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Can Cats Have Grapes? Here’s the Real Answer

Can cats have grapes? I’ve been receiving this question quite a lot, and the quick answer is No. While most cats will not have an adverse reaction to a small grape, vets don’t recommend taking chances.

We all know that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, so it’s safer to assume that it may have the same toxicity to cats. Besides, cats don’t usually gravitate toward grapes and other fruits.

Can Cats have Grapes?

Can cats have grapes?

Well, so far we know that cats can’t have grapes. Now let’s have a detailed discussion about cats and grapes. We will talk about signs of grape poisoning in cats. 

can cats have grapes

Last month, I brought Watson for a regular check-up when I had a conversation with the vet about cats eating grapes. The vet says there’s no adverse or imminent danger when cats eat a single grape. HOWEVER, he doesn’t recommend giving it to your pet deliberately.

So far, the literature supporting grape toxicity to cats is still divided. What we know is that dogs don’t take grapes well. There are cases when dogs died due to the ingestion of grapes, raisins, and similar food items.

While a dog’s physiological process is different from cats, we also have to consider that cats don’t have the same digestive system as humans. You simply can’t take chances and wait if your kitty will start to have symptoms.

For the sake of comparison, let me tell you how grapes affect dogs. According to experts, a certain chemical in grapes causes chronic kidney failure among canines. However, experts are baffled about how the toxic substance actually works, which is precisely why you shouldn’t give grapes to your cat.

Watson’s vet recommends assuming that grapes would have the same effect on cats as it does with dogs. Besides, there are many alternative options out there if you want to give your cat fruits as treats. And while it’s rare, cats still stand the risk of choking when a grape blocks their throat.

Take note that some cats may take days to get sick after ingesting grapes or raisins. So even if your kitty seems to be fine after eating one grape, you shouldn’t give more. In the end, the grapes will unravel their wrath, and it’s too late to regret.

Sure thing, grapes have many health benefits to humans, but it’s not the same with animals.

Symptoms of grape poisoning in cats

While grape poisoning in cats is scarcely documented, vets warn about some potential symptoms. If your cat ingested grapes, you must watch out for the following effects that may occur within 12 to 24 hours:

  • Diarrhea
  • Poor appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Potential vomiting
  • Decreased urination

symptoms of grape poisoning in cats

If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms after eating a grape, you should bring it to the vet right away. Decreased urination is a sign that your kitty’s kidney is starting to fail. If not addressed, this condition will lead to eventual death in a matter of days.

Is grape juice bad for cats?

Commercial or homemade grape juice should never be given to cats. Grape juice is concentrated and might cause a more severe effect than the fruit alone.

Aside from that, commercially available grape juice is packed with sugars, coloring, and flavoring. These are not healthy for you or your cat. If you want to give your pet a refreshing drink, you can give cool water instead or low-sodium broth for better hydration.

Take note that all currants have some level of toxicity to cats and other animals. It has similar compounds as in grapes that can cause poisoning in cats, especially if taken in large amounts.

How many raisins are toxic to cats?

If you’re asking this question, you’re probably contemplating giving your cat some raisins. Let me stop you there, my friend. Raisins are made of grapes, which may elicit an adverse reaction in a cat. We don’t know if the toxic substance has dried up or became intense on raisins. And since there’s uncertainty, it’s best not to give the kitty any product made of grapes or containing grapes.

how many raisins are toxic to cats

In the end, it’s not about how many raisins your cat can eat. It’s about not giving raisins or grapes at all. If you want to give your kitty a quick snack, it’s best to get a handful of kibble. You can also purchase some cat treats made specifically for felines. This will guarantee your cat’s safety.

What if my cat ate raisins?

If you discovered that your cat snacked on a bag of raisins, you should observe it for the next 12 to 24 hours. Don’t feed the cat any treats. If your kitty has a lingering problem like kidney disease or cancer, you should immediately bring it to the vet. You’d want to be proactive to prevent any life-threatening effects of grapes and raisins in your cat as much as possible.

The vet may induce vomiting to remove as many raisins or grapes from your cat’s stomach even before it gets digested. After that, the vet may administer activated charcoal to absorb the remaining toxins.

However, if your cat has already been showing symptoms, the veterinarian may need to place an IV drip on your cat to combat the poisoning much faster.

During emergencies, you can call the Pet Poison Helpline. They extend 24/7 help to all pets, and all poisons in case your vet’s clinic is closed. Just note that a specific incident fee applies here.

Can cats eat fruit?

Yes! While grapes and raisins are no-nos for cats, there are still a lot of fruits that you can give your pet. You should understand that cats are obligate carnivores, which means they don’t really gravitate toward fruits and veggies. Nevertheless, domesticated cats can make use of added nutrition as long as it’s safe for them.

Before you rush to the kitchen, you should know that the likes of citrus and coconut meat aren’t advisable to cats either. Besides, cats hate citrus smells. You should also avoid cherries and green tomatoes.

Anyway, the following fruits are safe for cats:

can cats eat fruit

The mentioned fruits should only be given in small amounts. As carnivores, the majority of a cat’s diet must be meat-based.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call the vet for recommendations. This small inconvenience isn’t a big deal if it means ensuring your cat’s safety.

Conclusion

Can cats have grapes? The answer is a resounding no. Grapes are notoriously dangerous for dogs, and vets ask cat owners not to take chances. While studies and tests are yet to identify if grapes are toxic to cats, you’ll never know when they will be poisonous to your pet. It’s best to explore safer options or, better yet, invest in a healthy cat treat.

There are various other fruits that you can add to your cat’s diet. These are safe and have some amazing health benefits. 

I hope the information from this article ill help you take better care of your cat’s diet. Thank you for reading!

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