Can Cats Eat Potatoes? Safety and Risks You Should Know

Cats are experts at showing up the moment food hits the table, and potatoes seem to grab their attention more than you’d expect. But can cats eat potatoes, or is this one of those human foods that looks harmless but hides a few surprises? 

Potatoes are one of the most popular foods in the world, eaten in more than 160 countries, and the average person consumes over 30 kilograms of them each year. So it’s no shock that many cat owners and parents end up wondering whether a curious nibble or even a full meal is safe for their felines. 

This article explores this simply, so you know exactly if potatoes are safe for cats, when potatoes are safe for your cat, when they’re not, and how to generally keep your cat healthy.

Can Cats Eat Potatoes, And Is It Safe?

Yes, Cats can eat potatoes only under very limited conditions. Potatoes must be fully cooked and peeled before being offered to a cat. 

If you want your cat to taste a potato, the portion should be extremely small. A bite-sized piece is enough. Potatoes should not be treated as a meal or a regular snack because they do not provide the nutrients cats need to stay healthy. In fact, some people categorise potatoes under the foods you should never give your cat.

Why Can Cats Eat Potatoes Sometimes but Not Always?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to run on animal protein, not starchy vegetables. What this means is that potatoes offer almost no meaningful nutrition for a cat. They are considered “empty calories”, so even when cooked correctly, they don’t support your cat’s muscle health, immune system, or energy needs. 

Now, because cats digest carbohydrates poorly, anything too starchy can trigger bloating, gassiness, or mild food sensitivity, especially in cats with undiagnosed digestive allergies. So, why risk what usually doesn’t add any nutrients to your cat’s diet? 

Another reason potatoes are tricky is the presence of solanine. This natural compound is found in raw potatoes, potato skins, and sprouting or green potatoes, and it can be toxic if eaten in the wrong form. Solanine poisoning is rare, but when it happens, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, or confusion, which may require urgent veterinary care.

Even when the potato is cooked plain and peeled, it should still be offered only as a tiny bite. A half-inch cube is more than enough because potatoes don’t contain essential amino acids like taurine, and replacing too much of your cat’s diet with non-protein foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. Cats with diabetes, pancreatitis, severe diseases or weight-related conditions should avoid potatoes altogether.

How Can Cats Eat Potatoes Safely?

• Serve Plain Potatoes: Raw potatoes and skins contain solanine, which is toxic for cats, so the safest option is a fully cooked piece with everything removed. Make sure it is cooked, peeled, and completely plain. Even then, keep the portion tiny, about the size of a half-inch cube.
• Avoid Seasonings: Many seasonings commonly used on potatoes, like salt, gravy, garlic and onion powder, are toxic to cats. Butter and oils add unnecessary fat, which can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea, or even coughing if your cat starts gagging on greasy residue.
• Watch Your Cat Closely After Their First Taste: Some cats experience digestive sensitivity when trying new foods. Signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, excess gas, or coughing after swallowing may indicate irritation or a mild allergic reaction. If you notice anything unusual, skip potatoes altogether.
• Serve Cats Potatoes Occasionally: Potatoes should never become part of your cat’s daily diet. Too much starch can cause weight gain, worsen diabetes, and stress the pancreas. This is strictly a once-in-a-while nibble, not a weekly treat.

Which Potato Types Are Unsafe for Cats?

1. Raw Potatoes: Raw potatoes contain solanine, a natural toxin that cats cannot safely process. A small bite of raw potato or a green spot can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, or neurological signs in severe cases. Always keep raw potatoes and peels completely out of reach.
2. Fries and Chips: Anything fried is too salty, too oily, and far too fatty for a cat’s digestive system. These foods can cause stomach upset, dehydration, or even trigger pancreatitis in sensitive cats. The crunchy texture of chips can also scrape the throat.
3. Potato Skins: Whether raw or cooked, potato skins still contain solanine and are never safe for cats. Even tiny amounts can irritate the stomach. If your cat eats any skin cooked, raw, roasted, or baked, it’s best to speak with your vet straight away.
4. Mashed Potatoes With Seasoning: Plain mashed potatoes in small amounts are safe, but most recipes include butter, cream, milk, or garlic seasoning, all of which can cause digestive issues. Garlic is toxic even in small quantities.

Alternative Foods to Feed Cats

If your cat shows interest in potatoes, there are many healthier and more natural alternatives you can offer instead.

1. Plain Cooked Chicken: Small pieces of cooked, unseasoned chicken are an excellent protein-rich treat for cats.
2. Plain Cooked Fish: Small portions of cooked, unseasoned fish, such as salmon or whitefish, provide healthy protein and omega-3s.
3. Cooked Turkey: Plain turkey, served without bones or seasoning, supports a cat’s natural dietary needs.
4. Plain Cooked Rice: Tiny portions of plain rice can be offered occasionally, especially when mixed into wet food.
5. Plain Cooked Pork: Fully cooked, unseasoned pork should be used sparingly, as it is naturally high in fat.
6. Simple Homemade Cat Meals: Ingredients such as shredded chicken, salmon flakes, or a small spoonful of cooked rice mixed into wet food make safe homemade options.

These choices support your cat’s carnivorous nature far better than starchy vegetables, and they help you spoil your feline friend in a way that’s both safe and satisfying. Remember, a well-fed cat is a happy cat!

Conclusion

So, can cats eat potatoes? Yes, potatoes can be safe in very tiny amounts when prepared plain and cooked properly. But because they offer little nutritional value and carry risks in certain forms, they should only ever be an occasional nibble, not a regular treat. When in doubt, skip the potatoes and stick to simple, protein-rich options that genuinely support your cat’s health and wellbeing.