As a cat owner, you want to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. But accidents happen and you may find your cat got into something they shouldn’t have – like bacon grease. Bacon grease is often still left in pans after cooking bacon. While it’s not toxic to cats, it can cause some digestive upset if consumed. This article will provide a helpful guide on what to do if your cat eats bacon grease.
Understanding Bacon Grease and Its Effects on Cats
Bacon grease is the rendered fat leftover from cooking bacon. It’s loaded with sodium, fat, and flavorful compounds that give bacon its signature taste. But what happens when cats ingest it? Here’s an overview:
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Not toxic – Bacon grease is not poisonous to cats and will not cause major health issues unless very large amounts are consumed.
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High-fat – The high fat content of bacon grease could potentially cause pancreatitis if a lot was eaten
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GI upset – Greasy foods can lead to stomach upset. Possible symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and loss of appetite.
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Dehydration – The salt in bacon grease may cause increased thirst and dehydration if enough was ingested.
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Unpleasant taste – Most cats dislike the strong taste and may drool, paw at their mouth, or eat grass to vomit it up.
So while a small amount likely won’t harm your cat, it’s still best to take action to help your cat recover.
What To Do If Your Cat Ate Bacon Grease
If you catch your cat lapping up bacon grease or notice grease around their mouth, don’t panic. Here are some tips on caring for your cat:
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Remove access – If your cat got into a pan transfer any remaining grease into a sealed container out of paw’s reach.
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Monitor symptoms – Look for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other signs of illness over the next 24 hours.
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Call the vet – If concerning symptoms last more than 24 hours, call your vet for advice.
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Encourage hydration – Provide fresh, clean water and consider adding broths or tuna juice to increase intake.
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Feed bland diet – Temporarily feed plain boiled chicken and rice to calm the stomach.
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Limit exercise – Avoid strenuous playtime to give their belly time to rest and recover.
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Check for improvement – Digestive upset should resolve within 48 hours. Call the vet if it persists longer.
With supportive care at home, your cat should make a full recovery after the bacon grease passes through their system. Contact your vet right away if you notice any worrying symptoms or changes in behavior.
How Much Bacon Grease Did Your Cat Eat?
The amount of bacon grease consumed will impact how your cat’s body responds. Here’s a look at what to expect:
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A small lick – If your cat just had a tiny taste, they may exhibit mild drooling or lip licking but likely no other symptoms.
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A teaspoon – A small amount can cause temporary GI upset like vomiting or diarrhea for a day or so.
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A tablespoon – Mild to moderate digestive symptoms are possible for 24-48 hours.
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1/4 cup or more – Severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, or pancreatitis could occur. Seek veterinary treatment.
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The whole pan – Immediately contact your vet and monitor very closely. Hospitalization may be required.
When in doubt, call your vet for proper guidance. They can advise you based on your cat’s specific health history and symptoms.
Preventing Your Cat From Getting Into Bacon Grease
While accidents happen, you can take steps to avoid a bacon grease encounter in the future:
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Pour grease into a lidded container or Mason jar to limit access.
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Never leave pans containing grease unattended.
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Let pans cool completely before leaving in the sink. Hot grease can burn paws.
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Clean pans thoroughly after cooking bacon to remove all traces of grease.
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Store grease jars out of reach of cats, such as in upper cabinets.
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Keep countertops and stovetops clutter-free to eliminate tempting exploration.
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Use baking sheets with raised edges when cooking bacon to catch grease.
Staying vigilant when cooking and cleaning up bacon will help avoid exposing your cat to grease they shouldn’t be eating.
When To Call The Vet After Bacon Grease Ingestion
Contact your vet promptly if you notice any of the following warning signs after your cat ate bacon grease:
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Repeated vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
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Loss of appetite beyond a day
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Lethargy, depression, or unusual behavior
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Abdominal pain or tenderness
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Dehydration – dry gums, weakness, sunken eyes
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Difficulty breathing or swallowing
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Blood in vomit or stool
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Weight loss lasting more than 2-3 days
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Signs of pancreatitis like hunched posture, fever, or belly distension
Your vet can advise you on next steps for care, which may involve lab tests, IV fluids, antinausea medication, or hospitalization. Don’t hesitate to call if your cat’s condition declines or you have any concerns.
FAQs About Cats and Bacon Grease
How long will symptoms last?
For small ingestions, digestive upset usually resolves within 24-48 hours. Encourage rest, bland diet and hydration during recovery.
Will bacon grease constipate my cat?
It may temporarily due to the greasy nature. Increase water intake and add fiber like canned pumpkin to help. Contact your vet if constipation persists more than 2-3 days.
Can cats have small amounts of bacon grease?
No, it’s best to keep cats away from bacon grease. The risks outweigh any benefits. Stick to cat-approved people foods like cooked chicken or fish.
Is bacon grease toxic like chocolate or xylitol?
No, it’s not toxic or poisonous. But the high amounts of fat, sodium, and calories can negatively impact cats if enough is consumed.
How do I get my cat to stop eating bacon grease?
Securely store grease out of reach, clean cookware thoroughly after use, and limit access during cooking. Redirect your cat’s attention if caught lapping grease.
Conclusion
While bacon grease shouldn’t cause lasting harm, it’s best to keep this fatty food away from your feline friend. Follow the tips in this guide if your cat manages to sneak a taste. With diligent care and monitoring at home, your cat should recover just fine. But don’t hesitate to call your vet if symptoms concern you or persist. Stay vigilant while cooking bacon and properly store grease to keep your curious kitty safe.
