Can Cats Eat Ham?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
No. Keep ham away from cats. Ham is pork that has been cured with salt, and most holiday hams are also glazed with sugar, smoked or studded with spices. The ASPCA warns that salty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures in pets, and Tufts Petfoodology notes that many holiday foods are high in sodium.
Why Ham Is a Problem for Cats
Salt is the main issue. Curing loads ham with sodium, and the ASPCA says too much salt can cause extreme thirst and urination and, in larger amounts, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors and seizures. Tufts adds that cats with kidney disease need to be careful with sodium, and that salty holiday foods are a concern for pets with heart disease. Fat is the next concern. Ham slices often carry a fat rim, and Tufts lists high fat foods among those that can upset a pet's stomach; the Merck Veterinary Manual suggests low fat treats for cats with pancreatitis. Then there are the extras. Honey or brown sugar glazes add sugar a cat does not need, and some glazes and rubs include onion or garlic, which the ASPCA lists as foods to avoid. Deli ham, smoked ham and ham hocks are all cured. Ham bones are cooked bones, and the ASPCA warns that bones can injure or block the digestive tract. WSAVA does list ham's calorie count, about 46 calories per ounce, but for a cat, plain cooked chicken or turkey gives the same kind of protein without the salt.
Signs to Watch For
According to the ASPCA, the first signs that a pet has eaten too much salt are heavy thirst and frequent urination. Vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, tremors and seizures can follow with larger amounts. Tufts notes that rich foods can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Merck lists lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain among signs of severe pancreatitis in cats.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Ham
A small bite of ham is unlikely to cause serious trouble in an adult cat, but give fresh water and watch for stomach upset. If your cat ate a large amount, chewed a ham bone, or has kidney disease or heart disease, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. Bring the package or label so the vet can see the sodium content.
If your cat has a medical condition or eats a special diet, ask your veterinarian before sharing any meat.
Common Questions
Can cats eat deli ham?
Deli ham is not a good treat for cats because it is cured and high in salt. The ASPCA warns that salty foods can cause extra thirst and urination and, in larger amounts, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. A single small piece your cat grabbed is unlikely to cause harm, but for regular treats choose plain cooked chicken or turkey you prepared at home.
Can cats eat ham bones?
Cats should not be given ham bones. They are cooked bones, which can splinter, and the ASPCA warns that bones can injure the digestive tract or cause an obstruction that may need surgery. Tufts Petfoodology lists bones, raw or cooked, among holiday foods pets should avoid. If your cat chewed or swallowed part of a ham bone, call your veterinarian for advice.
Can cats eat honey-glazed ham?
Cats should not eat honey-glazed ham. The glaze adds sugar on top of the salt from curing, and some glazes include spices or onion and garlic. The ASPCA lists onions and garlic as foods to keep from pets and warns that salty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors. Keep holiday ham and drippings out of your cat's reach.
Is ham bad for cats with kidney disease?
Cats with kidney disease should not be given ham. Tufts Petfoodology notes that cats with kidney disease need to limit nutrients such as phosphorus and sodium, and ham is cured with a lot of salt. Ask your veterinarian which treats fit your cat's kidney diet. Many prescription kidney diets have matching treats, and your vet can tell you how much is allowed.
What happens if my cat ate ham?
Most cats that eat a small piece of ham are fine, though the salt can make them very thirsty, and the fat can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Make sure fresh water is available and watch your cat for a day or two. Call your veterinarian if your cat ate a lot, chewed a bone, or shows tremors, repeated vomiting or unusual tiredness.