Yes, cats can eat potatoes, but only if they are cooked and plain. Raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to cats. You must peel the potato and cook it thoroughly (baked, boiled, or mashed) without adding salt, butter, oil, or seasonings like garlic and onion, which are harmful to pets. Potatoes offer little nutritional value to cats, so they should only be given as an occasional treat.
Summary Table: Are Potatoes Safe for Cats?
| Potato Type | Safe? | Why or Why Not? |
| Cooked White Potato | Yes (in moderation) | Safe if plain, peeled, and fully cooked. |
| Raw Potato | NO | Contains solanine, which is toxic to cats. |
| Sweet Potato | Yes (in moderation) | Safe if cooked and plain, but high in sugar. |
| Green Potato / Potato Skins | NO | Highest concentration of solanine. Very dangerous. |
| French Fries / Chips | NO | Too much fat, salt, and artificial seasoning. |
| Mashed Potatoes (with butter) | No | Dairy and fats can cause stomach upset. |
Can Cats Have Potatoes? Detailed Breakdown
As a cat owner, you might wonder if it is safe to share your dinner with your feline friend. While cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat to survive, they can occasionally eat certain vegetables.
Here is everything you need to know about feeding potatoes to cats.
Read Also: Can Cats Eat Tomatoes?
The Danger of Raw Potatoes
You should never feed a cat raw potatoes.
Raw potatoes, specifically plants in the nightshade family, like Solanum tuberosum, contain a glycoalkaloid defense mechanism called solanine. Solanine is poisonous to cats (and humans in large amounts).
- Toxicity: Solanine interferes with nerve transmission and damages cell membranes.
- Where is it found? It is most concentrated in the green skin of the potato and the eyes (sprouts).
- Cooking: Cooking the potato breaks down the solanine, making it safe to eat.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Potatoes?
Yes, cooked potatoes are generally safe for cats, provided you follow these strict rules:
- Peel them: Remove all skin and eyes before cooking.
- Cook thoroughly: Bake, boil, or steam them until soft.
- Keep it plain: Do not add butter, sour cream, cheese, salt, or pepper.
- No toxic spices: Never use garlic or onion powder. These ingredients destroy cat red blood cells and can be fatal.
Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are not part of the nightshade family, so they do not contain solanine. However, the rules for feeding them are similar.
- Cooked only: Raw sweet potato can cause severe digestive upset or intestinal blockage.
- Plain only: No marshmallow toppings or brown sugar.
- Small portions: Sweet potatoes are high in sugar and fiber. Too much can cause diarrhea or weight gain in cats.
Why You Should Avoid French Fries and Chips
Even though French fries and potato chips are “cooked,” they are not safe for cats.
- High Fat: The oil used for frying is difficult for cats to digest and can lead to pancreatitis.
- High Sodium: Salt poisoning is a real risk for small animals.
- Seasonings: Many chips use onion or garlic powder for flavor.
Nutritional Value: Do Cats Need Potatoes?
The short answer is no.
Cats obtain their energy from protein and fats, not carbohydrates. Their digestive systems are not designed to break down plant matter efficiently. While a small piece of potato won’t hurt them, it provides no essential nutrients that they aren’t already getting from their cat food.
Potatoes are empty calories for cats. Regular consumption can lead to:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Digestive issues
Read Also: Can Cats Eat Cucumber?
Signs of Solanine Poisoning in Cats
If your cat manages to eat raw potato peels or a green potato, watch for these symptoms of solanine toxicity. These usually appear within 2 to 24 hours:
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Drooling
- Slow heart rate
If you suspect your cat has eaten a raw potato, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Summary
- Cooked, peeled, plain potatoes are safe as a rare treat.
- Raw potatoes are toxic and must be avoided.
- Sweet potatoes are safe if cooked but are high in sugar.
- Always avoid garlic, onions, salt, and frying oils.
