Can Cats Eat Potatoes? Cooked, Raw, Fries and Solanine Risks

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Potatoes are a kitchen staple, so it is no surprise that a curious cat sniffs a dropped chip or a bit of mash. Most of what you cook for people is not designed for cats, and potatoes come with a few special warnings.

Are potatoes toxic?

Potatoes belong to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes and peppers. The plant produces a compound called solanine, a natural defense. Solanine is concentrated in the leaves, stems, sprouts, green skin and raw tubers. In large amounts, it can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, lethargy, weakness and, rarely, neurological signs. Cooking, especially boiling, reduces solanine, but does not eliminate it from green parts. See can cats eat tomatoes.

Safe serving

If you want to offer potato, keep it simple:

• Plain, fully cooked, white or yellow potato, boiled or baked, without skin.
• Cooled, and mashed or cut into tiny pieces.
• No salt, butter, milk, cheese, sour cream, garlic, onion, chives or spices. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats.
• A small amount, about a teaspoon, occasionally.

What to avoid

• Raw potato, green potatoes and sprouts.
• Potato plants in the garden or in pots. See toxic houseplants for cats.
• French fries, chips and hash browns, which are high in fat and salt.
• Seasoned or flavored potato dishes, such as gratin, loaded potatoes and crisps with onion or garlic powder.
• Large amounts, which can cause stomach upset.

Nutrition and cats

Cats are obligate carnivores. They get energy from protein and fat, and have no dietary requirement for carbohydrates. Potato adds starch, a small amount of vitamin C and potassium, but cats make their own vitamin C. Starch can contribute to weight gain and raise blood sugar, which matters for diabetic cats. See diabetes in cats. Potato is also used in many grain-free cat foods, which is a different matter. See is grain-free cat food better.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes belong to a different plant family, and are not nightshades. Plain cooked sweet potato is generally safer, in small amounts. See can cats eat sweet potatoes.

If your cat ate raw potato or plant parts

Remove any remaining pieces. Watch for vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea or tremors, which can occur within hours. Call your vet or an animal poison hotline for advice, especially if a lot was eaten or your cat shows signs. See cat poisoning: what to do.

Digestive tolerance

Some cats find potato hard to digest, and develop gas or loose stool. Offer a tiny amount first, and stop if there is any upset.

Better treats

Small pieces of cooked meat or fish are more suitable for cats. See healthy cat treats.

Why some cats love potato anyway

Cats are drawn to warm, soft textures, and to the smell of butter or fat. A cat that grabs a bit of mashed potato is often chasing the fat, not the potato. It may also be attracted by your attention. If your cat begs for potato, redirect it with a few cooked chicken pieces instead, and keep potato dishes out of reach.

Potato peels and garden risks

Potato peels may contain more solanine, particularly if green. Do not leave peels in an open bin. If you grow potatoes, fence the bed, and keep leaves, flowers and any green tubers away from cats. Sprouted potatoes in the pantry should be thrown out securely.

Potato in cat food

Many commercial cat foods contain potato starch or dried potato as a binder, particularly grain-free formulas. These are processed and cooked, and are safe. They are included for texture and carbohydrate, not as a major nutrient source. Look at the whole ingredient list and the protein content. See how to read a cat food label.

Cats with special diets

Cats with kidney disease may be told to limit potassium, which potato contains in quantity. Cats with diabetes should avoid starchy foods. If your cat is on a prescription diet, treat foods should be approved by your vet. See chronic kidney disease in cats.

Quick checklist before you share

Is it cooked, plain and peeled, with no green? Is it cooled and mashed small? Is it a teaspoon, not a spoonful? If yes, it is acceptable once in a while. Otherwise, keep the potato for people, and give your cat a meaty treat.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat vomits repeatedly or seems unwell after eating potato. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

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.