Can Cats Eat Pizza? What Veterinarians Want You to Know
Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world and is a go-to meal choice for humans. As you prepare to dig into your dinner and notice your feline friend sniffing the irresistible medley of aromas, you may wonder, 'Can cats eat pizza, too?’ Unfortunately, it's probably best to keep your slice to yourself. Pizza can be made with problematic ingredients that can be harmful and even toxic to cats.
Learn more about why sharing pizza with your cat is not the greatest idea, according to veterinarians.
Is Pizza Safe for Cats?
While tasty and possibly even nutritious for us depending on how they’re personalized, pizza is generally not safe for cats to eat.
“Many cats enjoy savory treats, and they often enjoy crunchy treats,” says Maggie Placer, DVM, veterinary science program manager at EveryCat Health Foundation and owner of Placer Veterinary Care. “The problem is that the type of pizzas available to the human species most often contain at least one ingredient that is not ideal for most cats.”
Pizza is typically made with dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, sausage, olives, mushrooms, etc. Despite it containing animal protein for our carnivorous kitties, it poses more potential health risks than benefits.
Wayne M. Johnson, VMD, veterinarian at Birdneck Animal Hospital, echoes that pizza can be dangerous, especially if it includes these ingredients:
Cheese: Lactose intolerance is common in cats. If your cat eats cheese, it may result in digestive upset. Cheese is also high in fat, salt, and calories, which can lead to other health issues.
Garlic and onions: These foods are highly toxic to cats and can cause red blood cell damage and/or anemia. If a cat ingests any toxic substance, call your veterinarian, the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.
Crust: Assuming the crust is made without garlic and is plain, it has no nutritional value for cats.
Other toppings to avoid include:
Chives
Leeks
Shallots
Jalapeños
Scallions
Avocado
Nutritional Contents of Pizza
Pizza contains ingredients that are full of carbs, unhealthy fats, and lack the right nutrients that cats require, Johnson says.
“Pizza doesn’t align with a cat’s dietary needs,” he adds. “Cats need animal protein and specific nutrients, like taurine.”
A high-quality, balanced cat food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and appropriate for their age and health status will meet your cat's nutritional needs much better than pizza will.
Potential Health Risks
Pizza can pose various health problems in cats, such as:
Digestive issues (vomiting and diarrhea)
Allergic reactions (if a cat has a food allergy or intolerance to animal proteins like dairy, chicken, or beef)
Toxicity (if made with ingredients like garlic, onions, or avocado)
Obesity (if eaten in large amounts or frequently)
Guidelines for Feeding Pizza to Cats
Pizza with toxic ingredients like garlic or onions should always be avoided to keep your kitty safe. An occasional nibble of cheese pizza with plain crust is probably OK, as cats can consume small amounts of lactose in moderation1. However, there are many healthier treat options your cat is bound to enjoy just as much, if not more!
If you're deadset on making the ideal—dare we say, purr-fect—cat “pizza” for your furry friend, Placer recommends using a base composed of whole grains, such as oats, corn, brown rice, or couscous, and the following toppings:
Cooked fish and lean meats (e.g., beef, chicken, turkey, liver, and lamb—assuming they don’t have a protein allergy)
Scrambled or boiled eggs
Veggies (e.g., cucumber, steamed broccoli, carrots, asparagus, and peas)
Fruits (e.g,. bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, watermelon (seedless), peeled apples (deseeded), and pumpkin)
A safe portion size of feline-friendly pizza depends on a cat’s size, activity level, and individual health status. For example, a 10-lb cat should eat about 200–250 calories per day. Treats should make up no more than 10% of a cat’s daily calories.
“Enrichment is an important part of a cat’s life!” Placer says. “New and strange smells of safe treats and toppings play to their curiosity and can be good for engagement and building their bond with you. Introducing a new safe scent or topping monthly could be fun for all.”
Talk To Your Vet
It’s always a good idea to consult your vet before offering pizza or other human foods to your feline friend to find out whether it’s safe to share. They can also come up with a customized nutrition plan that’s tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
