Nabiha Tahsin Nuha

Can Cats Eat Miso? 3 Hamrful Reasons You Should Know We all know that all cats have unique dietary needs and most owners struggle to provide the best nutrition to their cats. I am not different in this case, either. Muyezza, my 2-month-old Persian cat, also throws tantrums while eating. One day I randomly started to wonder if certain human foods, like miso, are safe for cats to consume. So, can cats eat miso? No, they can not. Miso isn’t a suitable diet food for cats. It contains sodium which can disrupt the electrolytes in their body; soybean, which isn’t easily digestible; and onion and garlic, which might be toxic to them. However, a small amount of miso is fine. If you want to know more about what actually a cat needs for nutrition, why miso isn’t good for them and methods to help your cat if it accidentally eats miso, keep reading till the end! What Does a Cat Need for Their Nutritional Requirements? Cats have distinct nutritional requirements due to being obligate carnivores. It means that their bodies have evolved in such a way that they thrive when their diet consists primarily of animal-based protein. Unlike humans and many other animals, they have specific needs that make the consumption of meat a necessity for their overall growth. To ensure optimal health, cats require specific nutrients that are found mostly in animal tissues. These include taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A. -​ Taurine is essential for various bodily functions, particularly for maintaining a robust cardiovascular system. -​ Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is crucial for proper immune function. -​ Vitamin A plays a key role in vision, growth and reproduction. Animal protein acts as the fundamental building block of a cat's diet. It’s a rich source of amino acids. These amino acids are involved in muscle development, tissue repair, enzyme production, and the overall growth and maintenance of a cat's body. Can Cats Eat Miso? Miso, a traditional Japanese seasoning, is created by fermenting soybeans, salt, and other ingredients. It’s widely used in Japanese cuisine to enhance the flavors of soups. There are a few ingredients of miso that can cause serious health issues in cats: -​ Soybean -​ Sodium -​ Onion and Garlic Let’s get to know the reason why these components are harmful to my Muyezza and your cats too: Soybean The primary component of miso is fermented soybeans. While soybeans are a common dietary staple for humans, they aren’t a natural part of a cat's diet. Cats lack certain enzymes required for the efficient breakdown of plant-based proteins. Since soybeans have plant-based protein in them, too, it’s potentially a challenging item to digest. It can lead to digestive discomfort or issues for them when consuming miso or other soy-based products. Sodium Content During the fermentation process, salt is added to miso, resulting in increased sodium levels. Cats are more sensitive to sodium than humans, and excessive sodium can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in their bodies. This can lead to health problems such as dehydration, kidney issues, and high blood pressure. Garlic and Onion In addition to the soybean base, certain varieties of miso may have ingredients like onion, garlic, or fish. These ingredients can be toxic to cats, particularly onions and garlic, which are composed of compounds that can damage their red blood cells and potentially lead to anemia. You must avoid feeding miso or any miso-based dishes that contain these ingredients to cats to ensure their well-being. Instead of miso, there are numerous cat-safe treats and snacks available in the market that are specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs of them. These treats offer flavors and textures that match their taste preferences. What to Do If Your Cat Eats Miso? I try my best to keep Muyezza away from consuming Miso. But what if your cat accidentally consumes a small amount of miso? Generally, as I mentioned, a small consumption is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, you must monitor your pet for any signs of discomfort or digestive upset. Here are some tips you can follow: 1)​Observe Your Cat Keep an eye on your cat for the next few hours. Watch for any changes in behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of discomfort. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact the vet immediately. 2)​Provide Fresh Water Make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water. This can help dilute any excess salt or other potentially problematic ingredients from the miso. 3)​ Observe Eating Sessions If your cat's appetite decreases or they show signs of discomfort, it can be a good idea to offer a bland diet temporarily. You can cook plain chicken, or a commercial bland food recommended by your veterinarian can help soothe the digestive system of your pet. 4)​Contact Your Vet If your cat shows any concerning symptoms or if you have any doubts about their well-being, it's best to contact your veterinarian for advice. They can prescribe based on your pet’s situation and may recommend bringing it in for a check-up if necessary. Final Words By now, I believe you’ve got the answer of - “Can cats eat Miso?” As you know, miso can be a delightful and nutritious addition to our own meals, but it’s not recommended for cats. It has high sodium, soybean, onion, and garlic sometimes, all of which can cause serious health issues by interrupting their digestive system. However, if you can control your cat as I do to my Muyezza, there’s less chance of you seeing it having miso accidentally. But if it somehow does, make sure to contact a vet immediately.