Why?
Potato chips pack a lot of salt and frying fat, two things a cat's body handles poorly. Too much salt makes a cat very thirsty and, in large amounts, can lead to salt poisoning. Flavored chips (barbecue, sour cream and onion, cheese) often contain onion or garlic powder, which damages red blood cells. And a chip offers nothing a carnivore needs.
How much?
No amount is recommended. Keep the bag and the snack bowl out of reach, since curious cats love digging into rustling packets.
The risks
- Intense thirst and vomiting from the salt
- Diarrhea or stomach pain from the fat
- Anemia if the chips are seasoned with onion or garlic powder
- Salt poisoning if a lot is eaten: tremors, seizures
- Weight gain if it becomes a habit
Your cat ate some: what now?
One or two plain chips are usually nothing to panic about: make sure fresh water is available and watch your cat for 24 to 48 hours for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. If your cat ate a good part of the bag, or onion or garlic flavored chips, call your vet right away and keep the packaging handy.
Better options
For crunch, a dry cat treat does the job. A small piece of plain cooked chicken will please your cat even more.
Common questions
My cat ate a potato chip, should I worry?
Usually not: a single plain chip won't poison a cat. Keep an eye on its appetite and behavior, and call your vet if the chip was onion or garlic flavored or if your cat ate a lot.
Can cats eat tortilla chips?
No. They're just as salty and fatty, often seasoned with onion or garlic, and the hard pieces aren't easy for a cat to swallow.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.