Can cats eat butter?
No, butter is best avoided. It is a fatty dairy food: cat-care guides list fatty foods among things never to feed cats, dairy products can upset a cat's stomach, and their fat adds weight.
Updated:
Why
RSPCA Australia lists fatty trimmings and fatty foods among things never to feed cats, and added fat can lead to a painful condition called pancreatitis. Butter is also a dairy product: many cats are lactose intolerant, milk-based products can cause vomiting or diarrhoea, and dairy products are high in fat and contribute to weight gain.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Upset stomach
What to do
If your cat ate butter, watch for vomiting or diarrhoea and contact your vet for advice if she seems unwell or ate a lot.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- What should I feed my cat? — RSPCA Australia (updated 2025-11-20)
- How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets — VCA Animal Hospitals (no date shown)
- The best diet for your cat — PDSA (2024-01)
- Feeding Your Cat — Cornell Feline Health Center (updated 2026-04-30)
- Cat Nutrition Tips — ASPCA (no date shown)
- Proper Nutrition for Cats — Merck Veterinary Manual, Cat Owners (N. Roman; 2025-07)
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.