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Can cats eat salt?

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

Salt is only for small amounts, or in certain forms, for cats. Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA talk about pets in general. Too much salt can make a pet very sick and can be fatal, so call a vet or poison line. The FDA says a 10-pound pet can get sick from about half a teaspoon of table salt, and about 1 and a half teaspoons can be fatal.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

Small amountsOnly a little, and only the way described below.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA talk about pets in general. Too much salt can make a pet very sick and can be fatal, so call a vet or poison line.

Good to know

The FDA says a 10-pound pet can get sick from about half a teaspoon of table salt, and about 1 and a half teaspoons can be fatal. That is a risk with salt-dough ornaments and homemade play dough.

Watch for: Salt-dough ornaments, homemade play dough, road de-icing salt, and a lot of salt water.

Already ate it?

If your pet ate a lot, or you are worried, call your vet. Say what was eaten, how much and when, and have your pet's weight ready.

Poison emergency? Call now

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.

For the children

"Salt is only a tiny treat for cats, and only a grown-up decides how much."

A job: Be the label reader. Before a grown-up shares any food with the cat, check this page, and ask a grown-up if the food is not on it.

This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Your own vet knows your cat. Cats differ.

Sources