Why?
Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes aren't nightshades, so they contain no solanine. They provide fiber, but mostly starch and sugars, which a carnivore doesn't need. Raw, they're hard, tough to chew and can upset the stomach; cooked, they turn soft and are easier to digest.
How much?
A teaspoon of boiled, steamed or baked sweet potato, peeled and mashed, once in a while. No butter, sugar or salt, and no sweet potato fries.
The risks
- Weight gain if given often, since it's starchy
- Hard raw pieces that are difficult to digest
- Diarrhea or gas if the portion is too big
- Buttery mash, fries, or casseroles with sugar and marshmallows
Your cat ate some: what now?
A bit of sweet potato won't hurt your cat. If it ate some raw or a large amount, watch it for 24 to 48 hours and call your vet if it vomits, has diarrhea that won't stop or loses its appetite.
Better options
Cooked pumpkin offers fiber with fewer calories. For a diabetic or overweight cat, it's best to skip starchy veggies.
Common questions
Sweet potato or regular potato: which is safer for cats?
Sweet potato, since it contains no solanine. Both should still be cooked, plain and given in small amounts.
Can cats eat sweet potato casserole?
No. It's usually made with butter, brown sugar and marshmallows, sometimes pecans, which is far too rich and sugary for a cat. Set aside a spoonful of plain cooked sweet potato instead.
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.