Can cats eat Slim Jims? A short and simple answer is, no, cats cannot eat slim jims. Given the fact that meat is the main ingredient in slim jim snacks, one may think that it is safe for cats to eat, but it is not. Continue reading to learn all about cats and Slim Jims.
Can Cats Eat Slim Jims?
You should not give Slims Jims to your cat and avoid it as much as you can. We know many of you may be thinking that a Slim Jim is a softer and better version of beef jerky and might be suitable for your cat, but that’s not the case.
Not only do Slim Jims contain high sodium, but they also have some amount of preservatives that can be very harmful to your cat. Other kinds of seasoning done on this snack can also be very toxic for your kitty. Therefore, the best option is to stick to healthy and delicious cat treats.
Besides toxicity, slim jims can also cause a choking hazard quite easily. The ingredients that make up slim jims can be really harmful to your cats’ stomach. You need to understand that jerky can never be a good treat for your cat; as much as possible, you must keep your cat away from Slim Jims as well as beef jerkies.
Do Cats Like Slim Jims?
Cats are obligate carnivores, so don’t be surprised if your cat comes running to you asking for a bite as you open a pack of Slim Jim—your cat might be a big fan of Slim Jims or beef jerkies. But not all cats like to eat Slim Jims.
Rather, most cats stay away from slims because of their strong taste and smell. Remember, cats have a powerful sense of smell and taste; the ingredients used in Slim Jims are enough to keep most cats away from them.
All cats indeed love meaty proteins, but to fulfill your cat’s craving for meat, you can feed her properly cooked meat, lacking all kinds of preservatives and flavorings. Boiled chicken and meat is the best option for a cat. And no processed meat like hot dogs or beef jerky is suitable for cats.
What Should I Do If My Cat Eats Slim Jim?
If your cat just took a small bite or lick of Slim Jims, you need not worry, as your cat is going to be just fine. However, you should provide your cat with fresh water to get rid of that salty taste and the water deficiency she might feel after that.
But if your cat has eaten more than just a bite or two of Slim Jims, she is in big trouble, and you should immediately take her to a vet. In case you don’t know how much amount of Slim Jims your cat has taken, start observing it and lookout for early signs like vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Please don’t wait long enough, as Slim Jims contain many ingredients that are poisonous to cats.
Reasons Why Slim Jims Are Bad For Cats?
The problem is not Slim Jim itself but the ingredients it is made up of. As we already know, Slim Jims contain lots of sodium; at the same time, it has quite a lot of preservatives, spices, corn, wheat, soy, and other things that are not good for a cat but are rather harmful.
Slim Jims are made up of ingredients that your cat can’t eat alone and when all those ingredients are mixed to make one thing, imagine how harmful it can be for your cat. It can really wreak havoc on your cat’s stomach in no time.
Below is a breakdown of some of the things that make Slim Jims a bad snack for cats.
- Too Much Sodium: Slim Jims are loaded with sodium and thus pose a huge risk of sodium poisoning in cats.
- Processed Meat: Despite being carnivores, cats cannot eat Slim Jims as the meat it contains is processed meat, which is bad for cats.
- Flavorings and Seasonings: The flavorings and seasonings that make Slim Jims more palatable for us humans make it a big no-no for our cats.
- Preservatives: Preservatives that are used to increase the shelf life of Slim Jims are not good for our cats’ stomachs.
- Choking hazard: If your foodie cat bites more than it can easily chew, there is a risk of choking.
Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky?
Just like Slim Jims, our cats cannot eat beef jerkies either. While beef is safe and nutritious for cats, its sodium content and seasonings like garlic and onion make beef jerkies harmful for cats.
Generally, a small piece of beef jerky is fine for your cat but remember that it contains high sodium, which is not very healthy for your cats’ digestive system. Sodium in beef jerky leads to dehydration, kidney damage, and sodium poisoning in cats.
What Happens If Cats Eat Beef Jerkies?
The answer to this question may vary depending on how much beef jerkies it has consumed. If a cat has consumed too much of it, its consequences can be life-threatening. The high amount of sodium in beef jerky cannot be handled by the teeny tiny digestive system of your furry friends. You might have noticed that when we consume a lot of beef jerkies, we end up feeling thirsty all the time. The consumption of a high amount of sodium can lead to swelling of the legs, permanent kidney damage, and in extreme cases, it can even lead to death.
Final Verdict: Can Cats Eat Slim Jims?
No cats cannot eat Slim Jims. Despite meat being its main ingredient, Slim Jim is not good for cats as the meat is processed and loaded with sodium, and other seasonings and preservatives, which can be harmful to cats. Eating Slim Jims poses a risk of sodium poisoning and choking.