Why?
Mafé sauce is built on peanut paste, which is very high in fat and can cause vomiting, diarrhea or even pancreatitis. It's almost always made with onion and garlic, which damage a cat's red blood cells, and often with chili, salt and bouillon cubes. Since the meat simmers in that sauce, it soaks all of it up.
How much?
No amount is recommended, sauce or meat. Keep the pot covered and out of reach.
The risks
- Anemia from onion and garlic
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Pancreatitis from the peanut fat
- Stomach irritation if the dish is spicy
Your cat ate some: what now?
Call your vet without waiting for symptoms: anemia from onion and garlic can show up several days later. Tell them how much your cat ate and what was in the sauce, and don't try to make your cat vomit.
Better options
Before adding the sauce, set aside a small piece of plain cooked meat with no salt or spices, and serve it boneless. Your cat gets to join the meal safely.
Common questions
Can cats eat peanut stew?
No. Like mafé, most peanut stews contain onion, garlic, salt and spices, plus a lot of fat from the peanuts. Keep it off your cat's menu.
Can cats eat the rice served with mafé?
Plain white rice cooked in water, with no sauce, is safe in small amounts. The problem is rice that's been covered in sauce.
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.