Why?
A sausage is ground meat mixed with plenty of fat, salt, spices and often garlic or onion, which are toxic to cats. Smoked and processed sausages add nitrites and other additives. That mix can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in some cats may contribute to pancreatitis. Spicy sausages like chorizo or hot Italian sausage are even less suitable.
How much?
Avoid them, raw, grilled or canned. Watch out at barbecues: a dropped sausage or one left on a plate disappears fast.
The risks
- Garlic or onion, which damage red blood cells
- Excess salt: thirst, vomiting
- Fat: diarrhea and a risk of pancreatitis
- Chili and spices that irritate the gut
- Large chunks swallowed whole: choking hazard
Your cat ate some: what now?
A small bite is no reason to panic: give water and watch your cat for a few days. Call your vet for vomiting, diarrhea, refusing food or lethargy. If they ate a whole sausage, or one with garlic or onion, call right away, since garlic damage can take several days to show.
Better options
At a barbecue, set aside a few small cubes of plain grilled chicken or beef, with no marinade and no charred bits.
Common questions
Can cats eat hot dogs?
Not really. Hot dogs are salty, processed and sometimes seasoned with garlic or onion powder. A small bite won't usually cause harm, but it's not a treat to offer.
Can cats eat breakfast sausage?
No. Breakfast sausage is fatty, salty and often seasoned with sage, pepper and sometimes onion or garlic. Plain scrambled egg is a better breakfast share.
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.