Mushrooms are nutrient packed food rich in amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. They also contain glutamate, which gives them that distinct flavor that cats find appealing. While mushrooms are healthy for humans, some varieties are poisonous for cats. In this guide, we answer the question, “Can cats eat mushrooms?”
Are Mushrooms Safe for Cats?
Plain, cooked mushrooms are safe for your cat. However, you must proceed with caution. When cooking them, don't add other ingredients like onions, garlic, or spices. These ingredients aren't safe for your cat's consumption.
To safely serve mushrooms, wash them thoroughly. Boil them in water without additional spices. Once they’re cooked, let them cool. Slice them into smaller sizes before serving. Avoid serving your cat with wild mushrooms. Also, don't serve them with mushrooms in pizza or mixed with other food. The safest mushrooms for your cat are the ones bought from the store.
Types of Mushrooms
Not all types of mushrooms are good for your cat. Some are poisonous and will result in health issues if consumed. A few varieties that are sometimes considered okay for your cat include Shiitake, Morel, Portobello, Porcini, Enoki, and White Button. However, you can only ever feed them to your pet after consulting with your veterinarian. Even these types of mushrooms can seriously harm your cat in case of some health issues. Having a vet’s consultation can be a matter of life and death for your pet, when it comes to their diet.
Poisonous mushrooms are often wild mushrooms. Examples include Death cap, Death angel, Funeral bell, Deadly webcap, Sickener, Autumn skullcap, Fly agaric, and Jackson's slender amanita.
Another type of wild, poisonous mushroom that has lethal effects is the most popular magic mushroom or psilocybin mushroom. The symptoms of ingesting this variety are tremors, seizures, nausea, disorientation, vocalization, and hallucinations.
If your cat roams and explores outdoors, they may come across the magic mushroom. If your cat loves going outdoors, restrict access to wild areas. If your cat eats magic mushrooms, take them to the vet immediately.
Health Benefits and Risks of Mushrooms for Cats
The health benefits of feeding your cat mushrooms include:
Amino Acids
Amino acids are good for your cat's brain, eye, and heart health.
Help with Inflammation
Some mushrooms have anti-inflammatory compounds that help with inflammation. They're good for cats with arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Cancer Treatment
Varieties like Reishi and Maitake contain properties that help fight cancer. If your cat has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, mushrooms will help protect the liver from the effects of chemotherapy.
Immune System
Mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, a soluble fiber that boosts immunity and helps fight infections. Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. Not all mushrooms are safe for cats, and some varieties can be highly toxic, even in small amounts. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food, including mushrooms, into your cat's diet. Feeding mushrooms to your cat without proper guidance can result in severe health issues and, in some cases, be life-threatening.
Cats and mushrooms aren't a bad pair so long as it's the safe variety. However, if your cat eats excess mushrooms, it will lead to gastrointestinal upset. Your cat will show signs like lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. While mushrooms have health benefits for your cat, the biggest threat comes with wild mushrooms. If your cat eats them, it will lead to liver and kidney failure.
Symptoms of Mushroom Toxicity in Cats
Poison in mushrooms will affect your cat with symptoms like drooling, sensitivity to sound and light, nausea, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and chronic vomiting.
Mushroom toxicity can also come from excessive consumption. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. When you see these signs, immediately take your cat to the vet. For poisonous mushrooms, the more you delay, the longer the poison stays in their systems and the more damage to their internal organs.
What Happens if My Cat Eats a Mushroom?
Some varieties of “cats mushrooms” are safe for your pet as long as they're not wild mushrooms. If your cat eats wild or magic mushrooms, immediately take them to the vet. Due to the poisonous nature of these mushrooms, taking them to the vet is a matter of life and death.
On the other hand, if your cat eats a slice or two of the safe variety, there's no cause for alarm. However, if they eat them in excess and show signs of gastrointestinal upset, consult your vet for professional guidance.
Alternative Healthy Treats for Cats
Mushrooms for cats aren't bad. However, there are other healthy alternative treats you can feed your cat like fruits and vegetables. Safe options include bananas, melon, carrots, peas, and pumpkin.
Can cats eat mushrooms? Yes, so long as it's the safe, store bought type. It should be cooked and served plain with no additional ingredients. Wild mushrooms should never be given to cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't cats eat mushrooms?
Cats shouldn't eat wild or magic mushrooms. These are poisonous for your cat.
