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How much store-bought hummus is too much for a 5 kg cat? She licked about a teaspoon.

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

A teaspoon is likely too much for a cat. Hummus contains garlic and lemon, which are irritants and can cause digestive upset in cats. Even a small amount can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. There is no safe 'portion' of hummus for cats due to these ingredients. Watch your cat closely for the next 12-24 hours, and contact your vet if you notice any signs of illness.

Hummus — Food safety facts

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

Chickpeas are fine but hummus brings garlic, lemon and tahini. Small taste only.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Hummus is not poisonous to cats, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

Garlic and onion damage a pet's red blood cells and can bring on anaemia. Signs are often delayed for several days, so looking fine straight afterwards does not rule it out.

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

Open the full food page: Hummus food facts →