Can Cats Eat Mushrooms from Pizza? The Truth Every Cat Parent Should Know
You’re unwinding after a long day, a hot slice of pizza in hand, and your curious kitty is gazing up at you with those irresistible eyes. Just one bite of that cheesy, mushroom-topped goodness—what harm could it do?
But wait—can cats eat mushrooms from pizza? Or more importantly, should they?
If you’re a loving cat parent who wants to keep your feline companion healthy and safe, here’s the must-know truth behind cats, mushrooms, and pizza—beyond the crust and cravings.
Contents
Do Cats Like Mushrooms?
While cats are obligate carnivores—meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on meat—some felines are surprisingly drawn to mushrooms. Why? It’s all about umami, the savory fifth taste found in amino acids like glutamate, commonly present in meat and mushrooms.
So yes, some cats might try to sneak a bite of your mushroom topping. But that doesn’t make it a safe habit.
Quick Recap:
| Item | Safe for Cats? | Why/Why Not? |
|---|
| Plain cooked mushrooms | ✅ Yes (occasionally) | High in umami, immune-boosting |
| Mushrooms from pizza | ❌ No | Usually seasoned with garlic/onion |
| Pizza crust | ⚠️ Maybe (plain only) | Offers no nutrition; avoid raw dough |
| Processed meats | ❌ No | High in fat, salt, preservatives |
| Tomato sauce | ❌ No | Often contains garlic/onion, acidic |
| Cheese | ❌ No | Lactose + salt = digestive issues |
Mushrooms from Pizza: Safe or Dangerous for Cats?
Let’s break this down by components and context—because it’s not just about the mushrooms themselves, but what they’re surrounded by.
✅ Store-Bought Cooked Mushrooms: Generally Safe
Plain, store-bought mushrooms like white button, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms—cooked and unseasoned—are not toxic to cats in small quantities. In fact, mushrooms contain:
- Beta-glucans: Known to support immune health
- Antioxidants: May aid in reducing inflammation
- Polysaccharides: Linked to liver support and even cancer protection
But mushrooms on pizza? That’s a different story.
❌ Why Mushrooms on Pizza Are Not Safe for Cats
When mushrooms are part of a pizza, they’re usually:
- Cooked with garlic or onions
- Seasoned with salt, oil, or spices
- Sitting on top of dairy-based cheese and acidic tomato sauce
Here’s why each of those elements is a red flag:
⚠️ Garlic and Onion: Silent Killers
Often hidden in sauces and toppings, garlic and onions (from the Allium family) contain thiosulfates and disulfides—compounds that can destroy your cat’s red blood cells, leading to a potentially fatal condition known as hemolytic anemia.
Even a small dose can result in:
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing
⚠️ Cheese and Dairy: A Lactose Trap
Contrary to popular belief, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. The dairy on pizza—especially mozzarella or processed cheese—can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
Plus, cheese is high in salt and saturated fat, both of which are harmful to cats and contribute to obesity and hypertension.
⚠️ Tomato Sauce: Acidic and Salty
Even if the sauce seems harmless, it’s typically loaded with salt, sugar, herbs, and again—garlic. These are all ingredients your cat’s digestive system isn’t built to handle.
⚠️ Processed Meats: Not Cat-Friendly Protein
Pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon may smell tantalizing, but they’re high in sodium nitrates, preservatives, and fat—a recipe for pancreatitis in cats.
What If My Cat Already Ate a Mushroom from Pizza?
If your cat took a tiny nibble of mushroom from a pizza, don’t panic. The mushroom itself, if store-bought and cooked, is likely not toxic. The real risk comes from the cross-contamination with garlic, onion, or excess salt.
Monitor for these symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Tremors or confusion
If any of these occur, call your veterinarian immediately.
Safer Alternatives for Sharing
We get it—you want to include your cat in your life, even at mealtime. But instead of pizza, treat your cat to:
- Cooked skinless chicken (no salt or seasoning)
- Steamed salmon (plain)
- High-protein cat treats with taurine and essential amino acids
You can even find vet-approved mushroom supplements made specifically for pets—often including functional fungi like reishi or maitake for immune support.
Can Cats Eat Pizza Crust?
Plain, cooked crust (without garlic or oil) is unlikely to harm your cat, but it also offers no nutritional value. More importantly, raw pizza dough is dangerous—it can expand in the stomach and create alcohol from fermentation, which can lead to:
- Bloating
- Disorientation
- Alcohol poisoning
Words to the Wise
As a devoted pet parent, you want to share the best of your world with your cat—but food safety should always come first. When it comes to pizza (or any human food), always read labels, avoid assumptions, and when in doubt—ask your vet.
Because nothing’s more comforting than knowing your furry friend is safe, loved, and healthy—even if they can’t join you for a slice.
Key Facts About Cats and Mushrooms
| Category | Facts |
|---|---|
| Safety of Mushrooms | – Commonly used mushrooms for cooking are generally safe for cats. – Store-bought mushrooms are safe, but wild mushrooms can be poisonous. |
| Nutritional Content | – 100g of mushrooms contain: Calories: 22 kcal, Carbs: 4.3 g, Fat: 0.1 g, Protein: 2.5 g, various vitamins and minerals. |
| Health Benefits | – Boost immune system, reduce inflammation, may help protect against cancer, and keep cats hydrated. |
| Recommended Quantity | – Feed no more than one or two pieces once a week. – Cooked mushrooms are better for digestion. – Cut into tiny pieces for safety. |
| Safe and Unsafe Mushroom Species | – Safe: white button, shiitake, portobello, enoki, oyster, porcini, morel. – Unsafe: death cap, fly agaric, autumn skullcap, and others. |
| Effects of Magic Mushrooms on Cats | – Cats can feel hallucinogenic effects, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, tremors, and seizures. |
| Symptoms of Mushroom Toxicity in Cats | – Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, sensitivity to light and sound, unsteady balance, and yellowing of eyes and skin. |
| Pet Insurance Offer | – Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans with up to 90% cashback on vet bills. |
| Conclusion | – Mushrooms can be an occasional treat for cats but should not be a part of their daily diet. |
Final Verdict: Should Cats Eat Mushrooms from Pizza?
No. Even though some mushrooms are technically safe, when they come on pizza, they bring along a cocktail of harmful ingredients that can jeopardize your cat’s health.
Save the pizza for yourself this National Pizza Day—your cat will thank you with purrs and good health.
