Why?
Semolina is coarsely ground durum wheat, the same thing pasta and couscous are made from. It isn't toxic, but it's mostly starch, which cats don't need. The problems come from how it's usually served: in a spiced couscous broth with sausage, with butter, or as a dessert cooked in sweetened milk.
How much?
A teaspoon of semolina cooked in water with no salt or butter, cooled, once in a while. No couscous soaked in broth and no semolina pudding.
The risks
- Couscous broth: onion, spices, salt
- Spicy sausages and meats: fat and garlic
- Semolina pudding: lactose and sugar
- Bloating or diarrhea if overdone
Your cat ate some: what now?
A little plain semolina isn't a problem. If your cat ate some with broth or sauce, watch for vomiting and diarrhea over 24 to 48 hours. Call your vet if it contained onion or garlic or if symptoms appear.
Better options
If you're cooking couscous, set aside a small piece of chicken or lamb cooked without spices, before the sauce goes on. Cat treats are another safe option.
Common questions
Can cats eat couscous?
Plain couscous cooked in water is fine in a small spoonful. Couscous dishes with broth, onion, garlic or spices are not.
Can cats eat semolina pudding?
No. It's cooked in milk with sugar and sometimes raisins, which are toxic to cats. Keep it for the humans.
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.