Can cats eat xylitol?

Updated 12/05/2023

Most of us know already that xylitol is highly toxic to dogs - but what about our feline friends? Can cats have xylitol, or is xylitol toxic to cats, too? 

This common sweetener can be found lurking in a number of everyday foods, from peanut butter to sugar-free candy, baked goods, condiments and more. It is also found in lots of non-food products such as medications, vitamins, makeup products and dental products too. So, it really pays to know whether this sweet treat is safe for our furry pals to consume.

Read on as we explore the relationship between xylitol and cats - and reveal why your kitty should always avoid this rather sinister sugar substitute…

Is xylitol poisonous to cats?

While there’s a lot of research into whether or not dogs can eat xylitol (FYI - it’s a big no), the answer is a little less clear when it comes to cats.

There are fewer reports of xylitol poisoning in cats than in dogs, however, there are a few reasons this could be - one being that cats simply can’t taste sweet things, and so, are less likely to scoff xylitol-containing products compared to dogs.

Xylitol, as we know, is highly toxic to dogs - and in our eyes, it’s always best to be safe than sorry. The bottom line? Avoid giving your kitty anything containing xylitol, and be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible if you suspect they may have ingested some.

Why is xylitol bad for cats?

Innocuous as it seems, xylitol can have seriously devastating effects on our furry friends - and even small amounts can quickly put your pet in danger.

Consuming even just a small amount of xylitol can result in a sharp increase in insulin, and lead to a deadly dip in your pet’s blood sugar levels - in large amounts, xylitol poisoning in pets can cause liver failure and death. But even in small amounts, it can still result in a deadly low blood sugar condition known as hypoglycemia. Avoid at all costs.

Symptoms of xylitol toxicity

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can appear in as little as 30 minutes, but it can also take up to 12 hours to develop. Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for: 

• Weakness 
• Lethargy 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Tremors/seizures
• Yellow mucous membranes
• Difficulty walking or standing 
• Incoordination
• Collapse 
• Coma

What to do if your cat eats xylitol

Don’t wait around - if you suspect your cat may have ingested xylitol, contact your vet immediately for advice and treatment.

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, is xylitol safe for cats? No, keep your kitty’s diet completely xylitol-free. As a pet parent, it always pays to know what cats can and can’t eat, as there are plenty more foods our feline friends need to avoid, including:

• Tomatoes
• Cherries
• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Raw meat, fish and eggs 
• Citrus fruits