after feasting on some bacon or potato crisps? It’s the same situation with your furry friend.

Now, your kitto may face dehydration with the soy intake. Cats have a low thirst drive, so they may not drink even when their body needs water. This can make the problem of dehydration worse.

5. Increased urination

Cats that consume soy sauce will drink more water and urinate frequently. This is due to the high salt content in soy sauce, which can cause poisoning in cats. Symptoms of poisoning include increased urination, thirst, and organ failure.

6. Seizures

If a cat consumes soy sauce, it can cause seizures. This is because fermented soybeans and wheat contain glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter. When too much glutamate is present in the brain, it can lead to seizures.

If you see your kitto has a seizure after consuming soy sauce, call your veterinarian or animal control immediately. In severe cases, the cat may need to be hospitalized for treatment.

7. Poor coordination

Soy sauce can influence cats’ motor and balance control. Poor coordination is a sign that soy sauce is affecting your cat’s body and should be monitored.

8. Coma

Cats can slip into a coma if they consume too much soy sauce. The sauce contains a lot of salt which can lead to renal and organ failure. Too much sodium in the cat’s diet can lead to renal failure, and in extreme cases, coma and death.

9. Reduced appetite

Cats that consume soy sauce may have a reduced appetite. The different flavors and colors of soy sauce can vary the taste and make it unappealing to some cats. Dark soy sauce is especially rich in flavor and darker in color, which may turn some cats off.

What health condition will cats have when fed excess soy sauce?

Cats can get sick from eating soy sauce due to its high salt content. Soy sauce is not good for cats and can lead to them feeling sick, dehydrated, or in extreme cases, salt poisoning.

A few drops of soy sauce once in a great while won’t hurt your cat. The only exception is if they are extremely sensitive to the wheat or soy in them. Even then, any discomfort should be temporary. Talk to your vet if you are unsure.

1. Liver damage

Cats can get sick from eating soy sauce regularly or in large quantities because it can cause liver damage. Liver damage is a condition in which the liver can’t do its job properly and can lead to death.

2. Hyperthyroidism

Cats can get hyperthyroidism from consuming too much soy sauce. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. This can lead to the cat feeling sick, dehydrated, or in extreme cases, salt poisoning.

How often should cats eat soy sauce?

Soy sauce is not something that should be given to cats frequently. While an occasional taste will not harm them, it is not something that should be a staple in their diet. Soy sauce can be harmful to cats if consumed too often.

Are some cats allergic to soy?

Cats can be allergic to soy. They may display symptoms such as itching, redness, excessive scratching, hair loss, and dermatitis. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it’s time for a visit to the vet. Your vet will be able to diagnose your cat’s allergy and recommend a course of treatment.

Can cats take low-sodium soy sauce?

No, cats should not take low sodium soy sauce. It is not recommended as it can still be harmful to their health. Low sodium soy sauce options typically contain 400-500 milligrams of salt. This is less than the 800-1,000 milligrams found in standard soy sauce.

Even though this means that your cat is less likely to be poisoned, it is still dangerous for them to consume.

Tamari sauce is also a gluten-free option for cats that cannot have wheat in their diet.

What if my cat ate soy sauce?

A small lick of soy sauce should not harm your kitto. They should only experience some discomfort that will go away with time. However, if cat frequently takes soy, then they may be at risk for health problems.

This includes lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ensure your cat has access to fresh water and monitor closely for any signs of illness. If you are concerned about your cat’s health, call your veterinarian for advice.

Can eating soy sauce kill my cat?

Eating soy sauce is unlikely to kill your cat, as long as it’s eaten in moderation. When eaten in excess, your kitty may develop fatal health issues.

Soy sauce is high in sodium and can be harmful to cats. The sauce can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats, as well as decrease their appetite and make them lethargic. Additionally, soy sauce can increase heart rate and blood pressure, cause seizures, and make muscles uncoordinated. Therefore, it is best to keep soy sauce away from your cat at all times.

FAQ

What is soy sauce made up of?

Soy sauce is a savory sauce made from soybeans, water, salt, and wheat. It is traditionally fermented with fungal cultures, which significantly reduces the production time. Fermented soy sauces have complex flavors which are missing in chemically produced sauces.

What happens if I give my kitten soy sauce?

Soy sauce is not safe for kittens to consume, as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. In some cases, it can also lead to dehydration. If your kitten ate soy, it’s important to monitor their symptoms and keep them hydrated. If they start to experience any health problems, an emergency vet visit should be made.

Can cats eat chicken with soy sauce?

Cats cannot eat chicken with soy sauce. Although chicken is safe for your kitto, Soy sauce is not and may lead to health problems.

The sodium content in soy sauce is too high for cats and can cause health problems such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and gastrointestinal distress.

In addition, soy sauce contains MSG (monosodium glutamate), which can be toxic to cats.

Can I give my cat fried rice with soy sauce?

Do not give your cat fried rice with soy sauce. Rice is not as harmful as soy sauce, but cats should only eat small amounts of it. There are many different types of cat food, and each has its own benefits. Feeding your cat the proper food is essential for their health and well-being.

Can cats eat soy sauce noodles?

Cats should not eat soy sauce noodles. Cats need a balanced diet that focuses on animal protein and has minimal carbohydrates and salt. A diet with soy sauce noodles will not provide the nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy and happy. Soy can also lead to harmful stomach problems.

Can cats eat oyster sauce?

Yes, cats can eat oyster sauce, but it is not a good idea. Oyster sauce is high in cholesterol and can lead to health problems in cats.

Can cats eat honey?

Yes, cats can technically eat honey without any harmful effects. However, most cats will have trouble digesting it and may feel sick after eating it. Honey is not an essential nutrient for cats, and they do not need it to survive.