By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
"Arrowroot" means two different things in Australian kitchens. One is arrowroot starch, a fine white powder used to thicken sauces and in gluten-free baking. The other is the Milk Arrowroot biscuit, a lunchbox and teething-rusk classic that Arnott's says has been made since 1888. Neither is a recognised toxin for cats. Neither is something cats need, either.
Key takeaways
- Arrowroot starch is not known to be toxic to cats.
- Plain sweet biscuits are mostly flour, sugar and fat. A crumb is unlikely to hurt, but they are empty calories for a cat.
- Cats are obligate carnivores and have little use for starch.
- Sauces thickened with arrowroot often contain onion, garlic, salt or fat.
- Choose meat-based treats instead.
- Related reading: helping your cat lose weight, can cats eat Tim Tams.
Arrowroot starch
Arrowroot starch is extracted from the roots of tropical plants. It is almost pure carbohydrate, with very little protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. Cornell's Feline Health Center explains that cats evolved eating prey high in protein, moderate in fat and minimal in carbohydrate, and still need those general proportions. Starch does not fit that pattern.
A lick of dry powder from a spill is unlikely to cause more than a sneeze or a soft stool. There is no benefit in adding it to your cat's food.
Sauces, gravies and glazes
Arrowroot is often used to thicken stir-fry sauces, gravies, fruit glazes and soups. Those dishes are usually the real concern:
- Onion, garlic, chives or leek. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes cats as the species most susceptible to Allium poisoning. Gravies and sauces often use onion or garlic powder, which is concentrated.
- Salt, soy sauce and stock. The ASPCA warns that excess salt can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and seizures.
- Fat. Rich gravies and pan juices commonly upset cats' stomachs.
Milk Arrowroot and other plain biscuits
Arnott's describes Milk Arrowroot as the original, trusted since 1888. Plain sweet biscuits like this typically contain wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, milk solids and raising agents. Check the pack for the current ingredient list. A crumb is unlikely to harm a healthy cat, but it provides nothing a cat needs.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Calories add up. Cornell suggests treats should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories. For a cat, part of a biscuit is a big snack.
- Milk ingredients. Many adult cats are lactose intolerant. The small amount in a biscuit is unlikely to matter, but some cats are sensitive.
- Diabetic or overweight cats. Avoid sweet biscuits entirely.
- Flavoured versions. Chocolate, iced or fruit-filled biscuits carry more risk than plain ones.
Signs to watch for
After a small amount of plain arrowroot or a biscuit crumb: usually nothing.
After a larger amount, or a seasoned sauce:
- Vomiting or soft stools
- Excessive thirst (salty sauces)
- Weakness, pale or yellow gums, fast breathing or dark urine a few days later (onion or garlic)
When to call a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) if your cat ate a sauce or gravy containing onion or garlic, a chocolate biscuit, or a biscuit containing raisins or sultanas.
Contact your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea continues, your cat stops eating, or seems lethargic.
Seek emergency care for collapse, tremors, seizures, or breathing difficulty.
Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
How vets help
Plain starch or biscuit exposures usually need only monitoring advice. If a seasoned sauce or chocolate biscuit was involved, your vet may examine your cat, consider decontamination if it is early enough, and monitor blood over the next few days for onion or garlic effects.
Better treat options
- A small piece of plain, boneless cooked chicken or fish
- Commercial cat treats, counted in the daily food allowance
- Part of your cat's normal food in a puzzle feeder
- Interactive play instead of food
FAQ
Is arrowroot safer than cornflour for cats?
Both are starches with no real benefit for cats. Neither is toxic in small amounts.
My cat ate half a Milk Arrowroot biscuit. Should I worry?
A healthy adult cat is unlikely to have more than a mild tummy upset. Watch for vomiting or soft stools and call your vet if they continue.
Is arrowroot used in cat food?
Some commercial foods include starches as binders. These are formulated into a complete diet, which is different from adding starch at home.
Can arrowroot help settle my cat's stomach?
No. If your cat has an upset stomach, talk to your vet about what to feed.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has eaten something from the kitchen and you are not sure whether it matters, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk it through with you. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Arnott's. Enjoy the timeless favorites of Scotch Finger, Choc Ripple & sweet biscuits.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.