If you love a hot pack of Takis, you might wonder, can cats eat Takis? In short, yes they can but it’s not advisable. Takis and other baked goods aren’t poisonous for your cats but they offer almost zero nutrition and if consumed in large quantities, they can cause adverse health effects as well. This is mostly due to the inclusion of garlic, onion, and salt.
Takis is a famous snack and are well loved for the spicy kick they provide. This might make you want to share it with your feline friend. A few bits and pieces might be okay and you might be amused by how your furball reacts to it. However, you must know about the risks of Takis for cats especially if taken in large amounts over a long period.
If you’re thinking can cats eat Takis? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Ingredients Does Takis Contain?
Takis come in a huge range of flavors and as such, Takis ingredients can vary according to their flavor. However, the usual ingredients in Takis include the following:
- Sodium citrate
- Chicken fat
- Sesame oil
- Dextrose
- Onion and garlic powder
- Natural flavors
- Artificial flavors and colors
- Monosodium glutamate
- Corn starch
- Spices
- Citric acid
- Salt
- Maltodextrin
As you can see from the above ingredients list, not all of them are safe for your cat. In fact, some studies have shown that ingredients like sodium can pose a serious health risk for cats.
How Bad Is Takis For Cats
The answer to the question “ can cats eat Takis?” is a little tricky. In small quantities, Takis aren’t poisonous or unhealthy for your cat. However, large quantities of Takis can be harmful. Takis contain a chili pepper flavoring which can lead to digestive and stomach problems in cats. Moreover, the artificial flavors and colors can be harmful to cats and may even damage their livers.
Garlic and onion powder, along with salt, are the most problematic ingredients. Salt can make your cat thirsty. Additionally, garlic and onion are known to damage red blood cells, cause anemia, and worse.
That being said, at times, it can be advantageous to give your cat a tiny piece of Taki. The spicy flavor helps keep your cat’s digestive system healthy, and the crunchy texture keeps its teeth clean. However, you shouldn’t give Takis to your cat regularly or in large amounts. If you choose to feed your cat Takis, only give a small amount and observe them closely to ensure that they don’t experience any side effects.
Can My Cat Get Sick From Eating Takis?
Sadly, cats can get sick from eating Takis. Cats can become dehydrated, have stomach upsets, and even suffer pancreatitis from this popular snack food high in sodium.
Watch your cat closely after eating Takis to make sure there are no signs of distress. Consult your veterinarian right away if your cat seems sick after eating Takis.
Food is a matter of taste for cats, just as it is for humans. Takis are popular among some cats, but others prefer softer, blander snacks.
Cats can enjoy many healthy and safe snacks, including:
- Raw meat
- Freeze-dried treats
- Dried fish or chicken
You may also check: Can Cats Eat Spam? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Can Cats Eat Spicy Food?
Takis are popular for giving that spicy kick and they can be enjoyed by cats as well. However, don’t feed excessive amounts of spicy food regularly as cats can’t tolerate too much spice.
Cats possess fewer taste buds than humans. Cats have around 470 taste buds whereas humans have 9000. This is because they can’t taste the sweetness of food.
Cats are carnivores and sugar content in food (for instance, carbohydrates), don’t provide too much nutritional value. However, just because cats have fewer taste buds doesn’t mean they are insensitive to spicy foods such as Takis.
Research shows that both humans and cats are sensitive to capsaicin which is responsible for giving off the heat and is present in almost all spices. Cats can certainly taste the spice in food but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for them. This applies to salt as well as too much of it can lead to digestive problems.
If your cat likes eating spicy food, it might be because of the heat it provides. Thus, if your cat consumes spicy food, they might continue eating it or stay away from it depending on their preference.
Regardless, you must make sure that they dont go on consuming tons of spicy food. Excessive spicy food can lead to health problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Other than spicy food, there are some food that are toxic for cats some of which include:
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Garlic
- Onions
Make sure you keep the above food away from your cat and if you have any doubts or questions, always consult your veterinarian.
Are There Any Other Snacks I Can Give Other Than Takis?
To keep your cat healthy and avoid problems with your veterinarian, you should feed them low-fat and high-protein treats. Catnip (fresh is best), unsalted nuts like walnuts and almonds (in small amounts), and canned fish without sugar are all good choices. You could also give them dental sticks if you are worried about bad breath! If your cat does not like these treats, it will probably not be interested in others.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this answers your question, ‘can cats eat Takis?’. In sum, if your cat had just a few licks, it shouldn’t be a major problem. However, if your cat has consumed a lot of Takis at once, you should observe its behavior and make sure they don’t have any side effects. If you notice adverse behavior, consult your vet immediately.
If you’re worried about your cat nipping on Takis, make sure your Takis are kept away in an air-tight container far away from your cat. For snacks, instead of Takis, there are plenty of alternatives to Takis that are actually good for your health. Being conscious about your cat’s diet ensures that they live a long and healthy life.