It is not recommended for cats to eat chips due to the ingredients used to make them.
Also known as crisps, chips are bite-sized snacks enjoyed by humans. They can be made using root crops (such as potatoes), grains, beans, fruits (such as bananas), or even vegetables (such as carrots). Chips are typically deep fried or baked with salt, cheese, herbs, spices, as well as various flavourings and additives (salt and vinegar, chili, pepper, to name a few). Most of these seasonings are known to be harmful for cats. As such, it is best for cats not to consume these types of chips.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats chips: Read the label to find out which ingredients are present in the chips your cat accidentally ate. If she only munched on a very small portion of plain and unsalted chips, she should not display any adverse effects. However, if there are toxic ingredients included in the chips (especially onions and garlic), contact your veterinarian immediately.
While under observation, your cat may display symptoms of food or salt poisoning. Signs include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, shock or collapse, skin inflammation or swelling, depression or coma, appetite loss, lethargy, incoordination, excessive thirst or urination, tremors, and seizures. She may also exhibit changes in her eating, drinking, or urinating habits.
In summary: High in sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives, chips have no nutritional value for your pet cat. She is better off eating commercially sold cat treats, which contain the right amount of nutrients she needs in a day. Ask your veterinarian for treat recommendations, or check out other human-based foods she can safely snack on in our “can cats eat” category.
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