Without salt, our food would be bland and tasteless. But we all know that too much salt is bad for our health. And what about our little feline friends?

You are sure to have given your cat some food from your table. And at the same time did you ever ask yourself “Can my cat even eat this food?”

Salt is extremely unhealthy for cats, and too much salt can be toxic for your pet. Anything that exceeds the safe daily dose can cause a many health problems, and in extreme cases, even lead to the death of a pet.

Cat owners should be careful about the amount of salt for their furry friend consumes.

How much salt is safe for cats?

It is considered that cats can safely consume 20 to 42 milligrams of salt per day. This amount can be compared to a teaspoon. If your cat gets more than 42 milligrams per day it will harm him.

Why is salt toxic to cats?

Salt or sodium chloride is toxic to cats because it causes extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalances by drawing fluid out of the cells.

Excessive salt intake can cause conditions called salt intoxication, salt poisoning, or hypernatremia. All of these terms are used to describe extremely high levels of sodium in the blood.

Salt poisoning symptoms:

* Vomiting. Foods containing too much salt can cause your cat to start vomiting. In this case, it is best to give the cat plenty of water and gradually try to feed him.

* Diarrhea and excessive urination. If you notice that your pet is littering more than usual, this may be a symptom of salt poisoning. This condition can cause painful diarrhea or an excessive urination.

* Weakness. A cat suffering from salt poisoning can be extremely lethargic and weak. You may notice that your pet has lost interest in everything, even food and toys.

* Poor appetite. Electrolyte imbalance causes loss of appetite in cats. If you notice that the cat has stopped eating, it means that something is wrong with him. A severe electrolyte imbalance can cause seizures and severe dehydration, leading to the death of the animal.