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My cat licked some soy sauce from my leftover stir-fry dish — is that a problem?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, it can be a problem. Soy sauce is extremely high in salt, and even a small amount from a cooked dish can contribute to sodium poisoning in a cat. Watch for signs like excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy in the next few hours. If your cat shows any of these signs, call your vet for advice.

Soy sauce — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Extremely high in salt — a real risk of sodium poisoning if a pet laps it up.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Soy sauce food facts page.

Open the full food page: Soy sauce food facts →

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