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Can Cats Eat Raisins? Stay Away From This Dangerous Food

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Many of our favorite foods are safe for cats to enjoy in moderation.

And if you’re a fan of raisins, you may find yourself wondering if your cat can have a nibble.

Knowing what is and isn’t safe for your cat to eat is essential.

Many cats have gotten ill or even died because their owner wasn’t aware they were feeding something toxic—don’t let your cat be one of them.

So, can cats eat raisins?

Or is this one food you should keep far away from your pet?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Can Cats Eat Raisins?

You should never give raisins to your cat.

The fruit can be very dangerous for your pet’s health.

Small amounts can make them very sick, and large amounts can be fatal.

Cats cannot taste sweet foods, so they won’t enjoy the taste of raisins anyway.

And as obligate carnivores, cats get no nutritional value from raisins.

So even if they don’t make your cat sick, there is no good reason to feed raisins to your cat.

Will One Raisin Hurt a Cat?

Never give your pet raisins as a treat—not even one.

While many cats may be fine after eating a single raisin, it isn’t worth the risk.

Just one raisin may not seem like much, but it’s a very large amount for your cat’s small body and can still make it sick.

Can Cats Eat Grapes?

Just like raisins, grapes are very toxic to both cats and dogs.

Avoid giving your cats any foods that contain grapes, including raisins, fruit juices, ice cream, or granola bars.

Why Are Grapes Bad for Cats?

If you have a cat that loves trying human food, you may be wondering why grapes are so dangerous for them.

There are three major reasons you should keep this food far away from your kitty:

  • Grapes can be toxic to cats. It’s not certain why this fruit is so toxic to pets, but some speculate it’s because their bodies cannot break down the compounds in these fruits. As a result, they can experience kidney failure.
  • Grapes can be a choking hazard. Grapes and raisins are difficult for cats to properly chew. Additionally, the skins of these fruits can get stuck in your cat’s throat.
  • Grapes have no nutritional value. Even if your cat does not get sick from eating grapes, there is still no good reason to do this because cats are carnivores and need protein. Feeding your cat too many fruits can result in malnutrition.

What Are Signs of Grape Toxicity in Cats?

The signs of grape toxicity in cats may vary depending on how much they are and when they ate them.

For simplicity’s sake, we’ve divided these signs into “initial symptoms” and “symptoms after 48 hours.”

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms after eating grapes or raisins, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.

Initial Symptoms

Shortly after eating grapes, your cat may experience symptoms such as:

  • Lethargy. Lethargic cats may spend a lot of time sleeping and avoid everyday activities such as eating or playing.
  • Weakness. Difficulty standing or walking could be a sign that your cat is feeling weak.
  • Diarrhea. Be sure to check your cat’s litter box for any abnormal stools.
  • Lack of appetite. Keep an eye on your cat’s food bowl to make sure they’re eating regularly.
  • Dehydration. Dry gums, panting, and low energy are a few signs of dehydration in cats.
  • Rapid breathing. While brief rapid breathing is normal after exercise, it could also be a sign of poisoning in your cat.
  • Abdominal pain. Bloating, excessive licking of the stomach, and restlessness are a few warning signs that your cat is dealing with abdominal pain.

Symptoms After 48 Hours

After 48 hours, symptoms of grape poisoning in cats may be more severe.

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Lack of appetite. Cats who have eaten little to no food over the past 48 hours may be in danger.
  • Nausea. Cats who are nauseous may withdraw from others and avoid eating.
  • Vomiting. Vomiting can help rid your cat’s body of toxins. However, your cat may still require more help from a veterinarian.
  • Breath smelling of ammonia. This symptom is often a sign of kidney failure or diabetes.
  • Excessive thirst. For every five pounds of body weight, your cat should be drinking at least 4 ounces of water daily. Drinking more than that is a sign of excessive thirst.
  • Excessive urination initially. As you monitor your cat’s health, pay attention to how often they’re visiting the litter box.
  • Lack of urination ultimately. If your cat stops urinating, it could be a sign of dehydration or blockage in the kidneys.
  • Abdominal pain. This symptom can become very uncomfortable for your cat after 48 hours.
  • Coma. The outcome of coma will typically happen if you do not seek treatment. So as long as you take your cat to the vet after showing any of the previous symptoms, they will not typically get to this stage.

How Can You Prevent Your Cat From Eating Grapes?

Because grapes are so dangerous for cats, it’s best to keep these fruits far away from your pet.

Never feed grapes to your cat, and be cautious of what other foods people offer to your cat.

You should supervise any children who spend time with your cats, too.

Avoid leaving grapes or raisins out where cats can get to them.

Remember that cats can get onto high places like counters or the tops of refrigerators, so keep your grapes locked away in the pantry or tight containers.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Raisins

Has your cat eaten raisins or grapes? Here are two different steps you can take:

  • Consult the vet. An emergency veterinary office in your area can help determine what treatment your cat needs.
  • Contact poison control. If you cannot contact a veterinarian, animal poison control can provide tips to keep your cat safe.

How to Treat Grape Toxicosis

When you take your cat to the veterinarian, there are a few different ways they might try to manage the toxicosis.

This can include:

  • Inducing vomiting to rid the body of the toxin.
  • Activated charcoal, which absorbs toxins from the stomach.
  • Flushing the toxins out with water.
  • Medications to manage symptoms like nausea or pain.

Because improper treatment can worsen the problem, you should not attempt these methods on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any questions we haven’t answered yet?

Here are a few common questions that might be on your mind.

Can cats eat bananas?

In small amounts, bananas are safe for cats to eat.

They do not include any components that could make your cat ill.

However, you should not make this a regular treat because bananas are high in sugar and have no nutritional value for cats.

What other fruits can my cat eat?

A couple of fruits that you can safely share with your cat include:

  • Apples
  • Watermelon
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries

Remember to remove any seeds or peels before giving fruit to your cat.

You should also cut fruits into small pieces to prevent choking.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to giving treats to your cat, it’s best to stick to foods specifically designed for felines.

Cats are carnivores, so meat-based treats are the safest, most nutritious choice.

Do you have any questions regarding whether cats can eat raisins?

Feel free to ask us in the comments section below!

So, can cats eat raisins?

The answer to that is a definitive no—raisins can be harmful to your cat’s health and can result in deadly conditions such as kidney failure.

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