By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Cats are not natural seed eaters, so when one does eat sunflower seeds, there is usually a pet bird nearby. Seed husks scatter from cages, cats bat them across the floor, and some cats start eating them. Sunflower plants and plain seeds are not toxic to cats. The concerns are the shells, any salt or seasoning, and what else is mixed into the seed bowl.
Key takeaways
- Sunflower plants and plain kernels are not considered toxic to cats.
- Cats are obligate carnivores and get nothing they need from seeds.
- Shells are hard and fibrous, and can cause vomiting or a blockage in a small cat.
- Salted and flavoured seeds can carry salt, onion and garlic powder.
- Homes with birds need to think about both cat safety and bird safety.
- Related: pumpkin seeds for cats, garlic and cats, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Why a cat might eat seeds at all
Most cats sniff seeds and walk away. The ones that eat them often like the crunch, are bored, or are imitating play with moving objects. Some young cats chew anything. Very occasionally, a cat that eats a lot of non-food items has an underlying problem, such as pica, which can be linked to diet, stress or medical issues. If your cat keeps seeking out seeds, plastic or fabric, mention it to your vet.
Kernels: low risk, low value
A plain shelled kernel or two is not a problem. They are high in fat (about half by weight), so a cat that eats a lot of them may vomit or have loose stools. They do not add anything to a complete and balanced cat food. If your cat enjoys a crunchy treat, a commercial cat treat is a better option.
Shells and the small cat stomach
Sunflower shells are sharp-edged and woody. They do not break down well in the gut. A few may be vomited up or pass in the stool. A cat that eats many shells can develop:
- Repeated vomiting
- Not wanting food
- Straining in the litter tray or no stool
- Hiding and reluctance to be handled
- Gagging or drooling if a fragment lodges in the mouth or throat
Kittens and small cats are more vulnerable to a shell mass causing a blockage. Cats hide illness well, so any cat that goes off food for more than a day needs a vet check.
Salted and flavoured seeds
Packet snack seeds can be heavily salted. A cat licking salt off a few shells will mostly just be thirsty. Eating a pile of salty seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, rarely, salt poisoning, which affects the brain. Flavoured seeds may also contain onion and garlic powder. Cats are especially sensitive to these, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia days later.
Bird households
Seed mixes for parrots and budgies may include sunflower, millet, safflower, dried fruit and sometimes nuts. Old or damp seed can grow mould. A cat that eats fresh spilled seed is unlikely to come to harm, but mouldy mix is best binned. Keep a tray under the cage and sweep daily.
The bigger safety concern in these homes is often for the bird. Even a playful swipe or a scratch from a cat can carry bacteria that are dangerous to birds, so keep cats and birds physically separated and supervise any time they share a room.
What to do if your cat ate sunflower seeds
- Check what was eaten: kernels, shells, salted or flavoured seeds, birdseed mix.
- A few kernels or shells: monitor appetite, vomiting and the litter tray for a day or two.
- Lots of shells, salty or flavoured seeds, or mouldy seed: call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
- Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
When it is an emergency
Take your cat to a vet urgently if it vomits repeatedly, refuses food for more than 24 hours, has a painful belly, strains with no result, is drooling or pawing at its mouth, or seems wobbly or weak.
How vets help
Your vet will examine your cat, check the mouth and throat for lodged fragments, and may take X-rays or perform an ultrasound if a blockage is suspected. Many cats improve with supportive care. Some need a procedure to remove an obstruction. Cats that have stopped eating may need support to start again.
Prevention
- Store seed snacks and birdseed in sealed containers.
- Use a seed catcher or tray around bird cages.
- Bin mouldy or damp seed.
- Offer your cat play and enrichment so it has less reason to hunt seeds.
FAQ
Are sunflowers poisonous to cats?
No. Sunflowers are listed as non-toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves may still cause mild vomiting.
Can sunflower seeds give my cat diarrhoea?
Yes, especially in larger amounts, because of their fat content.
Should I give my cat sunflower oil for its coat?
Ask your vet first. Cats have specific fatty acid needs best met through their diet.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has eaten seeds and you are not sure how worried to be, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you assess the risk and decide on next steps. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and non-toxic plants: sunflower (Helianthus annuus).
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and onion (Allium spp) toxicosis in animals.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding your cat.
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.