Can cats eat dried fruit?
No, keep dried fruit away from cats. Raisins, sultanas and currants are highly toxic to pets, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure in cats, and sugar is unhealthy for cats. Watch out for cakes and mince pies too, and call your vet if your cat eats any.
Updated:
Why
Cats Protection lists grapes, raisins and currants among human foods toxic to cats and says they can cause kidney failure in cats, with cats that have chronic kidney disease possibly at greater risk. PDSA warns that mince pies and Christmas cake contain raisins, sultanas and currants, which are highly toxic to pets. Cats Protection also says sugar isn't toxic to cats but is still unhealthy for them. Grape and raisin poisoning in cats is rare and not well understood, and we found no cat source saying any dried fruit is safe, so we use the stricter level.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, usually within a day
What to do
Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline right away. Note what your cat ate (which dried fruit or which food containing it), how much and when, and keep the packaging. Don't wait for signs to appear, and don't try to make your cat sick at home.
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What about mince pies and Christmas cake?
PDSA warns that mince pies and Christmas cake contain raisins, sultanas and currants, which are highly toxic to pets. Keep them out of your cat's reach.
Is the sugar a problem too?
Cats Protection says sugar isn't toxic to cats but is still unhealthy for them. Cats can't taste sweetness, sugar offers them no nutritional value, and regularly giving sugary foods could lead to health problems.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
- Vet charity warns of fatal foods for furry friends this Christmas — PDSA press office (16 Dec 2021)
- Can cats have sugar? — Cats Protection (2018-11-12)
- Grape and raisin poisoning in cats — Joii Pet Care (reviewed by Dr D. Brown, MRCVS)
- Cats and poisons — International Cat Care
- Common cat poisons and toxins — Blue Cross
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.