Did you know cats only have 473 taste buds1? Humans have about 9,000. This means cats lack many flavor sensors, mainly sweet and spicy. Whether they can taste them or not, cats shouldn't eat spicy foods like Takis as most contain harmful ingredients such as onions, citric acid, and chili powder. So, can cats eat Takis? No, Takis contain harmful ingredients for your cat and can cause stomach upset and other negative signs.
What Are Takis?
Takis are Mexican rolled tortilla chips loved by many spicy food fans. They can be flavored with chili, lime, and salt. Here's what's in Takis and what makes them spicy:
- Corn
- Palm oil
- Maltodextrin
- Citric Acid
- Salt
- Corn starch
- Spices
- Onion and garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Dextrose
- Sesame oil
- Sodium citrate
Are Takis Bad for Cats?
Takis are very spicy and salty, so dangerous for cats to ingest. Most cats are sensitive to capsaicin in spicy foods like chili powder, which may cause digestive irritation and upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Eating much onion and garlic, or garlic and onion powder, can cause an upset stomach, loss of appetite, bowel disturbances, and dehydration. Garlic and onions are in the Alliums family, highly toxic to cats, potentially causing red blood cell destruction if eaten in large amounts.
Another ingredient, salt, can be harmful depending on the amount ingested. If a cat consumes too much salt, it may experience excessive thirst, lethargy, and diarrhea, among other severe signs.
Rarely, some cats may be allergic or intolerant to corn. For these cats, eating Takis could lead to digestive issues or scratching, ear infections, and other skin problems.
Yes, Takis are bad for cats. The ingredients in Takis chips are harmful and offer no benefit. If they get into your bag or your cat eats a few chips, don't panic. First, closely monitor their signs and provide plenty of water to flush their system.
- Vomiting
- Weakness or wobbliness
- Twitching or convulsions
- Stiffness
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
A Cats’ Regular Diet
A healthy cat needs high amounts of protein, moderate fat, and few carbs. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they require a high meat-content diet for good health. Feeding them commercial cat food formulated for their specific needs is more sustainable than feeding them human food, though they can handle some healthy human treats like apples, carrots, and lean, cooked meats in moderation. Always consult a vet before giving your cat any human food.
If you need to talk to a vet but can't reach one, go to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can chat with a vet online and get pet advice at an affordable price!
Final Words
Cats are important in our lives, helping us emotionally, mentally, and physically. As a responsible cat owner, support your cat's needs. Avoid Takis as their ingredients can cause digestive and other problems.
If your cat accidentally eats Takis, watch for the signs in this article. If any signs last over 24 - 48 hours, call your vet. Takis probably won't seriously harm your cat, but may make them uncomfortable for a few days.
Featured Image Credit: Diana Taliun, Shutterstock
