Can Cats Eat Grapes?

Can Cats Eat Grapes?



As An Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases At No Extra Cost To You
Grapes

This small, rounded fruit is so easy to snack on. Grapes are juicy and succulent; a healthy snack option that most people enjoy. They are rich in flavonols which are beneficial to the heart. Grapes are also fat-free and cholesterol free. All of these benefits are why grapes are so easy to eat in plenty and snack on from time to time.

It is known from research that grapes are toxic to dogs but what about cats? Can cats eat grapes? Is grape safe for cats? Our kittens can get quite curious sometimes so it's no shocker if they are begging for some of your grapes. But should cats eat grapes? You are about to find out.

Can Cats Eat Grapes?

It is not advisable for cats to eat grapes because they can cause gastrointestinal illnesses for your cat. It is a popular fact that dogs and grapes do not mix due to reported cases of toxicity. Equally, it has now be proven that cats can also become sick from eating grapes. It is not yet known why grapes are harmful to cats but cats show symptoms of ill health like diarrhea, vomiting, and in extreme cases, kidney failure when they eat grapes. Cats, however, do not need to eat grapes so you don't have to take the risk.

Grapes

Are Grapes Bad For My Cat?

First of all, you can be sure that your cat is not after your bunch of grapes for their sweet taste. Cats lack sweet receptors, which means they cannot taste sweetness. Your cat is probably drawn to grapes because they see you eating some yourself. But it is now up to you as the parent to do what's right for them.

Cats should not eat grapes. For a long time, only the toxicity of grapes on dogs was recognized because of the extensive research in that area. But now, grapes have also been attached to toxicity when it comes to cats.

Cats can suffer from gastrointestinal upset when they eat grapes. They may experience stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea after eating grapes. If you feed grapes to your cat, which you shouldn't be doing by the way, they become susceptible to kidney failure. This can lead to death if not addressed on time.

Grapes also pose a choking hazard to cats. Small and rounded as they are, your cat can easily choke while trying to swallow the fruit whole. Another part of the fruit that might threaten your cat's health is the hard pit or seed found inside the fruit. If you ever choose to feed grapes to your cat, be sure to cut it up into small pieces and make it free of seeds.

Finally, cats are obligate carnivores, that is they need meat to grow and meet their nutritional needs. Plant-based foods like grapes lack the necessary nutrients your cat needs. Although humans enjoy health benefits from this small juicy fruit, cats will need to eat a whole bunch or more to enjoy the same and we know that that is not healthy for them. It is best to feed other safe fruit snacks to your cat.

Are Red Grapes Safe For Cats?

Generally, red grapes are sweeter than green grapes so some people opt for red ones. Red grapes get their red color from Anthocyanin, a pigment found in fruits that gives a color of red, blue, purple, or black.

Also, red grapes contain more antioxidants and are thus, considered more healthy than their green counterpart. Red grapes also have a fewer calories than green ones. When humans eat a bunch of this grape, they enjoy these benefits but the same cannot be said of cats. Red grapes like green grapes are harmful to cats. Cats do not enjoy the many benefits of grapes because their bodies are not designed to break down plant-based foods.

Cats should not be given red grapes to avoid any health challenges. 

Can Cats Eat Raisins?

Raisins are simply seedless grapes that have been dried. They are usually baked into cookies and cakes while some people eat them on their own as a light snack. Most people love raisins for their sweet taste and chewy texture. Unfortunately, just like grapes, raisins are toxic to cats.

Your cat may come in contact with a raisin that has fallen off a piece of cake or a half-eaten cookie or they may happen upon your plate of raisins on the counter.  In either case, you must ensure that they do not eat more than that pilfered raisin as eating any more can result in serious health crises. If you notice any symptoms of illness, rush your kitty to your vet immediately.

Grapes

What Are The Symptoms Of Grape Toxicity In Cats?

If your cat has eaten grapes, they may not show any symptoms until 12 hours later so it is best to keep a close eye on them if you suspect that they have eaten grapes. Below are some of the symptoms to watch out for:

  1. Vomiting
  2. Abdominal pain
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Excessive thirst
  5. Decreased appetite
  6. Lethargy

In extreme cases, these symptoms may be indicative of kidney failure which is a serious condition that may lead to death. It is therefore advisable to act fast in situations like this.

What Should I Do If My Cat Has Eaten Grapes?

The exact amount of grapes that will become toxic to your cat is not certain, so it is best to act fast if your cat has eaten grapes. 

If you catch your cat nibbling on a grape, it most likely will be fine. However, if you are not sure of the number of grapes your cat has eaten, it is best to act fast and not wait for them to start showing symptoms. Take your cat to your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has eaten grapes.

Final Words

Grapes are considered toxic to your cat. Although cats may safely eat one or two grapes occasionally, it is not advisable to feed grapes to your cat because of the toxicity. 

To find out about other healthy snack choices for your cat, consult with your vet.


Related Posts

Can Cats Eat Ketchup?
Can Cats Eat Ketchup?
Almost everyone loves ketchup. If it is not generously drizzled on a piece of toast, you might find a mound of it nex...
Read More
Can Cats Eat Kiwi?
Can Cats Eat Kiwi?
Kiwi is a delicious summer fruit that can be enjoyed in fruit salads, smoothies, or simply by itself. The small round...
Read More
Can Cats Eat Jicama?
Can Cats Eat Jicama?
Jicama is one vegetable that is becoming more popular by the day. It is a round root vegetable with a brown papery sk...
Read More

Back to blog

Leave a comment