Quick answer: No, cats should not eat mushrooms. Store-bought mushrooms may cause digestive upset, and wild mushrooms can be deadly poisonous.
Key Takeaways
- All mushrooms should be considered unsafe for cats
- Wild mushrooms can be fatal – contact vet immediately if ingested
- Store-bought mushrooms may cause vomiting and diarrhea
- Many mushroom toxins affect the liver, kidneys, or nervous system
- Keep cats away from all mushrooms growing outdoors
Safety Overview
Cats should never eat mushrooms. While some store-bought varieties may only cause mild digestive upset, wild mushrooms can be extremely toxic and potentially fatal. The problem is that distinguishing toxic from non-toxic mushrooms is extremely difficult – even experts can be fooled. Many mushroom toxins cause delayed symptoms, meaning by the time a cat shows signs of illness, permanent organ damage may have already occurred. For safety, consider all mushrooms dangerous.
Types of Mushroom Toxicity
- Hepatotoxic mushrooms: Destroy the liver (Amanita species)
- Nephrotoxic mushrooms: Damage the kidneys (Cortinarius species)
- Neurotoxic mushrooms: Affect the nervous system
- Gastrointestinal irritants: Cause vomiting and diarrhea
- Muscarinic mushrooms: Cause excessive drooling and slowed heart rate
Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning
- Vomiting and diarrhea (may be delayed 6-24 hours)
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy and weakness
- Yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice)
- Seizures or tremors
- Coma
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Mushroom
This is a veterinary emergency.
- Contact your vet or emergency clinic immediately
- Call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Bring a sample or photo of the mushroom if possible
- Note the time of ingestion
- Do not wait for symptoms to appear
When to Call a Veterinarian
Immediately if your cat has eaten any mushroom, even store-bought varieties. For wild mushrooms, treat as a life-threatening emergency.
Sources
- ASPCA – Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
- PetMD – Mushroom Poisoning in Cats
- VCA Hospitals – Mushroom Poisoning