Can Cats Eat Pasta? Plain Noodles, Sauces and Why It Is Not Ideal
A strand of spaghetti falls from the plate, and your cat pounces. Is it harmful? Plain pasta by itself is not poisonous, but it is not a good food for cats, and what goes on pasta can make it dangerous.
What is pasta made of?
Most pasta is made of wheat flour, water and sometimes egg. Cats can digest cooked starch to some degree, but they are designed to get energy from protein and fat. Pasta is mainly carbohydrate, with some protein. It does not supply taurine, arachidonic acid or the other nutrients cats need. See taurine: why cats need it.
Is it safe?
Plain, well-cooked pasta, without salt or oil, will not harm most healthy cats in tiny quantities. But it is empty calories, and can contribute to weight gain. Pasta can also cause stomach upset in sensitive cats, and some cats are allergic or sensitive to wheat or egg. See cat food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
Sauces and ingredients to avoid
The real danger lies in what comes with the pasta:
- Garlic and onion, in almost all sauces, which damage red blood cells. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats.
- Tomato sauce, which is acidic, salty and often seasoned. The green parts of tomato plants are toxic. See can cats eat tomatoes.
- Cheese and cream sauces, which are high in fat and lactose. See can cats eat cheese.
- Salt, butter and oil, which add fat and sodium.
- Spices and herbs, such as nutmeg, chives and others.
- Mushrooms, and other toppings. See can cats eat mushrooms.
- Meat toppings with seasoning, or bacon. See can cats eat bacon.
- Xylitol, in rare products.
Raw or dry pasta
Dry pasta is hard, and can be a choking hazard. Raw pasta is also hard to digest. Keep it out of reach, particularly dried strands.
How much, if any
If you let your cat taste plain pasta, keep it to a piece or two, once in a while. Do not use it as a regular treat. Treats should stay under 10 percent of daily calories. See how much should I feed my cat.
Cats that should avoid it
- Diabetic cats, because of the starch. See diabetes in cats.
- Overweight cats.
- Cats with food allergies or sensitive stomachs.
- Cats with pancreatitis, if the pasta is oily.
What to do if your cat ate pasta with sauce
If your cat ate a small taste of plain sauce, watch for vomiting or diarrhea. If the sauce had garlic or onion, call your vet or an animal poison hotline, since signs can be delayed. See cat poisoning: what to do.
Better ideas
A few cooked chicken pieces, or a lick of wet cat food, are better. See can cats eat chicken and healthy cat treats.
Is pasta ever useful?
Some owners use a plain piece of pasta to hide a pill, or as a quick distraction. A pill pocket or a bit of wet food does the job better. Pasta may also be used by owners who want to stretch a meal, but this is not nutritionally sound. A cat that fills up on starch eats less of the balanced food it needs.
Whole wheat, gluten-free and egg pasta
Whole wheat pasta has more fiber, which can cause gas. Gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn is not toxic, but offers no particular benefit. Egg noodles contain egg, which some cats are allergic to. See can cats eat eggs. Whichever type you choose, cook it plain.
Cats and carbohydrates
Cats can digest cooked starch, but are not built to rely on it. Their bodies make glucose from protein. High-carbohydrate diets may contribute to obesity and diabetes in susceptible cats. For a healthy cat, an occasional nibble is not harmful, but regular amounts do not help. See wet vs dry cat food.
Teaching family and guests
Because pasta dishes are everywhere, tell family and guests not to share. Keep plates off the floor, and put leftovers in the fridge. A simple rule that nobody feeds table food keeps your cat safe and slim.
Quick checklist before you share
Confirm that the pasta is plain, well cooked and free from sauce. Offer a piece or two, and no more. If your cat has diabetes, a weight problem or a food allergy, skip it. Keep the sauce, cheese and garlic bread away from your cat at all times.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your cat has ongoing vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy after eating human food. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is plain pasta safe for cats?
In tiny amounts, yes, but it has no real benefit.
Can cats eat spaghetti sauce?
No. Garlic and onion in sauce are toxic, and salt and fat are a problem.
Why does my cat like pasta?
Cats may be attracted to the smell of added fat, or the texture.
Can cats eat raw pasta?
No. Hard, dry pasta is a choking hazard and hard to digest.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your petsWhich common kitchen foods are unsafe for dogs and cats.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic plants and foods lists, plus a 24-hour helpline.
- Pet Poison Helpline24-hour poison advice staffed by veterinary toxicologists.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.