By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Chickpeas roll. That is often how a cat ends up with one, batting it across the floor before deciding to chew it. A plain cooked chickpea is not toxic to cats. The trouble is that chickpeas are rarely plain by the time they reach a plate. Hummus, falafel and curries are typically made with garlic or onion, and that changes the risk completely.
Key takeaways
- Plain cooked chickpeas are not considered toxic to cats.
- They offer cats little. Cats are obligate carnivores and cannot use plant foods the way dogs and people can.
- Hummus and falafel typically contain garlic, and falafel usually contains onion. Cats are especially sensitive to both.
- Tinned chickpeas are often salted. Rinse them, or better, do not share them.
- Dried, uncooked chickpeas are hard and hard to digest. Keep them out of reach.
- Related reading: can cats eat garlic, can cats eat onions.
Are chickpeas safe for cats?
Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a legume. A plain, soft, cooked chickpea is not on lists of foods toxic to cats, and a cat that eats one off the floor is very unlikely to have any problem beyond a bit of wind or a soft stool.
That does not make them a good food for cats. RSPCA Australia explains that cats are obligate carnivores and do not have some of the enzymes and body processes other animals use to digest and convert plant nutrients. Chickpeas are mostly starch and fibre, which cats do not need, and the protein they contain does not replace animal protein. RSPCA also notes cats need taurine, which they must get from food, and a complete cat food is designed to provide it.
Hummus and falafel: the bigger worry
Most people meet chickpeas as hummus or falafel. Recipes vary, but:
- Hummus typically contains garlic, along with tahini, lemon juice, oil and salt
- Falafel typically contains onion and garlic, plus herbs and spices, and is deep fried
- Chickpea curries and stews often contain onion, garlic and chilli
The Merck Veterinary Manual describes cats as the most susceptible species to onion and garlic toxicosis. These foods can damage red blood cells, and Merck notes that the effect typically appears 3 to 5 days after eating. Merck also notes garlic is 3 to 5 times more toxic than onion. A lick of hummus from a cracker is a small exposure, but a cat that cleans out a dip bowl needs a call to the vet.
Tinned and dried chickpeas
- Tinned. Many tinned chickpeas are packed in salted water. The ASPCA notes that excess salt causes increased thirst, and that signs of salt toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and seizures. A chickpea or two will not do that, but do not let your cat drink the liquid.
- Dried. Raw dried chickpeas are hard pellets. A cat could choke or have trouble passing one. Store the packet sealed and out of reach.
- Roasted snack chickpeas. These are usually salted and often seasoned with garlic, onion or spices. Skip them.
Signs to watch for
After plain chickpeas:
- Gas or a gurgly belly
- Soft stools or diarrhoea
- Vomiting (uncommon)
After hummus, falafel or a seasoned dish, also watch over the next several days for:
- Pale or yellow gums
- Weakness, lethargy or hiding
- Faster breathing
- Red or brown urine
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 hummus, falafel or any chickpea dish made with garlic or onion, or if you are not sure what was in it.
Call your vet if your cat is gagging or retching after eating dried chickpeas, or if vomiting or diarrhoea continues for more than a day.
Seek urgent care for pale gums, weakness, collapse or breathing difficulty.
How vets help
Your vet will assess the risk based on what was eaten and your cat's size. If garlic or onion was involved and the exposure was recent, they may make your cat vomit in the clinic. They may recommend blood tests over the following days. For a mild tummy upset, they can advise on care at home.
Better treats
- A small piece of plain cooked chicken or fish
- Commercial cat treats
- A spoon of your cat's regular wet food
Cornell's Feline Health Center suggests treats make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories.
FAQ
My cat ate one plain chickpea. Is that a problem?
Very unlikely. Watch for a soft stool.
Can cats eat hummus?
It is best not to share it. Hummus typically contains garlic, which cats are very sensitive to.
Is chickpea in cat food safe?
Some commercial cat foods include legumes. Talk to your vet if you have questions about your cat's diet.
What about chickpea flour?
Raw flour of any kind is not safe to eat. Baked or fried chickpea flour foods often contain onion or spices too.
Talk with a vet
If your cat got into the hummus or falafel, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you weigh up the risk. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your 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.