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Can Cats Eat Mashed Potatoes? (Delicious or Disaster?)

If you have a cat and are wondering what they can and can not eat you may have wondered if mashed potatoes could be acceptable…

Can cats eat mashed potatoes?

Cats can eat mashed potatoes. In fact, you may find it is included in some pet food already. However, this does not mean that all types of potatoes are fine for cats.

For example, cats should not be eating fried potatoes, or potato chips, that are often served in packets (called ‘crisps’ in some European countries). So, be careful what you offer them.

Why are raw potatoes not good for cats?

Raw potatoes are not good for cats because they have an alkaloid more commonly known as glycoalkaloid solanine, or referred to as solanine sometimes. This is known to be toxic for cats.

However, when the potato is cooked, the heat will make it safe for them. It is the same concept as not eating raw meat, right? Once it’s cooked, it’s fine, are you with me?

So, if you fear that your cat has accidentally consumed raw potatoes, or even the peelings, then you should get it to your vet to be safe.

Are potatoes a bad idea for cats?

Potatoes are not bad for cats, as long as they are served up correctly. In fact, served correctly, in the right portions, and cooked, they can be beneficial for cats.

One of the important things to avoid, as well as raw, is seasoning. There should be no seasoning on these potatoes at all. Just cooked, preferably steamed, boiled or mashed, but nothing else.

For example, no All-purpose seasoning, no pepper, etc. Just plain potatoes. This may sound boring to you, but your cat will not be bothered about that.

What makes potatoes good for cats?

Potatoes are good, when cooked and prepared right, fr cats. The benefit is the nutrients that they can provide. Such as their protein, fibre, potassium and some vitamins.

Like us humans, these nutrients are beneficial. Especially when they are not overshadowed by being fried or heavily seasoned.

Is it better to mix the mashed potato?

Yes. It is better to mix mashed potatoes. It should not be served in big clumps to your cat. Otherwise, it’s likely to be rejected. And, cats are not usually keen on just potato itself, it should be a part of their diet.

For example, you could mix it into their wet or dry food so they get the benefit of the nutrients. But, they still get the flavor of their favorite food.

Can cats eat sweet potatoe?

Cats can eat sweet potatoes. This is because, unlike standard potatoes, they do not have glycoalkaloid solanine as they grow. However, their are parts of the flower and stem that cats should avoid because they are toxic.

And, although they may be safe for cats to eat, they are not a great food for them. Why? Well, it is known that cats can find it difficult to digest them. And, there are many other food choices they could have instead.

What is the best potato based food for cats?

The best potato-based food for cats is steamed or boiled plain, with no seasoning or butter. Mashed potatoes are also fine, as long as they are plain. However, some people find it hard to mash them without butter.

The type that needs to be avoided is fried or potato chips, as stated earlier. These types of potato offer no nutritional benefit to a cat.

Can cast eat the skin of a potato?

No, cats should not eat the skin of a potato. This is because of the glycoalkaloid solanine alkaloid present in them while they are in their raw state.

And, even if they are cooked, cats will find the skin tough to digest and is best avoided. The potato flesh, if cooked, can be eaten though.

Can cats eat chips (Potato Crisps in Europe)?

Potato chips, or ‘crisps’ (as they are known in the UK and parts of Europe) should not be eaten by cats. These chips are full of salt and fat and offer no nutritional benefit for a cat.

The reality is, a cat will probably like them, and they may even beg to eat it, if you have them. But, this should be avoided. But, if they accidentally ate one, or grabbed it, it’s not a major issue.

Cat potato recipe – Cat-Friendly Shrimp Potato Cups

Source = Recipes.net

Ingredients

Ingredient	Measurement
Cooked Peas	1 Cup
Mashed Potato	3 Cups
Cooked & Chopped carrots	1 Cup
Cooked & Chopped Corn	1 Cup
Parmesan Cheese	0.5 Cup
Shrimp	0.25 lbs
Whole wheat bread crumbs	2 cups
Thick chopped Ham	1 cup
Beaten Eggs	3
Olive Oil	2 tbsp
Shredded Mexican cheese	0.25 cup
Catnip	A few leaves

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Mix up the corn, carrots, peas, potato, ham & cheese.
• Mix the breadcrumbs and cheese.
• Dip shrimps in the breadcrumbs and egg.
• Place on a baking tray with olive oil on top
• Bake in the oven for approx. 10 minutes. Make sure the shrimps are cooked.
• Place the potato mix in some small muffin mould cups.
• Add about half a shrimp to each and add some of the cheese.
• Bake for approx 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle catnip on top and serve when cool.

Potato Nutrients

In this section, I will share with you the nutrients of a potato so you can see what benefits it may have for your cat.

Source: USDA

* Per 100g

** Daily values are based on 2000 calories intake

Nutrient	Measurement
Calories	177 g
Total Fat	0.1 g
Sodium	6 mg
Potassium	421 mg
Total Carbohydrate	17 g
Protein	2 g
Vitamin C	32% of Daily Value
Vitamin B6	15% of Daily Value
Calcium	1% of Daily Value
Magnesium	5% of Daily Value
Iron	4% of Daily Value

Can cats get constipation from mashed potatoes?

Cats could get constipation from mashed potato depending on what it is mixed with. However, it is more likely to suffer from diarrhoea, or vomiting if it has milk or butter in it from the lactose and sugar content.

This is why it is important to only consider mashed potato if it is plain and not seasoned or mixed with any other ingredients. Or, you have analysed the ingredients yourself and are happy with it.

Can I feed my cat Mcdonalds fries?

It is not OK to offer your cat McDonalds fries. This is because it is not designed for cats and fried potato is not ideal for their diet. Also, the calories are considerable for a cat, as they have a much smaller daily calorie count than us humans.

Also, there is no real need to consider this, as there are many other food options designed for cats to consider. And, they can be very cost effective as well.

Can Cats eat potatoes & gravy?

Cats should not be offered potatoes and gravy. This is because the ingredients mixed in the gravy is likely to be bad for your cat. Also, unless you made the mashed potato yourself, you can’t be sure if it contains milk, or butter, which is also not ideal.

Overall, it should be avoided for the safety of your cat. It may be convenient, but not ideal.

Can I feed my cat mashed potato daily?

No. It is not advisable to feed your cat mashed potato daily. Assuming it is plain mashed potato, it is OK in small doses and infrequently. But, it should not be offered daily.

Why? The nutrients do have some benefits, but cats are known obligate carnivores, therefore meat should be their main daily offering. Whether that is in wet food, directly, or in dry food.

How can I prevent my cat from eating my mashed potatoes?

If your cat keeps eating your mash potatoes, and you know they are covered in butter, milk, cheese, and much more, you may be keen to learn how you can stop it from happening. Here are some suggestions.

01. Keep your food refrigerated when not in use

If you tend to leave some of your meals out on the surfaces at night, or while you relax you will need to change this habit. Basically, refrigerate any uneaten mashed potatoes so your cat can’t get to the scraps.

It may take some discipline, but it will be worth it, who wants their cat in their leftovers anyway, right?

02. Close your kitchen door when eating or cooking

If your cat is stealing the mashed potatoes while you are trying to eat, or while you cook, try closing the room door to stop it. It is likely to make noise and meow outside the door, this is normal.

But, in time, it will learn that this  is a no-go zone.

03. Place kitchen foil around the countertops.

Another trick is to place some kitchen foil on the counter tops. Most cats do not like this material and it can help to train them to stay off the counters and stop grabbing your mashed potatoes.