Pizza is not a recommended treat for cats. A small bite here and there is unlikely to cause serious harm for most healthy adult cats, but there are several reasons to avoid it as a regular or significant part of their diet. Key considerations
- Ingredients to watch: pizza crust, cheese, tomato sauce, and any toppings. Crusts can be high in calories and salt; cheese is often lactose-rich and may cause digestive upset in lactose-intolerant cats; tomato sauce and seasonings can contain salt, garlic, or onion—both garlic and onion are toxic to cats in even small amounts.
- Toxic risks: garlic, onions, and related allium family ingredients can damage a cat’s red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia. These are common in many pizza sauces and toppings.
- Digestive impact: many cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy from cheese can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. High-fat toppings or processed meats (e.g., pepperoni) can also upset the stomach and contribute to weight gain over time.
- Nutritional imbalance: pizza lacks the essential nutrients cats need and often provides excess salt and unhealthy fats.
Practical guidance
- If a cat ever nibbles a small piece, monitor for signs of distress: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, or abdominal discomfort. If any of these occur or if there is concern, contact a veterinarian.
- If you want to offer a treat, choose cat-safe options such as small, plain pieces of cooked chicken or commercially prepared cat treats. Always ensure treats are a small fraction of daily caloric intake.
- If you routinely feed pizza crust or cheese to a cat, reconsider. Use plain, cooked, meat-based treats formulated for cats instead.
Bottom line
- Occasional, very small exposure to plain crust with no toppings is likely the least risky scenario, but it should not become a regular habit. Avoid sauces, garlic/onion-containing toppings, and large amounts of cheese. For any uncertain situations or if a cat shows symptoms after exposure, seek veterinary advice.
