Can Cats Eat Potatoes? Short answer: Plain, cooked, unseasoned white potatoes (no skin) are safe for cats in very small amounts. Raw potatoes, green potatoes, potato skins, and fried potatoes are NOT safe.
Potatoes are not toxic when fully cooked and plain. However, raw potatoes and green potatoes contain solanine — a toxic compound also found in green tomatoes — which can cause serious poisoning. Potato skins also contain solanine and should never be fed.
The main concerns: solanine poisoning (raw/green potatoes/skins), choking hazard (large pieces), high fat (fried potatoes = pancreatitis risk), salt (salted potatoes = salt poisoning), and empty calories (cats don’t need carbs).
I’m Dr. Allona Jackson, DVM. In this guide, I’ll explain safe preparation, the dangers of solanine, which potato forms are toxic, and much healthier alternatives.
For a complete list of safe and toxic foods, see our Cat Food Safety Guide — your pillar resource for everything your cat can and cannot eat.
Quick Answer — Plain, Cooked, Peeled, Tiny Amounts Only
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| ✅ Plain, cooked, peeled white potatoes (no salt, no butter, no oil) | Safe in tiny amounts |
| ❌ Raw potatoes | Toxic — contains solanine (same as green tomatoes) |
| ❌ Green potatoes | Toxic — high solanine concentration |
| ❌ Potato skins | Toxic — highest solanine concentration |
| ❌ Potato sprouts / eyes | Toxic — remove completely |
| ❌ French fries | High fat (pancreatitis), salt, oil — not safe |
| ❌ Potato chips | High fat, salt, often seasoned with onion/garlic powder |
| ❌ Mashed potatoes | Usually contain butter, milk, salt, sometimes garlic/onion |
| ❌ Baked potatoes with toppings | Butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, salt — all dangerous |
| ⚠️ High carbohydrate | Cats don’t need carbs — empty calories |
| 📏 Portion size | 1 teaspoon mashed or 1-2 small cubes (pea-sized), 1-2 times per week maximum |
| 🍽️ Preparation | Peel, remove eyes/sprouts. Boil or bake (no oil, no salt, no butter). Mash or cut into small pieces. |
| 🐱 Diabetic cats | Avoid completely — high glycemic index |
| 🐱 Overweight cats | Avoid — empty calories |
| 🚨 Emergency | If cat eats raw/green potato or potato skins → Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 |
The Solanine Problem — Raw, Green, and Skins
Solanine is a toxic compound found in nightshade plants (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant). It is present in raw potatoes, green potatoes, and potato skins. Cooking reduces but does not completely eliminate solanine.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| What is solanine? | A glycoalkaloid toxin that damages cell membranes and affects the nervous system |
| Where is solanine found? | Highest in: green potatoes, potato skins, sprouts/eyes, raw potatoes |
| Cooking effect | Heat reduces solanine but does not eliminate it completely. Never feed raw or green potatoes — cooking will not make them safe. |
| Symptoms of solanine poisoning | Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, confusion, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, seizures |
| Toxic dose | Small amounts can cause symptoms in cats |
Solanine levels in different potato parts
| Potato part | Solanine level | Safe for cats? |
|---|---|---|
| White flesh (cooked, peeled) | Very low | ✅ Yes (tiny amounts) |
| Potato skin (cooked) | Moderate-High | ❌ No — toxic |
| Green potato (any part) | High | ❌ No — toxic |
| Raw potato (any part) | Moderate-High | ❌ No — toxic |
| Potato sprouts/eyes | Highest | ❌ No — remove completely |
Dr. Jackson’s note: “Never feed raw potatoes, green potatoes, or potato skins to cats. The solanine content can cause serious poisoning. Even cooking doesn’t fully eliminate solanine from green or raw potatoes. When in doubt, throw it out.”
Forms of Potatoes — Safety Guide
| Form | Safe for cats? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain, boiled white potato (peeled) | ✅ Yes (tiny amounts) | Safest form. Mash or cut into small pieces. No salt, no butter. |
| Plain, baked white potato (peeled) | ✅ Yes (tiny amounts) | Same as boiled. Remove skin completely. |
| Plain, steamed white potato (peeled) | ✅ Yes (tiny amounts) | Same as above. |
| Mashed potatoes (plain, no additives) | ⚠️ Caution | Most mashed potatoes contain butter, milk, salt. Homemade plain mashed is OK (tiny amount). |
| Potato skins (any form) | ❌ No — toxic | Highest solanine concentration |
| Green potatoes (any form) | ❌ No — toxic | Never feed — solanine poisoning risk |
| Raw potatoes (any form) | ❌ No — toxic | Never feed |
| Potato sprouts / eyes | ❌ No — toxic | Remove completely before cooking |
| French fries | ❌ No | High fat (pancreatitis), salt, oil |
| Potato chips | ❌ No | High fat, salt, often onion/garlic powder |
| Instant mashed potatoes (boxed) | ❌ No | Salt, preservatives, often dehydrated with additives |
| Potato flour / potato starch | ❌ No | No nutritional value |
| Sweet potatoes | ✅ See separate guide | Different plant family — lower solanine. See Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes |
| Red potatoes / Yukon Gold / Russet | Same as white potatoes | Same rules apply — cook, peel, plain, tiny amounts |
Why Potatoes Are Not Recommended for Cats
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Solanine risk | Raw, green, or skin-on potatoes contain toxic solanine |
| No nutritional value | Cats are obligate carnivores — they need meat, not starch |
| High carbohydrates | Cats have no biological requirement for carbs — contributes to obesity and diabetes |
| High glycemic index | Potatoes cause rapid blood sugar spikes — dangerous for diabetic cats |
| Empty calories | No protein, no taurine, no essential nutrients |
| Choking hazard | Large pieces can lodge in throat |
| Added ingredients risk | Most human potato preparations include butter, salt, oil, cheese, bacon, onion, garlic |
How to Safely Feed Potatoes (If You Choose To — Not Recommended)
Step 1: Choose the right potato
| Do ✅ | Don’t ❌ |
|---|---|
| Fresh, firm white potato (no green spots) | Green potatoes (any green color = toxic) |
| Organic when possible | Raw potatoes |
| Peel completely | Potato skins |
| Remove all eyes/sprouts | Potatoes with sprouts |
| Cook thoroughly (boil, bake, steam) | Fried potatoes (fries, chips) |
| Plain — no salt, no butter, no oil | Mashed potatoes with additives |
Step 2: Prepare properly
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select potato with no green spots |
| 2 | Peel completely (remove all skin) |
| 3 | Remove all eyes/sprouts (cut deep around them) |
| 4 | Cut into chunks |
| 5 | Boil, bake, or steam until very soft (no oil, no salt, no butter) |
| 6 | Mash with a fork or cut into pea-sized pieces |
| 7 | Measure 1 teaspoon (mashed) or 1-2 small cubes |
Step 3: Portion control
| Cat type | Portion | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adult cat | 1 teaspoon mashed or 1-2 small cubes | 1-2 times per week maximum |
| Kitten (under 1 year) | ❌ Avoid | No benefit |
| Senior cat | ❌ Avoid | No benefit, carbs not needed |
| Overweight cat | ❌ Avoid | Empty calories |
| Diabetic cat | ❌ Avoid | High glycemic index — blood sugar spike |
| Cat with pancreatitis history | ❌ Avoid | Butter/oil risk (even plain not worth it) |
Step 4: Observe your cat
| Response | Action |
|---|---|
| Eats, no issues | Still not recommended — but if you choose to feed, limit to tiny amounts |
| Vomiting or diarrhea | Possible digestive upset — discontinue |
| Choking | Emergency vet |
| Lethargy, weakness (solanine poisoning) | Emergency vet |
Special Cases — Kittens, Seniors & Cats with Health Conditions
Kittens (under 1 year)
- ❌ Avoid completely
- No nutritional benefit
- Focus on kitten food
- Recommendation: No potatoes
Senior cats (10+ years)
- ❌ Avoid completely
- No nutritional benefit
- Higher risk of diabetes and obesity
- Recommendation: No potatoes
Diabetic cats
- ❌ Avoid completely — no exceptions
- Potatoes have high glycemic index (rapid blood sugar spike)
- Recommendation: No potatoes for diabetic cats
Overweight or obese cats
- ❌ Avoid completely
- Empty calories, high carbohydrates
- Recommendation: No potatoes
Cats with pancreatitis history
- ❌ Avoid — buttered/oiled potatoes are dangerous. Plain potatoes are safe but pointless.
- Recommendation: Skip
Cats with kidney disease
- ⚠️ Use caution — potatoes are high in potassium (can be dangerous)
- Recommendation: Avoid or consult vet
What If My Cat Ate Unsafe Potatoes?
Step 1: Identify what they ate
| Scenario | Risk level | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon plain, cooked, peeled potato (safe portion) | Low | No action needed |
| Larger amount of plain, cooked potato | Low | Monitor for digestive upset |
| Raw potato (any amount) | Medium-High (solanine) | Call vet — monitor for vomiting, lethargy, weakness |
| Green potato (any amount) | High (solanine) | Call Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 |
| Potato skins (any amount) | High (solanine) | Call Pet Poison Helpline |
| Potato sprouts/eyes (any amount) | High (solanine) | Call Pet Poison Helpline |
| French fries or potato chips (any amount) | Medium (fat/salt) | Monitor for vomiting, lethargy (pancreatitis). Call vet if concerned. |
| Mashed potatoes with butter/milk/salt | Medium (fat/sodium) | Monitor for vomiting, lethargy. Call vet if concerned. |
| Kitten or senior ate any unsafe potato | Medium-High | Call vet for guidance |
Step 2: Monitor for symptoms
| Symptom (solanine poisoning) | Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Drooling | 1-6 hours | Call vet |
| Vomiting | 1-6 hours | Call vet |
| Diarrhea | 1-12 hours | Monitor hydration |
| Lethargy / weakness | 2-12 hours | Call vet immediately |
| Confusion / disorientation | 2-12 hours | Emergency vet |
| Dilated pupils | 2-12 hours | Emergency vet |
| Slow heart rate | 4-24 hours | Emergency vet |
| Seizures | 6-24 hours | Emergency vet |
| Symptom (pancreatitis from fries/chips) | Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Vomiting | 2-12 hours | Call vet if >2 episodes |
| Lethargy | 2-12 hours | Call vet immediately |
| Abdominal pain (hunched posture) | 2-12 hours | Emergency vet |
Step 3: Call if concerned
| Helpline | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Pet Poison Helpline | 855-764-7661 |
| Your local veterinarian | (keep on your fridge) |
For detailed emergency protocol: What to Do If Your Cat Eats Something Toxic
Better Alternatives to Potatoes for Cats
| Alternative | Why it’s better | Full guide |
|---|---|---|
| Plain cooked chicken | High protein, zero carbs, cats love it | Can Cats Eat Chicken |
| Plain cooked turkey | Same as chicken | Can Cats Eat Turkey |
| Plain cooked eggs | High-quality protein, zero carbs | Can Cats Eat Eggs |
| Plain pumpkin | Fiber for digestion, low sugar | Can Cats Eat Vegetables |
| Plain cooked green beans | Low calorie, fiber | Can Cats Eat Vegetables |
| Plain cooked sweet potatoes | Lower glycemic index than white potatoes | Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes |
| Commercial cat treats | Formulated for cats, balanced | N/A |
| Freeze-dried meat treats | Single ingredient, animal protein | N/A |
For a complete list of safe human foods: Cat Food Safety Guide — Safe Foods Table
FAQs About Can Cats Eat Potatoes?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can cats eat potatoes? | Plain, cooked, peeled white potatoes are safe in very small amounts (1 teaspoon, 1-2x per week). Raw, green, or skin-on potatoes are toxic. |
| Can cats eat raw potatoes? | No — raw potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to cats. |
| Can cats eat potato skins? | No — potato skins have the highest solanine concentration. Never feed. |
| Can cats eat green potatoes? | No — green potatoes have high solanine levels. Discard immediately. |
| Can cats eat french fries? | No — high fat (pancreatitis), salt, oil. |
| Can cats eat potato chips? | No — high fat, salt, often onion/garlic powder. |
| Can cats eat mashed potatoes? | Only if homemade with no butter, no milk, no salt — and even then, not recommended. Most mashed potatoes are unsafe. |
| Can cats eat sweet potatoes? | Yes — different plant family. See Can Cats Eat Sweet Potatoes. |
| Are potatoes good for cats? | No — cats are obligate carnivores. Potatoes offer no nutritional value. |
| Can diabetic cats eat potatoes? | No — high glycemic index causes blood sugar spikes. |
| My cat ate a raw potato — what do I do? | Call Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661. Monitor for vomiting, lethargy, weakness. |
| Can kittens eat potatoes? | No — no nutritional benefit. Focus on kitten food. |
Conclusion
Here’s what you need to remember about cats and potatoes:
| Do ✅ | Don’t ❌ |
|---|---|
| Peel potatoes completely (remove all skin) | Feed raw, green, or skin-on potatoes (solanine toxic) |
| Remove all eyes/sprouts | Feed potato skins, sprouts, or green parts |
| Cook thoroughly (boil, bake, steam — no oil, no salt, no butter) | Feed french fries, potato chips, or seasoned potatoes |
| Mash or cut into pea-sized pieces | Feed mashed potatoes with butter, milk, or salt |
| Limit to 1 teaspoon, 1-2x per week (if you must) | Feed potatoes to diabetic cats (blood sugar spike) |
| Choose better alternatives (cooked chicken, pumpkin, green beans) | Expect potatoes to provide any health benefit |
The bottom line: Plain, cooked, peeled white potatoes are safe for cats in very small amounts — 1 teaspoon (mashed) or 1-2 small cubes, 1-2 times per week maximum.
However, raw potatoes, green potatoes, and potato skins are TOXIC due to solanine. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, confusion, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, and seizures.
Fried potatoes (fries, chips) are dangerous due to high fat (pancreatitis), salt, and often onion/garlic powder.
Better treats for cats: Plain cooked chicken, plain cooked turkey, plain cooked eggs, plain pumpkin, or commercial cat treats.
If your cat eats raw, green, or skin-on potatoes: Call Pet Poison Helpline immediately: 855-764-7661
Bookmark our Cat Food Safety Guide for all 54 foods — it’s your complete resource for feeding your cat safely.
Your cat depends on you to feed wisely. You’ve got this.
- ✅ Vet-reviewed by Dr. Allona Jackson, DVM — 2026
- 📅 Last updated: April 2026
- ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your pet’s specific condition. In an emergency, call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately.
- 🔗 Back to pillar: Cat Food Safety Guide
- 🔗 Emergency: Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
