Ensuring that your feline friend is consuming fresh and healthy food is crucial. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and sometimes, our cats may inadvertently consume spoiled wet food.
So what happens if your cat eats spoiled wet food? Within approximately an hour, your cat may start feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, elevated body temperature, diarrhea, tremors, and panting.
Read on to learn about the common signs and symptoms that indicate your cat has eaten spoiled food, the necessary steps to take after such an incident, and valuable tips on preventing it from happening again.
Cat Ate Spoiled Wet Food: The Consequences
Within an hour of consumption, your cat may begin to feel unwell. Consuming spoiled wet food can introduce harmful bacteria and toxins into their system, leading to various health issues.
In most circumstances, mild cases of food upset may resolve within several days. However, in more severe cases, bacterial contamination can lead to serious illnesses such as:
- Listeriosis: A bacterial infection that can cause gastrointestinal issues, neurological signs, and even be fatal.
- Botulism: A rare but severe paralytic illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, often found in decaying food.
- Salmonellosis: An infection caused by Salmonella bacteria, leading to severe gastrointestinal distress, fever, and in some cases, more systemic illness.
Apart from these illnesses, there are several signs and symptoms to look out for. These indicators can vary in severity depending on the extent of the contamination and your cat’s response. They include the following:
- Vomiting: A common initial reaction when a cat consumes spoiled wet food is vomiting. My cat, Muezza, vomited several times after accidentally eating spoiled food. This is the body’s natural way of expelling harmful substances.
- High body temperature: An elevated body temperature, known as hyperthermia, can indicate that your cat’s immune system is responding to the ingested toxins.
- Diarrhea: Another typical symptom is diarrhea. The body attempts to flush out the harmful substances through increased bowel movements.
- Tremors: Your cat may experience trembling or involuntary muscle contractions due to the adverse effects of the spoiled food on its nervous system.
- Panting: Unusual panting or rapid breathing can be observed, indicating discomfort or distress caused by the toxic substances.
- Hyperactivity and agitation: Cats may exhibit restlessness, increased activity levels, and heightened agitation as their body attempts to cope with the effects of the spoiled food.
- Convulsions/Seizures: In severe cases, ingesting spoiled wet food can lead to convulsions or seizures. This is a critical medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
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What To Do After Your Cat Eats Spoiled Wet Food (5 Important Steps)
Taking prompt action is crucial if you suspect your cat has consumed spoiled wet food. Here is what you should do in such a situation:
Step 1 : Assess Your Cat’s Condition Thoroughly
The first and most critical step after your cat consumes spoiled wet food is to carefully assess its condition.
Observe your cat closely for any signs of distress or discomfort. Pay particular attention to the severity and duration of symptoms. While mild stomach upset may subside independently, if symptoms worsen, persist, or if you observe any of the red flag symptoms listed below, it’s essential to take immediate action:
- Persistent or severe vomiting/diarrhea
- Extreme lethargy or weakness
- Collapse or unresponsiveness
- Difficulty breathing or pronounced panting
- Signs of severe pain (e.g., hiding, vocalizing, reluctance to move)
- Neurological symptoms like tremors, disorientation, or seizures
Step 2 : Provide Proper Hydration
Ensuring your cat stays hydrated is crucial during this time. Offer fresh water to hydrate your cat and help flush out toxins. When Muezza got sick from food poisoning, the water I gave her helped to alleviate the symptoms. She was back to her usual self in under 3 hours!
Step 3 : Monitor Your Cat’s Progress Closely
Keep a close eye on your cat’s progress and monitor any changes in its condition. Note the frequency and severity of symptoms, whether they are improving, or if any new symptoms arise. If you notice your cat’s condition worsening after a few hours, or if severe symptoms appear at any point, do not delay seeking professional advice.
Step 4 : Contact Your Veterinarian Without Delay
If your cat exhibits moderate to severe symptoms, if symptoms persist beyond a few hours, or if you have any concerns about its health, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Explain the situation clearly and provide precise details about the symptoms your cat is experiencing, including their onset and progression. The veterinarian will guide you through the next steps and may recommend bringing your cat in for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment. Do not hesitate to seek emergency veterinary care if your cat’s condition appears critical.
Step 5 : Avoid Self-Medication
While it might be tempting to administer over-the-counter medications or home remedies, it’s important to avoid self-medication. Certain human medications can be toxic to cats and may worsen the situation. Only use medications or treatments prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian.
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How Long Can You Leave Wet Food Open Before It Spoils?
It’s important to understand how long you can leave food out before it spoils to prevent your cat from consuming spoiled wet food in the future.
Generally, opened wet cat food should not be left at room temperature for more than 1 to 2 hours. After this time, bacteria can multiply rapidly, leading to spoilage and potential health risks. It’s advisable to remove any uneaten wet food and discard it after this time frame to ensure your cat’s safety.
How Can You Tell If The Wet Food Is Bad?
Recognizing the signs of spoiled wet food is essential for maintaining your cat’s well-being. Here are a few key indicators that can help you determine if the wet food has gone bad:
- Refusal to eat: Cats have an exceptionally keen sense of smell and can instinctively detect when food is no longer fresh. My Muezza often knows if her food is spoiled just by smelling it, and will refuse to eat it. If your cat, despite being hungry, refuses to eat its wet food, it could be a strong indication that it has detected something wrong with the food.
- Mold or insect development: Thoroughly inspect the wet food for any visible signs of mold growth, discoloration, or the presence of insects or larvae. These are clear indicators that the food has deteriorated and is no longer safe for consumption.
- Foul odor: Spoiled wet food typically emits a distinctively unpleasant or putrid odor. If you notice an abnormal or foul smell emanating from the food, it’s a clear sign that it has gone bad and should be immediately discarded.
Factors That Affect Spoiling Time of Wet Food
Several factors can influence the time it takes for food to spoil. It’s essential to consider these factors to ensure that you’re providing your cat with fresh and safe food:
- How humid it is: Higher humidity levels can accelerate the growth of bacteria and mold, increasing the risk of food spoilage. Store wet food in a cool, dry place to minimize the effects of humidity.
- How hot it is: Heat promotes bacterial growth, potentially leading to faster spoilage. Avoid leaving wet food exposed to high temperatures; consider refrigerating it if necessary.
- Where you placed it: The location where you store the wet food significantly determines its shelf life. Choose a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to store the food and extend its freshness.
Preventing Your Cat from Eating Spoiled Wet Food
To effectively prevent your cat from consuming spoiled wet food in the future, consistently follow these preventive measures:
- Store wet cat food properly: Always keep opened cans or pouches of wet food refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial contamination. Avoid leaving wet food out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Check expiration dates: Make it a habit to always check the expiration or “best by” dates on wet cat food cans or packaging before feeding your cat. Discard any expired or compromised food immediately.
- Portion control: If your cat consistently leaves uneaten wet food, consider switching to smaller portions per feeding or refrigerating leftovers promptly for later use to minimize waste and spoilage.
- Regularly clean feeding bowls: Clean your cat’s food bowls daily with hot, soapy water to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and other contaminants that could spoil fresh food. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are often easier to keep clean than plastic.
Implementing these preventive measures consistently can help ensure your cat’s meals are safe and free from spoilage, promoting its overall health and well-being.
FAQs
Here are a few more related questions you may be asking yourself now.
Q1: Can cats tell if their food is spoiled?
Cats possess a highly developed sense of smell and can often detect when their food is off or has gone bad, even before humans can. While they don’t inherently “know” it’s spoiled in a scientific sense, their natural instincts often lead them to refuse to eat food that smells or tastes abnormal, indicating spoilage or contamination.
Q2: Will cats eat spoiled food?
It’s not uncommon for cats to be more discerning about the freshness of their food. However, some cats may still consume spoiled food if they are extremely hungry or if the spoilage is not easily detectable.
Q3: How long does cat food poisoning last?
The duration of cat food poisoning can vary depending on factors such as the contamination’s severity and the cat’s overall health. In mild cases, the effects of cat food poisoning typically last around 1 to 2 days. However, more severe cases may require intensive treatment, which can extend the recovery period.
Conclusion
If your cat ate spoiled wet food, closely monitor their condition for any signs of gastrointestinal distress or other symptoms. Cats possess digestive systems that are generally equipped to handle certain amounts of spoiled food. So, after a while, your cat should be okay.
However, contacting a veterinarian is highly recommended if you observe persistent, worsening, or severe symptoms (e.g., continuous vomiting, severe lethargy, neurological signs). The vet will provide professional guidance and appropriate treatment if needed.
Remember, the health and safety of your pet should always be the top priority.
