Can Cats Eat Salami?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
No. Keep salami away from cats. Salami is a cured sausage made with a lot of salt and fat, and most recipes include garlic. The ASPCA lists garlic among foods to keep away from pets and warns that salty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures.
Why Salami Is a Problem for Cats
Curing depends on salt, so even a thin slice of salami carries a heavy dose of sodium for an animal the size of a cat. The ASPCA says too much salt can cause increased thirst and urination and, in larger amounts, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors and seizures. Salami is also rich in fat. Tufts Petfoodology lists high fat foods among those that can upset a pet's stomach, and the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends low fat treats for cats with pancreatitis. Then there is the seasoning. Garlic is common in salami, and Merck reports that garlic is three to five times more potent than onion and that cats are the most sensitive species. Black pepper, wine and other spices are often added too. Other deli meats raise similar concerns. Bologna, mortadella, prosciutto, capicola, deli ham and many sliced turkey and chicken products are cured or brined with salt, and some contain onion or garlic powder. WSAVA advises against table scraps as treats for cats.
Signs to Watch For
The ASPCA lists heavy thirst and frequent urination as the first signs that a pet has eaten too much salt. Vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, tremors and seizures can follow with larger amounts. Tufts notes that fatty foods can bring on vomiting or diarrhea. If the salami contained garlic, Merck describes weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing and dark urine. These signs often take several days to appear, after red blood cells have been damaged.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Salami
A small piece is unlikely to cause serious trouble for an adult cat, but offer fresh water and watch closely for a few days. If your cat ate several slices or a chunk of a salami stick, 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 check for garlic and sodium.
If your cat has a medical condition or eats a special diet, ask your veterinarian which treats to use instead.
Common Questions
Can cats eat deli meat?
Most deli meat is a poor treat for cats because it is cured or brined with salt and sometimes seasoned with onion or garlic powder. The ASPCA warns that salty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors in pets and lists onions and garlic among foods to avoid. A stolen scrap is usually not an emergency. For treats, cook plain chicken or turkey at home.
Can cats eat prosciutto?
Cats should not eat prosciutto. It is a dry-cured ham made with a lot of salt, and its fat rim adds calories quickly. The ASPCA warns that too much salt can cause increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea and, in larger amounts, tremors and seizures. If your cat ate a small piece, offer fresh water and watch for stomach upset.
What happens if my cat ate salami?
A cat that eats a small piece of salami will most likely have nothing worse than thirst or mild stomach upset. Because salami often contains garlic, watch your cat for several days. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that signs of garlic poisoning, such as weakness, pale gums and dark urine, can be delayed. Call your veterinarian if any of these appear.
Can cats eat bologna?
Bologna is not a good treat for cats. It is a processed, salted meat with added fat and seasonings, sometimes including garlic or onion powder. The ASPCA lists onions and garlic as foods to keep from pets and warns that salty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat wants meat, offer a small piece of plain cooked chicken instead.
Why does my cat want my salami?
Cats are attracted to the strong scent of cured fat and meat. The Cornell Feline Health Center notes that cats evolved eating prey high in protein with moderate fat, so salami smells appealing. That does not make it a fit treat. Keep salami out of reach and offer a small piece of plain cooked meat when your cat begs.