Can Cats Eat Mushrooms? Are All Mushrooms Poisonous For Your Purring Pal?
A few months ago, I returned from the grocery store with a pack of mushrooms and left them on the counter for a while. When I came back, I found my cat tearing the pack and eating one.
Naturally, I freaked out, wondering whether it was good for him or not. I had no idea whether it was suitable for his diet or poisonous. As a cat parent, I knew that fruits and veggies were not something they were fond of.
That is when I thought, Can cats eat mushrooms? I dug a little deeper and here’s what I found. The concise answer to the question is yes. Mushrooms are safe for cats.
Like you prepare homemade cat food, you can prepare some mushrooms for your fur baby as well. Here is everything I found out, and here is everything you need to know as a cat parent.
Why Are Cats Drawn To Mushrooms?
Cats are not omnivorous animals like us humans or dogs. Their taste buds are limited to a few flavors only. They are naturally built to live on meat. Moreover, they are drawn to savory tastes more than sweet.
Then why do cats love mushrooms? Mushrooms are high in glutamate. It is an amino acid with a distinct umami flavor that draws felines. Also, a cat can detect it with their sense of smell and is drawn to it.
Moreover, cats enjoy the texture of mushrooms, which is similar to that of meat. However, this is not a universal fact about cats. Every cat is different, so it might happen that your cat simply withdraws from mushrooms.
Can Cats Eat Mushrooms?
What veggies can cats eat? Can cats eat mushrooms? Well, it depends on the kind of mushroom you are feeding your cat. There are numerous species of mushrooms available in this world, and only two thousand of those are edible. Moreover, very few are safe for cats.
Can cats eat store-bought mushrooms? Yes. Commercially sold mushrooms that are fit for humans are safe for cats as well. You can safely give them to your cats occasionally without any concerns.
Store-bought mushrooms, such as portobello, button, and shiitake mushrooms, are safe. Moreover, they are beneficial for cats, as they contain nutrients such as B vitamins and minerals.
If you are considering introducing mushrooms to your cat’s diet, it is best to do so gradually and observe their reaction to ensure they are not allergic to them. However, some common questions might come to your mind.
1. Can cats eat mushrooms raw?
It is not advisable to give them raw mushrooms, as they are difficult for them to digest.
2. Can cats have cooked mushrooms?
Yes, cats can have cooked mushrooms. Ensure that you cook the mushrooms thoroughly.
Benefits Of Mushrooms For Cats
Animal protein is the only source of essential nutrients like arginine and taurine, which help with the cat’s metabolism. This is why plant proteins can never replace it, but there are some benefits as well.
Boosts Their Immune System
Mushrooms boost a cat’s immune-modulation response and help them fight off viruses. Additionally, mushrooms have beta-glucans, a soluble fibre that helps fight infections.
This means that mushrooms can help fight off various diseases, including FIV. However, it is best to vaccinate your cat against deadly diseases like FIV, and not depend on mushrooms to save your cat.
Helps With Inflammation
Mushrooms are rich in different nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties, like vitamins and fatty acids. This can help manage chronic diseases such as bronchitis, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Supports For Cancer Treatment
Some mushrooms, such as reishi and maitake, contain properties that may protect a cat against cancer. Moreover, some can protect their liver during chemotherapy and slow down any malignant growths.
Which Mushrooms Are Safe For Cats?
You will find different kinds of mushrooms in a grocery store that are safe for cat consumption. Can cats eat button mushrooms? Some of the common mushrooms that you can give your feline friend are:
- White button (Agaricus bisporus)
- Portobello (Agaricus bisporus)
- Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Porcini (Boletus edulis)
- Enoki (Flammulina filiformis)
- Morel (Morchella esculenta)
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, but some examples of the most popular mushrooms that are given to cats for food and medicinal purposes. However, if you are uncertain, it is best to consult a veterinarian before giving it to your cat.
How To Prepare Mushrooms For Your Cat?
Can cats eat mushroom soup? Well, you can give them soup, but ensure it is prepared blandly. You should not put ingredients like garlic in your soup. However, it is best to prepare it for them differently, as their stomachs are more sensitive.
When preparing mushrooms for your cat, ensure they are washed thoroughly. Boil them well in water without any seasoning. Cool it down and then cut it into tiny, bite-sized pieces.
If you are giving them canned soup, check if the ingredients in the soup are safe for cats. However, any store-bought soup would be too salty for cats.
Moreover, can cats eat mushrooms raw? The answer is yes. However, it is better to give them boiled mushrooms, as they are easier for them to digest. Also, if raw mushrooms come in contact with dairy products, toxins, and raw meat, it can make a cat sick.
Which Mushrooms Are Poisonous To Cats?
Most wild mushrooms are poisonous to cats. Generally, mushrooms are not deadly to cats. It can cause them lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
However, some kinds of mushrooms contain toxins that can damage the kidneys and liver. Some of the poisonous mushrooms for cats are:
- Death cap (Amanita phalloides): These have a white, green, or pale yellow cap with white gills.
- Deadly webcap (Cortinarius rubellus): These conical mushrooms turn dark brown with age and have a dark brown stem.
- Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria): These have bright red caps with white spots.
- Death angel (Amanita ocreata): These mushrooms are white and often have a yellowish-white shade.
- Autumn skullcap (Galerina marginata): These mushrooms are sticky when wet, and they are dark brown to brownish-yellow in color.
- Sickener (Russula emetica): These mushrooms have white stems, and their caps are brown to pink in color.
- Jackson’s slender amanita (Amanita jacksonii): These mushrooms have a red, oval-shaped cap.
- Galerina Marginata (Deadly galerina): You will mostly find this in dead wood and moss.
- False Morel (Gyromitra esculenta): They often resemble edible morels, but these are extremely poisonous.
Signs & Symptoms Of Mushroom Poisoning In Cats
You can notice different signs and symptoms in cats if they are suffering from mushroom poisoning. The common being:
- Vomiting
- Increased thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
- disorientation
If you notice any of these symptoms, please take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. If they take them to a vet sooner, there are better chances of recovery.
These signs could indicate gastrointestinal issues, kidney toxicity, muscarinic effects, liver toxicity, and neurological effects. Moreover, it depends on the kind of mushrooms they have consumed. It is better if you take a picture of the mushroom with you to the vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When discussing whether can cats eat mushrooms, there are certain questions that often come up. Here are some of the commonly asked questions.
Most cats are drawn to the umami flavor of mushrooms, but it is best to avoid giving them flavors and seasoned mushrooms. Giving them mushrooms from pizza can upset their stomach.Â
Yes, cats can have mushroom stems, but in moderation. It is best to give them only the store-bought kind and avoid all types of wild mushrooms.Â
No. There is no way you can give dried mushrooms to a cat. These are mostly wild and poisonous to cats.
Some mushrooms are good for animal health, but ensure that you give them store-bought mushrooms. Wild mushrooms are mostly poisonous and can be harmful to animals.
Yes, you can give your cats grilled mushrooms, but they must be cooked properly and not seasoned with harmful ingredients for cats.Â
Is Your Cat Fond Of Mushrooms Too?
Can cats eat mushrooms? If your cat is anything like mine and loves mushrooms, then it’s natural that you’d have to search for this. But, it is best to give them in moderation. They might ask for it, but be sure not to give in to their sweet gestures.
This is not something they can ordinarily have in their diet. Also, if you live in the suburbs, keep an eye on them so that they do not consume any poisonous mushrooms during their little outdoor tours.
Note: Before giving your cat mushrooms, changing their diet with a new supplement or ingredient, or introducing human adult food, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Every cat requires a unique type of nutrition, tailored to their specific health, age, activity level, and medical history.
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