I know you’re lying if you say you don’t like pancakes. Everyone loves them, so it’s no surprise that our pets will be fond of this treat. However, can cats eat pancakes?
You’re hanging out with some friends when you see your cat’s whiskers colored with something dark brown. Is it chocolate?!
This immediately sends you into panic mode. You dread walking into the kitchen, only to find a crime scene on the countertop where you left your pancakes.
Even though it wasn’t easy to reach, your cunning little thief has got his paws dirty and managed to get a hold of them. You’re not worried about ending up without your dessert, but rather about ending up without your pet!
This is where the realization hits you and you start to wonder if cats can eat pancakes. Let’s find out and set your mind at ease.
Can cats eat pancakes?
You never had to worry about this question until your feline decided he was bored. I know, curiosity killed the cat and this saying suddenly echoes in your mind.
However, don’t panic just yet. Although it’s not recommended, your furkid may be in the safe zone. If he stole a pancake, it’s possible he will end up without any consequences.
However, there’s also a chance he’s eaten too many plain pancakes or a pancake with something he wasn’t supposed to.
Now, let’s see what the reason could be for the alarm. I’ll break down some of the main ingredients to you and you make a call on whether or not cats can eat pancakes.
Should you be concerned?
A love for pancakes is something else – it’s a unique kind of love. And that’s why it’s so hard to say no to our pets because we get to taste just how delicious they are.
Still, you should put your cat’s health first rather than his wishes. I know he can give you a hard time because I’ve been through this with my furry monster a million times.
If you’re not sure whether your pet has had a safe amount of pancakes, call your vet and describe the situation to them.
Now, let’s see some of the main ingredients found in these treats and whether or not you should be worried about your cat eating them.
1. Flour and eggs
Fortunately, flour is usually harmless to cats. However, it doesn’t contain any nutritional value for your furry friend, so it’s best to avoid it.
When it comes to eggs, they’re a great source of protein when cooked. If your pet happened to get a taste of raw eggs while you were whisking the ingredients for pancakes, then there could be some trouble.
Raw eggs can transfer salmonella, E. coli, and other diseases. Raw foods like sushi can get contaminated by these bacteria and cause stomach problems in your feline such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
When it comes to egg content in baked pancakes, however, it’s no big deal and not something you should worry about.
2. Dairy
You may not be prepared for this one, but brace yourself for what’s to come. Today we’re debunking the myth of cats and dairy products.
You know how cats’ favorite drink is milk? Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s not, simple as that. I know this may sound shocking and I was baffled at first, too.
Did you know that felines are lactose intolerant? Yep, you read right. They don’t have the needed enzymes to break down the lactose (sugar) found in dairy.
This can lead to some common symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, your pet could experience bloating and suffer from gassiness. And I know he won’t be the only one suffering!
3. What about sugar and salt?
It’s funny that these two counterparts are found in the same place at the same time, but it’s necessary to accomplish that deliciousness. We might be incapable of living without these two, but it’s a different story when it comes to cats.
Salt is harmful to felines in the long run and if in a large enough quantity (which isn’t much). It can be poisonous and your pet could be met with a series of symptoms. Some of these are vomiting, diarrhea, as well as excessive thirst and urination. In severe cases, sodium toxicity could cause tremors, seizures, and coma.
As for the sugar, it’s non-toxic to felines, but it’s not healthy either. In the longer term, sugar consumption is detrimental to your cat’s health. It may cause tooth decay.
High carb intake will also make him overweight. This wouldn’t be a problem if the condition wasn’t a possible foundation for developing diabetes and arthritis.
These are all underlying conditions that could easily be exacerbated if the earlier symptoms are left untreated.
What is the downside of cats eating pancakes?
Unfortunately, we all know that pancake treats should be limited. It’s because of all the carbs they contain and personally, this couldn’t make me any sadder.
They’re just hard to resist and that’s what makes them so dangerous! I’m not so sure your pet will be attracted to plain pancakes, but if you have a curious cat as I do, then don’t take the chance.
This calorie-dense food is bound to put some additional weight on your furbaby. Your chonky may look cute, but it can easily become a problem.
As we already stated, obese pets have a tendency to develop diabetes and arthritis. So, make sure you don’t encourage your cat to eat the pancakes all the time.
Can cats eat pancakes with toppings?
What is a pancake without a topping really? We’ve seen how plain pancakes affect cats but can cats eat pancakes with toppings?
I don’t think this is a good idea and I’m sure you know why. For example, the most famous ones are chocolate and maple syrup.
As you’ve probably heard, chocolate is extremely poisonous to felines because of a compound called theobromine. Felines can’t digest this easily and that’s why it creates a build-up of this compound in their stomach.
That’s when toxicity occurs and your cat may end up with severe consequences. Some common symptoms of chocolate toxicity might be noticeable within the hours of consumption, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
In severe cases, felines can experience seizures, tremors, coma, and even death. In short, make absolutely sure there’s no chocolate in his pancake.
Other popular pancake toppings include whipped cream, as well as other frostings. All of these draw your pet in because of the high-fat content, which isn’t good for him.
The majority of these fats are highly saturated fats, which raise cholesterol levels in the blood. This, in turn, can set the foundation for heart disease and stroke. While cats can technically eat pancakes with these, it won’t be without any consequences – both short and long-term.
Can cats eat maple syrup?
Maple syrup is one of the most famous additions to pancakes. It’s sweet, flows straight to the mouth and down the throat, and it’s actually quite a tradition.
Whenever you hear the word “pancakes,” you always picture them with generous helpings of maple syrup dripping down from the sides. However, will this sweet flavor make your cat drool?
Although maple syrup isn’t poisonous to felines, it’s not recommended either. It has little to no nutritional value for your pet, with only traces of vitamins and minerals.
This isn’t enough for it to be incorporated into your cat’s diet. However, if he had a bit of pancake with some maple syrup on it, don’t panic.
The only thing that can be harmful is sugar. As previously stated, if he continues to feast on it regularly, he’ll have to face some consequences later on.
Besides, I don’t think your furry friend will be attracted to this delicacy. Believe it or not, cats can’t pick up sweet flavors. They don’t have the right taste buds that would allow them to savor the sweetness.
Therefore, you’ll often hear cat owners say that their feline friends are sweet-blind. Given the bad effect sugar has on cats, we shouldn’t be sorry for them, but rather thankful.
Can cats eat vegan pancakes?
If you’re worried about the dairy content found in regular pancakes, you might be wondering if vegan pancakes would be a better option.
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you won’t be doing him any favors with this one. Just like tofu, vegan foods aren’t recommended on a carnivore’s menu.
Although they don’t contain milk and eggs, vegan pancakes don’t hold any nutritional value to cats. Your pet won’t be able to benefit from these treats because they’re devoid of any protein and other essential nutrients.
So, can cats eat vegan pancakes? Yes, but remember this isn’t something he should devour regularly. It’s best if you stick with his main, meat-based diet that will provide him with crucial health supplements.
In conclusion
All in all, cats can eat pancakes, but with certain limitations. They should serve only as an occasional snack and you shouldn’t really inspire him to indulge in them.
Although not poisonous, the dough is not good for him, especially the sweet one. Also, pancakes are a source of carbs and calories that can be detrimental to your feline’s health in the long run.
Overconsumption of these could lead to serious health conditions, which can be disastrous if left untreated. Other than that, pancakes are often in the company of toppings like chocolate and other flavors which can be highly toxic to felines.
Make sure you avoid these as they can only make your cat sick and raise your vet bills.
Last takeaway: Offer only small, bite-sized pieces of pancakes, and leave out the maple syrup and other toppings.
Related post: Can Cats Eat Nutella? Is This The Right Choice For Your Fella?
