Did you have this yeasty treat for your breakfast this morning and your feline friend ate some of it? Umm, can cats eat Marmite? We’ll find out very soon.
Whether there were some leftovers on the table after you’ve finished your meal, or you left the jar open, your fur baby decided to try Marmite. It could be that some of that dark spread stayed in a spoon you were using to spice up your cheese sandwich.
She saw you enjoying your toast, and of course, she’s going to try it. Can you blame her? I mean, as cat owners we know how they’re curious beings, so we’re used to her sniffing around and licking leftovers from time to time.
Even if it gives us a slight heart attack whenever they try something new, we’ve learned to survive. From that first time when she tried human food, to the moment when she can have some of it included in her diet – that’s how far we went.
Cats are generally attracted to strong smells, and well, this specific spread has a kind of meaty taste, so it’s appealing to our little feline friends. But is it safe for cats to eat Marmite in fact?
What is Marmite?
If Marmite is not something you’ve already heard about, let me quickly explain it to you. This dark food spread is made of inactive chemicals that can be found in some fungi and it is usually made from the yeasty paste that stays after brewing beer.
“Marmite” was founded in the UK back in 1902 by Joseph Crowther. It is one of the UK’s famous exports and people in around 100 countries enjoy its taste. Their marketing slogan is “Love it or hate it” and it’s actually the truth since people either love it or absolutely can’t stand it.
Marmite is a good source of B vitamins and it has a salty, powerful flavor. It also has high levels of glutamate and it has traditionally been used as a savory spread on butter toast, biscuits, or salty crackers.
It can also be added to your favorite sandwiches, spaghetti, consomme, and even cocktails. Since it’s made of wheat it’s not completely gluten-free, but it is definitely a vegan-friendly spread.
There are a lot of other similar products that are not directly related to the original UK’s Marmite. Some of those are the Australian Vegemite, the Swiss Cenovis, and Brazilian Cenovit. But enough about this savory treat, we need to learn if can cats eat Marmite. So, buckle up!
Can cats eat Marmite?
Unfortunately, there is no right answer to this one, like with any other human food that is. Many cat owners reported that their feline friends actually enjoy Marmite with them and nothing has happened.
A little Marmite from time to time probably won’t hurt your furbaby since it’s made from natural ingredients. However, make sure you consult with your vet before you feed your cat human food.
Some things may not be poisonous to us, but your feline can suffer a lot from taking them. For example, onion and garlic are a big no, while cauliflower is something you can serve to your cat and be at peace.
As obligate carnivores, Marmite definitely isn’t something they need in their diets. But, serving her a bit of it while you’re enjoying your breakfast, won’t hurt her. You can add it to her dry or raw food, just to spice up her meal.
It will provide some important minerals and proteins, as well as B vitamins (especially B12) that can boost her immune system.
Some substances found in this spread, like iodine and sodium, can cause some health issues if your feline is eating a lot of them. But, consuming small doses is actually healthy.
This is an extremely salty treat and, as we know, salt is not good for a cat’s kidneys and blood pressure. Pay attention to any sign of dehydration, or hypernatremia.
The latter happens when your feline friend drinks too much water. Your cat may act weird, she may feel disoriented and listless. She’ll also drink a lot of water and her urination will increase. In some extreme cases, she may even faint or have seizures.
If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention for your furbaby immediately!
Why do cats like eating Marmite?
Nobody can give the exact explanation why cats enjoy this treat, but they obviously do. The strong smell is attracting them, that’s for sure, and they enjoy eating it straight from the jar.
Since cats have the ability to taste salty food, this delicacy (for some) will tickle their taste buds for sure. Marmite, besides the yeasty and soy source flavor, has a meaty smell which makes it even more appealing to our feline friends.
Their sense of smell is stronger than their taste, so that’s the reason why this savory spread reminds them of all those meat treats they enjoy daily. Imagine how badly they want it when you put it on a slice of warm bread with butter or margarine.
How much is too much?
Small amounts of Marmite cannot hurt your furbaby, but if she consumes anything over 14g (one tablespoon), that may be concerning.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Marmite has high amounts of sodium. Just one jar of it contains almost one-quarter of the daily recommended dose for your feline. She needs minerals to stay healthy, and yes, she can get some from this savory spread.
You can find some Marmite-flavored cat food so you can buy those for your furbaby if she really enjoys this specific treat. Just pay attention to the ingredients she may be allergic to.
Also, you need to pay attention if she drinks enough water since she consumed a great amount of salt. If she starts behaving oddly, call your vet. He’ll be able to give you some advice and help you in case something serious happens.
So, there is no short answer to the question “Can cats eat Marmite”. Although, if your feline companion likes it and it doesn’t have any side effects, a small dose won’t hurt her. Whenever you decide to introduce something new to her diet, I’d advise you to check with your vet first.
