Is it safe to feed my cat Biltong

meeepcosy

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Oct 31, 2012
Messages
55
Purraise
12
I have actually tried to start a new thread now, can't seem to do so, but what I want to ask relates to the cooked ham question...

I want to know if it's safe to feed my cat biltong (a South African meat delicacy, 'cured meat' left to dry out, dried using vinegar)?

It's almost like beef jerky, but it's thicker sliced meat and preserved with vinegar where beef jerky is preserved with lots of salt and/or sugar. Also, it's spiced, but because we live in South Africa it won't be difficult to find a shop that makes it with little or no spices at all. I just want to give Rasberry a treat now and again, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. She enjoys it because it's chewy and raw, and I prefer it because there's no bones that could get lodged in her throat. Would it be a good idea to use that as a treat from time to time?
 

mrsgreenjeens

Every Life Should Have Nine Cats
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
16,391
Purraise
7,131
Location
Arizona
What kind of vinegar is used in the curing of this meat?  That might make a difference.  I can't imagine that a small amount would be harmful, but could you ask your Vet?  That might be the safest answer. 
 

finnlacey

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
Feb 16, 2012
Messages
821
Purraise
48
Vinegar is not harmful but I would watch how much vinegar is in it. Too much could upset the tummy and cause some acid reflux. 
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

meeepcosy

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Oct 31, 2012
Messages
55
Purraise
12
I honestly don't know what type of vinegar is used to make biltong, or how much. But it shouldn't be too hard to find out. I just want to give a small piece as a treat every now and again. I'll ask my vet to make sure though. Thanks for the feedback! :)
 

minka

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
2,437
Purraise
49
Location
Denton, Texas
If you can find it with no spices and very little vinegar, and you give it less than once a day.. It probably won't hurt.
 

StefanZ

Advisor
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Sep 18, 2005
Messages
25,999
Purraise
10,648
Location
Sweden
Small portions shouldnt be harmful, I dont think so.

If it is very acidly, is it possible to have the biltong in water a while to wash off the surplus of winegar.

Dry it a while aterwards, if she dont want wet meat...

How is this biltong in taste? If YOU eat it does it feel acid? Or if you eat a bigger portion of it, any problems??

If not, it should be OK to the cat.

As someone said, asking your vet cant be wrong. He knows surely what biltong is.   :)
 

coffee

TCS Member
Kitten
Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
1
Purraise
0
Biltong is most often air dried with salt and spices without the use of vinegar at all.
We fed biltong to our previous cats quite often and without a problem, they lived a full life of 19 years. With our current young 'uns who are only two, I haven't ever introduced them to biltong and rather purchased them some catnip treats. I do not want to introduce them to biltong as otherwise they may begin to beg and be more likely to raid a bag that is left on a counter.

Although they still sniff the air a bit whenever we do have biltong, they do not beg for it and do not pay much attention to the bag, even when left on a side table.

I would say, the bigger question is, do you want a biltong addict of a cat? ;)
 
Last edited:
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8

meeepcosy

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Oct 31, 2012
Messages
55
Purraise
12
Hi there! Thank you for all the wonderful replies. :)

We are very much blessed with Rasberry, she never moans or complains for food. She never wakes us up in the morning for it either. She doesn't bother us when we're eating, no matter what we're eating. So in all, we're not worried about a biltong addict. ;)

The vet said it's fine to feed her biltong in small amounts, so we've. Been giving her two pieces once or twice a month. She first plays with it, after a few minutes she bites it and only then she realises it's delicious, she can eat it. Lol! When we're having biltong, she doesn't bother us for a piece either, so it's like when she gets some, she'll have it, otherwise she won't bother. :)

Biltong doesn't taste vinegar-y at all, it's salty but the ones we buy you can eat a lot of before you feel like bleh. Lol! The kind we buy is also not overly spiced, since we like it plain, so I believe it's safe for her. :)

Once again, thanks for all the feedback! :)
 
Top