Cats can eat a small amount of salt, and it is actually an essential mineral for them, just like for humans. Salt helps regulate bodily functions such as hydration and electrolyte balance. Commercial cat foods contain balanced amounts of salt necessary for their health, and a little extra salt typically won't harm a cat. However, too much salt can cause serious health problems including dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, tremors, seizures, or even death in severe cases. Cats generally avoid salty foods and have specific dietary needs met by cat food, so additional salt or salty human foods should be avoided to prevent salt poisoning. Salt toxicity symptoms in cats include vomiting, lethargy, excessive urination, dehydration, tremors, and seizures. If a cat consumes a large amount of salt, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly. Most of the risk comes from human foods or substances with high salt content rather than regular cat food, which is carefully formulated. In summary, cats need some salt but excess intake should be prevented for their safety and well-being. Always provide plenty of fresh water to help manage their body's sodium balance.
