Can cats eat Marmite?
No. Marmite is extremely high in salt (around 11 g of sodium per 100 g) and also contains yeast extract, which cats metabolise poorly. Even a thin smear on toast is problematic if a cat licks it.
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Key facts
- Verdict: No — dangerous to cats. Marmite should never be given deliberately.
- Category: Condiment
- Onset: Signs can start 0–6 hours — see the full timeline below.
- If it's already happened: Call your vet now, or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, charges apply) — see the emergency steps below.
If your cat has just eaten marmite
- Move your cat away from the Marmite.
- Don't induce vomiting at home — this is dangerous in cats.
- Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet immediately.
- If you can't reach a vet, call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 — 24/7, charges apply.
- Note how much Marmite was eaten, when, and your cat's weight.
What's the full picture?
Marmite is one of the saltiest common UK foods — roughly 11 g of sodium per 100 g of product. For reference, a 4 kg cat's safe daily sodium intake is around 40 mg, so 0.4 g of Marmite alone exceeds the day's limit.
The yeast extract concentrates other compounds (glutamic acid, B vitamins) at levels that cats aren't adapted to process. The most common emergency scenario is a cat licking Marmite off buttered toast left on a breakfast table.
Vegemite is the Australian equivalent — same salt and yeast issues apply.
Symptoms to watch for
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Cat owner essentials
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A cat water fountain encourages drinking, which supports the kidneys — worthwhile for any cat that's had a dietary scare.
Recommended for cat owners
Related
Sources referenced for this guidance
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) — UK clinical toxicology reference used by vets
- International Cat Care — feline-specific clinical guidance
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association reference materials
- Merck Veterinary Manual — professional veterinary reference
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team