Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Not toxic
- Highly appealing to cats
- No nutritional benefit over lean meats
Risks
- High fat can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis
- High sodium
- Raw bacon may carry parasites or bacteria
If you choose to share
- Avoid as a regular treat
- If shared, a tiny piece of cooked bacon blotted of grease
- Offer plain cooked chicken instead
My cat ate bacon. What should I do?
A small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy cat. Remove any remaining food, offer fresh water and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly or lethargy over the next 24-48 hours. Call your vet if your cat ate a large amount, is small, young or has health problems (such as pancreatitis), or if the food contained onion, garlic, chocolate or xylitol.
Safer treats to give instead
These are safe for cats in treat-size amounts:
Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.
Bacon and cats: FAQ
Can cats have bacon?
Bacon is not toxic to cats, but it is very fatty and salty. A small bite is unlikely to cause harm, but it should not be a regular treat. Raw bacon should be avoided.
Can cats eat bacon grease?
No. Pure fat can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
Can kittens eat bacon?
No. Kittens are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so it is best avoided entirely.
More "can cats eat" guides
Browse lists: human foods cats can eat · foods cats can't eat
Sources
This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.