Why?
Traditional couscous is served with a broth made with onion, often garlic, and spices like cumin or ras el hanout, and the grains soak it all up. It often comes with merguez, a fatty, salty and spicy sausage seasoned with garlic, and harissa, a hot chili paste. Onion and garlic damage a cat's red blood cells, while fat and chili irritate the digestive system.
How much?
Don't give your cat a couscous dish. A spoonful of couscous cooked in plain water, with no salt, butter or broth, is fine once in a while, but it adds almost nothing to their diet.
The risks
- Anemia from onion and garlic in the broth
- Burning and stomach pain from harissa
- Vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis from fatty sausage
- Too much salt
Your cat ate some: what now?
Call your vet without waiting for symptoms, especially if your cat ate the broth, sausage or vegetables cooked in it: anemia can develop several days later. Tell them what was eaten, and don't try to make your cat vomit.
Better options
A bit of plain cooked chicken or lamb, boneless, is a far better idea. Set it aside before it goes into the broth.
Common questions
Can cats eat plain couscous?
Yes, a small amount of couscous cooked in water, with no salt, butter or broth, is safe. It's just filler for a carnivore, so keep it small and occasional.
Is boxed or flavored couscous OK for cats?
No. Flavored couscous mixes usually contain salt, onion or garlic powder and other seasonings. Stick to plain couscous if you share any at all.
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.