What are the symptoms of Salt (sodium) poisoning in cats?

vomiting, increased thirst, lethargy, wobbliness

Salt (sodium)

Q: Is Salt (sodium) safe for cats?

Caution: Caution in excess — a lick of food is fine; broth, dough, or ice-melt is not. Cats need some sodium. They do not need deli meat, bread dough, or seawater. Excess sodium causes thirst, vomiting, and in severe cases neurologic signs. Ice-melt and homemade play-dough are the usual overdoses, not a pinch in cooked chicken. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Sugar also safe for cats?

Caution: Caution — not a cat nutrient. The real emergencies are chocolate, xylitol, and raisins hiding in sweet foods.

Caution

Verdict

Caution in excess — a lick of food is fine; broth, dough, or ice-melt is not.

Toxic principle: sodium ions (excess)

Also called: sodium, sodium chloride

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

Verdict

Cats need some sodium. They do not need deli meat, bread dough, or seawater. Excess sodium causes thirst, vomiting, and in severe cases neurologic signs. Ice-melt and homemade play-dough are the usual overdoses, not a pinch in cooked chicken.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• increased thirst
• lethargy
• wobbliness

What to do

Offer fresh water. Call a vet if the cat ingested dough, ice-melt, or is wobbly. See also the salt food page.

Related foods

Sugar

Caution

Caution — not a cat nutrient. The real emergencies are chocolate, xylitol, and raisins hiding in sweet foods.

Carbohydrate

Carrageenan

Caution

Caution — a thickener, not a classic poison. Evidence of harm in cats is limited and debated.

Additive

Propylene glycol

Toxic

Toxic to cats in food-level exposure — this is not ethylene glycol antifreeze, but cats still should not eat it.

Additive

Garlic powder

Dangerous

Never — allium powder is concentrated and causes Heinz-body anemia in cats.

Additive