Can Cats Eat Slim Jims?

The stomach of your cat is like a guide for your feline friend. Whenever you are eating something, your cat will surely begin to beg for a bite – especially if the food is a salty treat known as Slim Jims. As a responsible cat owner, you must ask, can cats eat Slim Jims?

In simplest words, NO. Slim Jims are not an ideal treat for your feline friend as they are extremely processed and have added preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. Plus, Slim Jims are also loaded with salt, which is considered toxic to your feline friend.

Read on to learn why Slim Jims are not an ideal treat for your cats:

Cats and Slim Jims

Let’s ask a basic question: are Slim Jims bad for cats? Yes, even a tiny bite of this treat can create big health problems for your cat. It’s quite impossible to find a pack of Slim Jims that is not loaded with salt. Furthermore, according to many experts, salt is surely a toxic ingredient for your feline friend.

Other than salt, Slim Jims is made of:

• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Textured Soy Flour
• Water
• Beef
• Pork
• Mechanically Separated Chicken

Ingredients of Slim Jims

We all know cats are meat-eaters, meaning they usually get most of the important minerals and nutrients from meat, such as seafood and rodents. Therefore, it’s rational to ask, can cats eat beef jerky or Slim Jims?

Here are some of the fundamental ingredients of Slim Jims and their effects on cats:

Salt

Let’s start with salt. Salt is the main reason why human foods are not perfect for your feline friend. According to Lortsmith, the toxicity in salt is severe for your cats. Even a small volume of salt can cause salt poisoning in cats.

Here are some of the most common clinical signs that can occur within minutes of salt consumption:

• Increased Heart and Respiratory Rate
• Excessive Urination and Drinking
• Profound Thirst
• Hypersalivation
• Vomiting
• Inappetence
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Muscle Tremors
• Depression
• Seizure
• Death

Pork

Pork is not a poisonous ingredient for your cat. In fact, this meat is rich in nutrients, including vitamin B12, amino acids, iron, and more that are quite essential for your feline friend. However, you should give pork to your little furball in a small amount. 

Keep in mind that pork is also loaded with sodium and fats. So, if consumed in a larger volume, this ingredient can also cause some serious health problems.  

Textured Soy Flour

Now, soy is also a no-no for your cat. As mentioned earlier, your little furball is a carnivore, so he/she cannot process plant-based protein effectively. Furthermore, soy contains estrogen-like compounds known as isoflavones.

The isoflavones compound is quite harmful to your cat as it can mess with thyroid function, impair female fertility and promote the growth of cancer cells. In addition, if you have a spayed cat, this compound can also cause the symptoms of heat.

Mechanically Separated Chicken

A mechanically separated chicken is a paste-like product that is produced by forcing ground or pureed chicken under high pressure. This process can separate the edible meat from the bones and offer the perfect boneless meat. 

As Slim Jims are highly processed, they do not have much to offer when it comes to nutritional value. So, instead of taking the risk and feeding your feline Slim Jims, you can simply offer him/her some cooked chicken without any seasoning. 

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is unhealthy for both cats and humans. Other than working as a sweetener agent, corn syrup does not offer any healthy nutrients. Plus, just like other sweeteners, cats can get addicted to high fructose corn syrup that can cause weight-related problems, including obesity.

Do Cats Even Like Slim Jims?

Let’s clear one thing; no two felines are the same. While one cat likes a treat, the other might simply hate it. So, we cannot just give you one answer. As Slim Jims are salty and contain several spices, your feline might avoid it.

However, due to the sweeteners like corn syrup, it’s also a possibility that your cat might even beg for it. Remember that, unlike humans, cats cannot taste “Sweet.” Instead of taste, they crave carbohydrates. However, you should not give too many carbohydrate-rich foods to your feline as it can cause obesity and numerous other weight-related problems.

Slim Jims and Health Issues

Can cats have Slim Jims? As discussed in this article, the ingredients of Slim Jims are not perfect for your feline friend. Too much consumption of Slim Jims can cause some severe health problems in cats. In some rare cases, Slim Jims can even create the death bed of your feline friend.

Here are some clinical issues related to Slim Jims and cats:

• Salt Poisoning
• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Diarrhea
• Stomach Issues
• Seizures
• Excessive Thirst
• Incoordination
• Coma
• Death

What Should I Do If My Cat Ate Slim Jims?

Due to the high sodium and fat content, even a single bite of Slim Jims can cause health issues. However, if your cat just licked the Slim Jims, it won’t cause the death of your feline friend. Your cat might throw up a few times.

In contrast, if your cat consumes a significant volume of Slim Jims, you should look for more severe symptoms, like salt poisoning and diarrhea. If the clinical signs are serious, contact your vet immediately. In case of dehydration, give your cat some cat food rich in water content and moisture. 

If your cat indicates the signs of salt poisoning, visit your vet and follow his instructions. 

Final Verdict

Your little furball comes with a sensitive stomach. As a result, even a little disturbance can lead to some severe health complications. Therefore, you must consult with your veterinarian before altering your cat’s diet.

Can cats eat Slim Jims? Slim Jims are a no-no for cats. As these beef jerkys are loaded with toxic ingredients, even a small volume can lead to some serious health issues. So, if your cat consumes too much volume of Slim Jims, contact your veterinarian immediately.