Can cats eat raisins?

Updated 12/05/2023

Baked into a nice cookie, a tasty addition to your morning granola - there are tons of ways to enjoy these sweet, dried fruits. But can a cat eat raisins, or are raisins poisonous to cats? It’s a good question.

We recently learned that cats can’t eat grapes, but is the same true for raisins? Let’s find out…

Are raisins bad for cats?

The short answer is yes - like grapes, cats should avoid eating raisins and even a small amount could cause your cat to become very ill. It makes sense, when you think about it - after all, raisins are dried grapes!

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, raisins (but also grapes, sultanas, and currants) are toxic to dogs, and there are “anecdotal reports of cats and ferrets being affected” too.

It’s never worth the risk when it comes to your furry family members - keep raisins firmly off the menu, and well out of sight!

Why are raisins bad for cats?

So, we know the answer to ‘can cats have raisins’ is a no… but why? 

While there's plenty of information about why grapes and raisins are bad for dogs, unfortunately, the answer to ‘are raisins safe for cats’ is a little less clear. 

In fact, it's not 100% clear why they're so bad for our fluffy friends, but, much like grapes, we do know that raisins can cause some nasty symptoms, and in severe cases, can lead to kidney failure.

Symptoms of raisin toxicity

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the most common symptoms when it comes to raisin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It can also lead to acute kidney failure. 

Other signs to keep an eye on include any changes in behavior (such as lethargy or hyperactivity), weakness, decreased appetite, dehydration, excessive thirst, and an inability to produce urine.

What to do if your cat eats raisins

So, you know not to actively give your cat raisins - but what happens if they accidentally eat one? 

When it comes to your kitty eating something they shouldn't, time is of the essence. Kidney failure can be fatal, so it's important to seek out advice as soon as possible. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your cat or if you suspect your cat may have eaten some raisins, don't wait around - contact your vet immediately  for advice and next steps.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are not safe for cats 

So, grapes and raisins are off the menu - but what else can’t cats eat? As you’d imagine, the list is pretty extensive, but here are some of the more popular ‘human’ foods that are most definitely not safe for our feline friends: 

• Cherries
• Alcohol
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks
• Chocolate
• Ice cream
• Grapes 
• Milk and other dairy products 
• Citrus fruits 
• Raw meat, fish and eggs