Raisins are a popular snack and a healthy dry fruit that has multiple benefits for humans. But what we eat is not always safe for our feline friends. Cats should not be given raisins because it is one of those foods that cause food poisoning. You should understand that food containing raisins must also be kept well out of your pet’s reach.
So, in this article, we’ll discuss how harmful raisins can be to your kitty and what health risks they may pose.
Can You Give Your Cat Raisins?
Shortly put, the answer is no; you cannot give raisins to your cat. Raisins have the same effects on cats as grapes do. The pet can experience severe vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness if they eat raisins. In even severe cases, fatal kidney failure can also happen.
Sadly, raisins are only a tasty snack or food for humans, not cats. The poisoning potential of raisins and grapes has yet to be researched or known. However, large-scale cases regarding the degrading health of cats when they consume this dry fruit are testimonial enough to categorize them as harmful and potentially fatal.
What are the Limitations of Giving Raisins to Cats?
If you want to give your cat raisins as a simple snack or in the form of a cookie or cake, you should not proceed any further. Raisins do not have a specific limitation for consumption when it comes to your dear feline.
It is the closest thing to grapes, which is very well known to be equally poisonous to cats. You can instead give your cat healthy proteinaceous food like the Purina Fancy Feast Wet Food. It is a mix of grilled meat and seafood. They balance the nutrients your cat requires in their everyday meals.
There is no limitation or exceptions about giving raisins to your cats. Even a raisin or two can effectively jeopardize your cat’s digestive system and cause unbearable pain in the abdominal region.
How Do Raisins Affect Cats?
As mentioned earlier, scientists have not been able to identify the precise molecules and chemicals in raisins that are harmful to cats. However, records of cats who have ingested raisins show a pattern of sudden vomiting, unexplained diarrhea, heightened thirst and urine, and sudden kidney failure that can be life-threatening to your pet.
So quite clearly, only known symptoms are noted in records for cats that consume raisins by mistake or are given raisins by their owners in ignorance. Raisins can have far-reaching effects on cats in just a small quantity. Based on the portion size and the status of your cat’s immune system, the symptoms can be anywhere from mild poisoning to lethal organ damage. It is always safe for you to keep raisins, grapes, and all related food out of the reach of your cat.
Refer to the table below to learn how raisins affect a cat’s health. If your cat shows the following symptoms, you should seek immediate veterinarian help.
| Symptoms | How Does It Affect Cats? |
| Vomiting | Raisins are known not to be easily digestible for cats. It causes a bad reaction in their stomachs which causes immediate or prolonged vomiting. It indicates that the body is trying to eliminate the substance as soon as possible. |
| Diarrhea | It is another way in which the body eliminates toxic substances. However, this is also a sign that raisins have disrupted the natural flow of digestion and have upset the stomach. |
| Excessive thirst and urination | It is a dangerous symptom that needs immediate action. It is a sign of early kidney failure, which might have been caused due to excessive raisin consumption. |
| Weakness and Lethargy | With excessive vomiting and excretion, the cat eventually gets tired and loses strength. It makes your pet lethargic and inactive. |
| Abdominal pain | Due to disrupted digestion caused by raisins, cats can experience mild to severe abdominal pain that lasts as long as the raisins remain in the body and even after that. |
Conclusion:
It is clear now that raisins are toxic to your cat’s health. You can always give them other fruits as snacks, like peeled apples, bananas, and blueberries. They are much more fulfilling and healthier for the cat to eat during their snack or meal time.
