Can Cats Eat Sausage Rolls? A Vet’s Guide to Sausage Safety

As cat owners, we know our feline friends go crazy for the smell of cooked meat. The tempting aroma of sizzling sausages or baked sausage rolls from the kitchen is sure to make any cat come running. But is it actually safe for cats to eat sausage rolls? Can our furry companions enjoy these savory, meat-filled treats?

In short – no, sausage rolls are not recommended for cats. While the meat filling itself is not necessarily harmful, sausage rolls contain several unhealthy ingredients that can cause issues for cats. In this article, we’ll cover why sausage rolls are not ideal for cats and safer meat-based alternatives to give your cat instead.

An Overview of a Cat’s Dietary Needs

Before diving into whether or not cats can eat sausage rolls, let’s do a quick overview of their dietary requirements.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to digest and thrive on meat-based proteins. Some key things to keep in mind:

• High Protein: At least 25-35% of their diet should come from quality sources of protein like chicken, beef, turkey, etc.

• Animal-Based: Cats need meat, not plant-based proteins. Certain amino acids are only found in animal products.

• Low Carb: Only about 3-8% of their diet should be carbohydrates like grains. They get energy from protein and fat.

• Moderate Fat: Cats do well with about 20-25% of calories coming from fat. Higher amounts can cause issues.

• Moisture Cats don’t have a high thirst drive, so feeding moist foods can prevent dehydration.

• Supplements: Taurine, vitamin A, and other supplements are essential additions.

Now that we know the basics of feline nutrition, let’s look at why sausage rolls conflict with these needs.

Are Sausage Rolls Too Fatty for Cats?

One of the biggest risks of feeding cats sausage rolls is the high fat content.

Most sausage roll recipes call for fatty meats like pork sausage, ground beef, or lamb. While in moderation these meats are fine, a whole sausage roll could contain too much saturated fat for a cat’s small body.

Consuming high amounts of fat long-term can lead to:

• Obesity
• Pancreatitis
• Hepatic Lipidosis
• Diabetes
• Joint Problems
• Heart Disease

It’s best to limit high-fat foods like sausage rolls and opt for leaner protein sources instead. An occasional small bite of sausage may be okay, but not a whole roll.

The Carb Content of Sausage Rolls

In addition to high amounts of fat, sausage rolls are also dense in carbohydrates.

The pastry dough wrapping the sausage contains refined carbs like wheat flour that cats cannot digest well. Too many carbs from grains can lead to obesity and diabetes in cats.

Stick to low-carb, high-protein options instead of carb-loaded foods like breads, crackers, or pastry dough.

Are Sausage Rolls Processed Foods?

Next, it is important to remember that sausage rolls are a highly processed human food, designed for our nutritional needs rather than a cat’s needs.

Sausage rolls likely contain:

• Preservatives
• Artificial colors
• Added sugars
• Seasonings like onion and garlic

These processed ingredients are very unhealthy for cats and may cause gastrointestinal upset.

It is best to avoid processed human foods and instead choose unseasoned, cooked meats or a complete cat food formula.

Can Cats Choke on Sausage Rolls?

Another risk of feeding cats sausage rolls is potential choking hazards.

The doughy texture and meat filling poses a choking risk, especially if your cat tries to quickly scarf down a sausage roll. Unlike mice and other prey, sausage rolls are not designed for a cat’s chewing and digestion.

It is safer to stick to cat treats designed for feline chewing and digestion to avoid any choking incidents.

Healthier Alternatives to Sausage Rolls for Cats

Now that we’ve covered the potential risks, here are some healthier meat-based alternatives to try instead:

• Cooked chicken or turkey – Remove skin, seasonings, bones first
• Low-sodium canned fish like tuna or salmon
• Dried meat treats made for cats
• Low-fat deli meat made without garlic or onion
• Freeze-dried raw meat made for cats
• Meat-based baby food with no onions/garlic
• High-quality wet or dry cat food with named meat as first ingredient

When choosing any meat, opt for unseasoned options and never feed raw. Cook meats fully before feeding small amounts.

And as always, double-check with your veterinarian about any new foods you want to share with your cat.

Signs Your Cat Should Not Eat Sausage Rolls

If you have already fed your cat some sausage roll in the past, watch for these signs it may have caused issues:

• Diarrhea or vomiting after eating sausage rolls
• Increased weight gain
• Lethargy or low energy
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Obvious digestive upset like gassiness or abdominal pain
• Red, itchy skin or ear infections
• Any signs your cat feels unwell after eating sausage

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop feeding sausage rolls and contact your vet. Your cat may have a food intolerance or sensitivity.

How to Store and Handle Sausage Safely

If you do choose to consume sausage rolls at home, be very careful about storage and handling to keep your cat safe. Here are some tips:

• Store uncooked and cooked sausage rolls out of your cat’s reach, such as in the fridge or a high cabinet
• Never leave sausage unattended on the counter or table
• Cover trash cans containing sausage crumbs tightly
• Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw sausage
• Monitor your cat closely whenever sausage is out
• Cook sausage thoroughly to avoid risk of salmonella bacteria

Freezing sausage rolls can also make them less tempting smelling and textured for cats. Proper handling is key to keeping your cat away from this unhealthy temptation.

Instead, opt for cooked lean meats, low-sodium fish, or a nutritionally complete cat food formulated for their needs. Watch for any signs of stomach upset after eating sausage. And be very careful keeping sausage stored and handled safely if you have it in your home.

While the smell of sausage may interest your cat, resist the urge to share it. With so many safer meat-based alternatives, your cat can still enjoy tasty treats that align with their nutritional needs. Say no to sausage rolls, and yes to a long, healthy life for your feline companion.