Can Cats Eat Salami? Can They Have Even A Little Bite Of Salami?

It’s difficult to say no to salami’s indulgent flavor. What’s tougher, though, is saying no to a cat pleading to get a bite of that salami-loaded pizza.

Before giving in to your cat’s constant begging, you might ask yourself: Can cats eat salami? Is salami safe for cats?

Search for cat and salami, and you’ll find the post that caught all the cat lovers’ attention and the memes that followed later on.

Given all the Google search results saying that cats can have a little salami as a treat, it’s normal to think that they might be right.

However, as responsible cat owners, you know well enough that not all “people food” is safe for cats’ consumption. In fact, some of the “healthiest” human food is deadly to cats.

What about salami?

Our article is here to bust the memes and give you everything you need to know about salami and its effects on your cat’s health.

As your go-to website for all your cat food-related queries, Feline Living (an active community of kitten lovers) makes sure to fact-check all the info included here.

This way, you no longer have to waste your time doing another search in Google for a website or articles that talk about cats and salami.

Everything You Need To Know About Salami

Salami is a type of processed meat that originated in Italy. This sausage is often made of pork, but others make salami using various meats, including beef, turkey, venison, horse meat, goose, and donkey meat.

Like other cured meats, salami has been treated to preserve it and give it its distinct taste. The minced meats, with the addition of spices, salt, and (at times) sugar and natural preservatives like saltpeter, are fermented or cured and then air-dried.

If you’re a fan of pepperoni pizza, you’re probably wondering if pepperoni is a type of salami. The answer is Yes. A mix of cured pork and beef, chili peppers, or paprika is added to the jumble to give it its slightly smoky flavor.

Other popular varieties of salami include the red wine- and garlic-infused Genoa, the dry and firm European pork and beef blend hard salami, the smoky Spanish Chorizo, and the heavily-flavored, slightly-chewy Italian Soppressata.

Can Cats Eats Salami?

A fusion of meat, spices, and natural preservatives, salami is high in fat, sodium, calories, and nitrates. It may be a tasty treat, but the truth stays that this is not among the healthiest meat choices for humans.

Given that this isn’t as healthy as other meats, is it okay for cats to eat salami? The short answer here is Yes, but in small amounts.

For us, humans, including salami in our diet is A-OK as long as it is done in moderation. The same goes for your feline friends.

Feeding your cat salami (or any other deli meats for that matter) will not hurt your cat as long as it is given in moderation and NOT included as a staple in their regular diet.

So, yes. The post and the memes are true. Your cat can indeed have a little salami as a snack.

If (like in a lot of YouTube videos) your cat can’t help but get their paws on your pepperoni pizza while showing you their googly eyes, you can now share a piece of salami topping without feeling guilty.

Pros Of Feeding Cats Salami

While salami isn’t the type of food that can replace your cat’s regular food, it’s okay for cats to eat salami as an occasional snack.

It may not be as heart-healthy as other meat products, but your carnivorous cat can still reap a few benefits from it.

Here are three benefits your cat can get from eating a small amount of lean deli meat like salami:

High Protein And Fat Content. A hundred grams of salami contains around 22.6 g of protein. Since cats are obligate carnivores, their need for protein is significantly great compared to our omnivore doggos.

Protein is essential for cats’ organs and tissues to function properly. Fats, on the other hand, are also needed by cats to achieve optimal health.

Excellent Source Of B Vitamins. Yes, this delicacy also contains essential nutrients like B vitamins. B12, for instance, is necessary for your cat’s cognitive health. It also boosts their immune system and aids their digestion.

Contains Probiotics. Probiotics, aka “friendly bacteria,” are often produced through fermentation. If your salami is cured using traditional methods, you can expect this to contain probiotics that will support your feline companion’s gut health.

Potential Risks Of Giving Salami To Your Cat

It’s good to know that your cat can actually reap some good things from eating a little salami. However, it’s a different story once you know all the possible short- and long-term health issues. 

As you know by now, this cured sausage isn’t really hearty. Here are the things you ought to consider before including salami in your cat’s diet.

High Sodium Content

Although PetMD confirms that high salt intake in cats does not really cause an increase in blood pressure or elevate the risk of getting kidney disease, Pet Poison Helpline states that too much salt can be toxic. 

Since the effects of letting your furry friend eat food with high salt content are still uncertain, it’s best to feed this in small amounts just to be safe.

If your cat already has kidney problems, it’s more likely for your vet to recommend giving your cat a diet with low amounts of salt.

Salmonella Poisoning

You’ll find salmonella in various foods, including processed meats. While salmonella poisoning rarely happens in cats, it is still something you ought to consider, especially if you have a kitten and expecting cats.

Kittens with their underdeveloped immune system and pregnant cats are both susceptible to diseases such as salmonella poisoning.

Toxic Ingredients

As mentioned previously, some varieties of salami contain seasonings to enhance its flavor. This includes garlic, onion, chili pepper, peppercorn, and other herbs. 

Garlic and onion are toxic to cats. According to AnimalPath, ingesting a sprinkle of garlic may be fine, but the presence of a clove of garlic can already poison your cat and destroy its red blood cells. Onions have the same effects. Both can lead to anemia, organ failure, and even death.

Our Final Thoughts

If your menu includes salami, your cats can have some as long as it is made without garlic or other harmful ingredients. By some, we mean just a tiny amount.  

Again, salami is not the kind of food you’d want to include in your cat’s diet regularly. If you wish to reward them for their good behavior, you’re better off giving them vet-approved cat treats.