Can cats eat ice cream?
No, ice cream is not a good treat for cats. It is made with milk and cream, which can upset a cat's stomach, and it adds fat and sugar that cats don't need.
Updated:
Why
Adult cats have little lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar, so milk and other dairy-based products can cause diarrhoea or other digestive upset. Cream and dairy products are high in fat and can lead to weight gain. Sugar isn't toxic to cats, but it is still unhealthy for them and adds calories they don't need.
Signs to watch for
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
What to do
If your cat ate ice cream, watch for diarrhoea or vomiting and contact your vet for advice if she seems unwell. If the ice cream contained chocolate, contact your vet straight away.
Questions and answers
Do cats like ice cream because it is sweet?
No. Cats can't taste sweetness at all, so sugar gives them nothing but extra calories.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Human foods to avoid for cats — Agriculture Victoria (updated 2025-09-09)
- Cat Nutrition Tips — ASPCA (no date shown)
- The best diet for your cat — PDSA (2024-01)
- Oops! My cat drank the eggnog. What do I do? — VCA Animal Hospitals (no date shown)
- Can cats have sugar? — Cats Protection (2018-11-12)
- 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.