Can cats eat mushrooms?

Updated 12/05/2023

We can all agree that mushrooms are a bit of a divider in the human world, but did you know that cats crave them? Next time you’re cooking mushrooms, observe your kitty - it’s quite likely they’ll wander in, hoping for a taste. Why mushrooms? Mushrooms contain glutamate, which is an amino acid that provides a strong umami taste. Cats are attracted to the umami (savory) scents which they associate with protein. But can cats eat mushrooms, and are well-meaning titbits a treat, or in fact harmful? Let’s find out…

Can cats eat mushrooms?

So can we humans fulfill our cats’ fungi fanaticism, or are mushrooms poisonous to cats? Well if you know a little about mushrooms, you’ll know that there are thousands of varieties - many of which aren’t safe for us humans as well as our cats. Firstly, let’s talk about store-bought mushrooms of the non-wild variety. These are the most commonly found mushrooms in the supermarket, and are mostly safe for our feline friends to have a small nibble of every now and then. What about wild mushrooms? Well despite being sometimes available in the supermarkets, you should never feed these to your cat. With the chance of toxicity, it’s not worth the risk. And of course, don’t allow your kitty to ingest any mushrooms from outside - these are likely to be poisonous for both you and your feline friend. This all begs the question about whether it’s a good idea to feed your cat even safe mushrooms at home. We’d say it’s best to avoid - the more your kitty gets used to the delicious taste and smells, the more likely they are to take a chunk out of a dangerous mushroom when out by themselves.

Can cats eat cooked mushrooms?

If your cat eats a small amount of cooked mushroom, it probably won’t cause any nasty reactions (as long as they’re not wild, of course). However, we’d imagine you’re cooking your mushrooms in some sort of butter or sauce, so be aware of the other ingredients that cats are allergic to - namely, onion and garlic - common pairings with mushrooms. If you think your cat has ingested either of these ingredients, contact your vet immediately.

Can cats eat mushroom soup?

Are mushrooms safe for cats if they’re cooked into a soup? We’d strongly recommend not feeding your kitty mushroom soup - no matter how wistfully it’s gazed at. Mushroom soup often contains all sorts of ingredients that’ll either poison your kitty or seriously aggravate their stomach - think onion, garlic, and sometimes even milk. Avoid!

Symptoms of mushroom toxicity

So, what happens if your kitty has nibbled on a mushroom they shouldn't have? Mushroom toxicity is serious, so if your feline friend displays any of the symptoms below (especially if you think they’ve ingested a mushroom toxic to them), contact your vet immediately. Here’s what to look out for…

• Weakness/collapse 
• Dehydration
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Slow heart rate
• Respiratory problems
• Lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Sensory issues 
• Yellowing of eyes and skin 
• Tremors
• Vocalizations
• Disorientation
• Agitation
• Seizures

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

What other foods are toxic or dangerous to cats?

As a responsible pet parent, it’s important to know what your cat can and can’t eat. Here are a few more dangerous ingredients for your feline friend…

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Caffeine
• Garlic
• Onions
• Alcohol
• Milk and dairy products