Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

How can I keep my 8‑week‑old kitten, who loves to explore, from getting into a half‑cup of dried seaweed left out on the kitchen counter?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, you can prevent a kitten from accessing dried seaweed with a few simple steps. Store the seaweed in a sealed container and keep it on a high shelf out of reach. Teach the kitten a reliable "leave it" cue by rewarding it when it ignores the item during short training sessions. Because seaweed is very high in iodine and salt, even a small amount can cause stomach upset or excessive thirst in a young cat. If you notice vomiting, drooling, or unusual drinking, give your vet a call for advice.

Seaweed — Food safety facts

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

Very high in iodine and salt. Small amounts occasionally.

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

Seaweed 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

A heavy salt load drives up thirst and urination, and in the worst cases leads to sodium ion poisoning, which is a genuine emergency.

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

Open the full food page: Seaweed food facts →