Can Cats Eat Potatoes?
Yes — cats can eat plain, fully cooked potatoes in very small amounts, but raw potatoes, fried potatoes, and seasoned potato dishes are unsafe for cats. Potatoes offer minimal nutritional value to a carnivore like a cat, and feeding too much can cause digestive problems.
This guide explains the benefits, risks, safe serving sizes, how to prepare potatoes properly, and when they should be avoided entirely. Also we have written a full detailed guide about which vegetables your cat should eat and which she should avoid don’t forget to check out.
Are Potatoes Safe for Cats?
Potatoes are non-toxic when cooked, but toxic when raw.
Safe for cats:
- Plain boiled potato
- Plain steamed potato
- Plain baked potato (no skin)
- Mashed potato with no salt, milk, or butter
Unsafe for cats:
- Raw potatoes (toxic)
- Potato skins
- French fries
- Chips
- Hash browns
- Mashed potatoes with milk or butter
- Potato soup
- Potato wedges
- Any potato with salt, garlic, or seasoning
Potatoes should be an occasional treat, not part of a cat’s regular diet.
Why Raw Potatoes Are Toxic to Cats?
Raw potatoes contain solanine, a natural toxin found in nightshade vegetables.
Solanine can cause:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Tremors (severe cases)
Cooking breaks down solanine — this is why only cooked potatoes are safe.
Do Cats Like Potatoes?
Some cats enjoy the soft, warm texture of cooked potatoes.
However, cats cannot taste sweetness and have no nutritional need for starches.
If your cat doesn’t care for potatoes, that’s completely normal.
Nutritional Value of Potatoes (For Humans vs. Cats)
Potatoes give humans:
- Carbs (energy)
- Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
But this has limited benefit for cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores — their bodies run on animal protein, not carbohydrates. Excess carbs from potatoes can contribute to:
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
- Digestive issues
So potatoes should be fed sparingly.
Benefits of Potatoes for Cats (Minimal but Possible)
Potatoes offer very few benefits, but small amounts may provide:
Mild fiber support
Useful for occasional constipation. If you need a vegetable that supports digestion, pumpkin is a much better option.
Gentle energy boost
Carbohydrates provide energy, though unnecessary for cats.
Low-fat, low-calorie treat
An alternative to commercial treats.
Easy texture
Soft, mashed potatoes can be easier for senior cats to chew.
These benefits are small and optional — never rely on potatoes for nutrition.
Risks of Feeding Potatoes to Cats
Potatoes come with several risks when fed incorrectly:
Solanine toxicity (raw potatoes)
Even a small raw piece can cause poisoning.
Digestive upset
Too much cooked potato can lead to:
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
High carbohydrate content
Cats cannot process large amounts of carbs.
Additives are dangerous
Many potato dishes include:
- Salt
- Butter
- Oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cream
- Cheese
All unsafe for cats.
Potato skins
Hard to digest and may contain chemicals.
How Much Potato Can Cats Eat?
Moderation is key.
Safe serving size:
- 1 teaspoon of cooked, plain potato
- Once every 1–2 weeks
- Mixed with food or offered alone
Unsafe serving:
- A full spoonful of mashed potatoes
- Large chunks
- Daily feeding
Potatoes should be less than 1% of a cat’s diet.
How to Prepare Potatoes Safely for Cats?
Step 1: Choose a plain potato
White or sweet potatoes (but sweet potato rules differ — internal link opportunity below).
Step 2: Peel completely
Remove skin to avoid pesticides and tough fibers.
Step 3: Cook thoroughly
Boil, steam, or bake until very soft.
Step 4: Mash or cut into tiny pieces
Prevents choking and makes digestion easier.
Step 5: Do NOT add anything
No:
- Salt
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Oil
- Spices
Step 6: Serve in a small quantity
Start with ½ teaspoon and observe your cat.
Stop immediately if you notice:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
Can Cats Eat Mashed Potatoes?
Only plain mashed potatoes with no milk, butter, or salt.
Commercial or restaurant mashed potatoes are not safe because they contain dairy, spices, and salt.
Can Cats Eat Potato Chips or French Fries?
No — these foods contain:
- Too much salt
- Oil and fat
- Seasonings
- Chemical additives
They can cause stomach upset, dehydration, or sodium poisoning.
Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes, sweet potatoes are safer than white potatoes because they don’t contain solanine.
Can Cats Eat Potato Skins?
No.
Skins are tough, fibrous, and may contain solanine residue.
Can Kittens Eat Potatoes?
No.
Kittens have very sensitive digestive systems and should eat only kitten-formulated food.
Which Cats Should Avoid Potatoes Entirely?
Avoid potatoes for cats who have:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Pancreatitis
- Chronic digestive issues
- Senior cats with reduced metabolism
These cats struggle with starchy foods.
Healthy Alternatives to Potatoes
Safer and more natural treats include:
- Cooked chicken
- Tuna flakes (unsalted)
- Freeze-dried meat treats
- Pumpkin puree
- Small cooked egg pieces
These align better with a cat’s carnivore diet
Frequently Asked Questions
Raw potato is toxic. Cooked potatoes are safe in small amounts.
No — chips contain salt, oil, and seasoning.
A small amount of cooked potato may help, but pumpkin works much better.
No — soups contain dairy, salt, and spices.
Only if plain and homemade with no additives.
Final Verdict: Can Cats Eat Potatoes?
Yes — cats can eat tiny amounts of cooked, plain potato, but raw potato is toxic, and most potato dishes are unsafe due to seasonings and dairy. Potatoes offer little nutritional value to cats and should only be given as an occasional treat.
If your cat has diabetes, obesity, or digestive issues, avoid potatoes entirely and choose healthier treats like cooked chicken or pumpkin.