Can Your Cat Eat Grapes?
Just like how dogs cannot eat grapes, neither can cats. Well, it’s a fuzzy (or should we say, furry?) answer. The overall, recommended response is no. A cat may eat a grape and be fine but it can be dangerous, so it’s best to avoid them in general.
Thankfully, grapes do not really appeal to cats, so they are unlikely to be tempted by them.
What’s the Science?
Most of the time, dogs are the household pet who have problems when consuming grapes. So, although there is less proof of how or why grapes affect cats, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Director of Claims at Embrace Pet Insurance, Jenna Mahan, says, “An unknown chemical compound in the grape can cause fast and catastrophic kidney failure in some dogs. There are dogs who have had issues after only a few grapes and some who do not have any issues until they eat a whole bag of them.” Unfortunately, the chemical compound itself, the catalyst of poisoning, is still a mystery. As Jenna says, “Because the mechanism of toxicity is unknown, the best answer is no grapes for either your cats or your dogs.”
Symptoms of Grapes Toxicity
Within 24 hours or, even 12 hours, heartbreaking results can occur if your cat has eaten too many grapes. Some symptoms to look out for include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Being incredibly lethargic (tired)
- Reduction in appetite
- Lower levels of urinating
- Being overcome by weakness
- Potential fatality
But, Isn’t Fruit Healthy?
For a human diet, fruit and vegetables are key – it’s true. Human doctors would be so proud to hear if one of their patients started bringing more and more bananas, grapes, tomatoes, and kale into their diets. However, cat needs are very different from humans. If your trusted veterinarian shares that your cat is getting all the right nutrients from the cat food and/or other healthy cat supplements they are taking, hear and abide. What’s healthy for your feline is different than what is healthy for your dog.
So, even if you feel like giving your cat some grapes is a sweet, healthy treat, remember that what is nutritious for cats simply is not for humans. (It’s like chocolate. We can eat a bar of chocolate just fine, while the same chocolate is dangerous for dogs and cats.)
The Biggest Problem
Cats can experience major kidney failure. To be candid, experts still are not sure exactly why grapes cause such damage to the kidneys – the main thing they know is that it can happen.
What Type of Cat is Most Susceptible?
If your cat has kidney disease already, they are especially prone to problems that can result from grapes or raisins.
Other Unsuspecting Threats
As you read, you feel more and more clear on why your cat should not eat grapes. However, what can be easy to miss, is ensuring your cat avoids foods made or derived from grapes. For example, be careful your cat does not eat muffins, jams, jellies or other foods or preserves that contain grapes.
Another threat includes raisins, which are grapes in a different, dried form. There are estimates on how much it will take to cause a negative reaction. According to one source, 0.05 ounces, which is about one handful of raisins, can be enough to bring a catalyst of issues.
How to Treat a Cat if He Ate Grapes
If your cat has eaten grapes, know that the very best thing you can do is to get them treatment as soon as possible. Your veterinarian can induce vomiting in order to safely remove the grapes from his system. Then, they can absorb the rest of the toxins, through the help of activated charcoal.
Sources:
- Lowrey, Sassafras. “Can Cats Eat Grapes? Here’s What to Know About Cats and Grapes.” Catster, 10 Aug. 2018, Accessed 2 Nov. 2018. www.catster.com/cat-food/can-cats-eat-grapes.
- “10 Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs and Cats.” Vetstreet, Accessed 2 Nov. 2018. www.vetstreet.com/care/human-foods-that-are-dangerous-for-dogs-and-cats.
- “Grapes and Raisins Can Be Toxic to Dogs and Cats.” Banfield Pet Hospital, Accessed 2 Nov. 2018. www.banfield.com/pet-healthcare/additional-resources/article-library/safety-tips/grapes-and-raisins-can-be-toxic-to-your-pets.
- “Can Cats Eat Grapes? Here Is Everything You Need to Know.” Petazi, 14 Jan. 2017, Accessed 2 Nov. 2018. www.petazi.com/can-cats-eat-grapes.
