Cats should not have ketchup, and it is not a safe treat for them in anything more than the tiniest accidental lick.

Why ketchup is unsafe

Ketchup usually contains onion powder and garlic powder, which are toxic to cats and can damage their red blood cells, potentially leading to a serious form of anemia. It is also high in salt and sugar, which can cause problems such as dehydration, digestive upset, obesity, and, in large enough amounts, salt poisoning.

If your cat already had some

A small lick of ketchup is unlikely to cause serious harm, especially if it only happened once, but it can cause mild stomach upset in some cats. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, weakness, or odd behavior; if any of these appear, or if your cat ate a larger amount, contact a vet promptly.

Safer alternatives

Instead of ketchup, offer cat-safe treats such as commercial cat treats or a small amount of plain cooked meat with no seasoning, onion, garlic, or sauce. Keeping ketchup and other tomato-based sauces out of reach helps prevent repeat incidents and protects your cat’s long‑term health.