A slice of warm bread is a tasty treat for many pet parents but should it be shared with a feline friend? Can cats eat bread, or is bread bad for cats? Before giving your pet some of your sandwich or baguette, here's what you need to know about cats and bread.

Can Cats Eat Bread?

As is the case with many human foods, small amounts of baked bread are generally OK for cats to eat in moderation. Cats shouldn't eat bread on a regular basis but, rather, reserve it for a once in a while treat.

Healthwise, there is nothing in baked bread that is bad for your cat, but the concern is that it also does not supply nutrients your cat needs. Essentially, for cats, bread is considered a source of empty calories. For a frame of reference, a slice of white bread provides one-fifth of all the calories an average cat needs in a day. So, while two slices of bread might barely satisfy your appetite, it is far too much for your feline friend.

Bread can come in handy if you have to give your cat oral medication. You may be able to hide a pill in soft-baked bread or even squirt liquid medicine on it. However, your cat may not fall for this trick. Many cats will avoid food with medication because of its bitter taste, explains the PennVet Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. You may have better luck with canned cat food, the hospital advises, but if your cat enjoys a nice bit of bread, you can opt for that route.

Is Bread Bad for Cats?

Now that we know the answer to whether or not cats can eat bread is "yes, in moderation," it brings us to our next question: "Is bread dangerous for cats?" Certain varieties of baked bread are safer for cats than others. A good rule of thumb is the plainer the baked bread, the better it probably is for your cat.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association emphasizes, what's safe for a human may be toxic for an animal — and bread is no exception. If baked bread is flavored with tomato, onion or garlic, the loaf should be considered one of the toxic foods for cats. Steer clear of herbs and spices, too, unless you can confirm they're safe for cats. It's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before giving any human food to your cat.

In this article, you may have noticed the reference to "baked" bread. That is to clarify that while most baked bread is not one of the dangerous foods for cats, bread dough, which contains active yeast, does poses a substantial risk to a cat's health.

Yeast

As Preventive Vet points out, "The yeast contained in even a small amount of raw bread or pizza dough can quickly produce enough alcohol and carbon dioxide to cause serious problems for a cat." Raw dough — any kind of yeast dough, not just bread — can expand, just like it does on the counter, inside your cat and lead to a distended stomach and severe bloating. In rare instances, surgery is required to remove the dough mass.

Blue-eyed Himalyan cat peeking over a table top looking at a slice of bread

Additionally, ingesting uncooked yeast can cause your kitty to be intoxicated. Called alcohol toxicosis, it occurs because "yeast fermentation products include ethanol, which is absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in inebriation and metabolic acidosis (excessive amounts of acid that alter the chemicals in the blood)," the Merck Veterinary Manual describes. Alcohol is a big no-no for all animals because of the toxicity of ethanol, which can be fatal upon ingestion.

Signs of yeast ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea and excessive gas or bloating. Contact your vet's office or an emergency care clinic right away if you suspect your cat has eaten raw dough containing yeast.

How Does Bread Affect Cat Nutrition?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they must get some of their nutrition from meat. In other words, they are obligated to eat some meat. They need a cat food developed with the right ingredients, which provide the right balance of nutrients including meat-based protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and energy to keep them at an optimum level of health.

Therefore, before giving your cat bread, consider not only their nutritional intake but their overall health. For example, if your cat has feline diabetes, check with your vet before feeding them bread. "Your veterinarian may recommend feeding your cat a food restricted in carbohydrates, which has been shown to improve control of blood glucose levels," says the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University.

In general, you'll want to limit your kitty's snacks as feeding foods they are unaccustomed to can cause stomach upset — even if they don't have a health condition. And remember, bread shouldn't have a regular place in a cat's nutritional plan. It's a savory treat you can share every so often, in very small bites.

Christine O'Brien Christine O'Brien

Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.

Related articles

All About Kittens: A Comprehensive Guide for New Pet Parents

Preparing for a new kitten? Learn helpful tips for bringing home a feline friend, preparing your house, supplies you'll need, feeding tips & more.

Do Cats Understand Mirrors?

Do cats understand mirrors? Find out what science can to tell us and how cats perceive their own reflections.

Can Cats Get Lyme Disease?

Learn how common lyme disease is for cats, signs of the disease, treatment options and prevention tips (especially during tick season).

Removing Foul-Smelling Cat Odors From Your Home

Learn how getting rid of cat odors in carpets and fabrics is key to getting your house to smell fresh and clean.

Should You Give Your Cat Bread?

A slice of warm bread is a tasty treat for many pet owners but should it be shared with a feline friend? Can cats eat bread, or is bread bad for cats? Before giving your pet some of your sandwich or baguette, here's what you need to know about cats and bread.

Hill's Kitten Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Kitten

Discover the benefits of Hill's line of kitten foods and how they provide complete and balance nutrition for growing kittens.

Pregnancy in Cats: Signs & Preparation for Delivery

If you have or think you have a pregnant cat, click to learn more about how to properly care for her needs including preparation and delivery tips.

Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain? Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms.

Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.

Suggestions to Make Your Cat Drink from a Bowl

If your cat refuses to drink from her water dish, or sees it more of a toy, learn some different ways you can encourage your cat to drink from a bowl.

How Wellness Checks Help Senior Cats

If you have a senior-aged cat, learn why its so important to take her to regular vet visits & blood work, especially if she has a health condition.

The Science Behind Your Cat's Traits

Curious to know more about your cat? From how fast she runs to how high she can jump, learn what science has found out about your cat's distinct traits.

My Cat Ate Marijuana: Is It Toxic for Them?

If your cat ate marijuana, learn what steps you should take. Learn how weed & THC can affect cats, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.

Kitten Proofing Your Home with 10 Easy-to-Follow Tips

Learn more about household items can potentially be harmful to kittens and other ways to keep your kitten safe at home.

Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

While upper respiratory infections in cats are common, they can still be concerning. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis & treatment options for URIs.

Interactive Cat Toys

Discover fun, interactive cat toys that will entertain your kitty, including puzzles and other cat toys that dispense food!

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Cats: Signs & Prevention

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Cats: Signs & Prevention

Home Dental Care Methods for Your Cat

Use these 4 steps on how to properly brush and provide the right dental care for your cat's teeth.

Overweight Cat? Slim Down with These Activities

Learn how meal planning, exercise and activity can help your overweight cat get to a healthy and happy weight.

Why Is My Cat Limping?

Understand reasons why your cat might be limping, from joint problems to excessive jumping, as well as when you should be concerned and how you can help.

Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin

Discover how to identify cat sensitive skin and what you can do to help your cat thrive from head to paw.