Home › Foods for cats › Butter
Can Cats Eat Butter?
Please read the risks below before offering any.
Is butter safe for cats?
Butter is a high-fat dairy product, commonly used in cooking and baking. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, and butter is almost pure fat, so it offers no benefit and is best avoided. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need butter. If you offer it at all, treat it as a rare, tiny extra.
How to reduce the risks if you offer butter
- Keep butter dishes and wrappers out of reach, since some cats will chew through wrapping
- Avoid using butter to give medication if your cat has a sensitive stomach or pancreatitis history
- Choose a low-fat treat instead of butter for regular use
What to avoid
- Sticks of butter left within reach, including the wrapper
- Regular feeding, because of the fat content
How much butter can my cat have?
If you decide to offer butter despite the cautions above, give just one tiny taste and check with your vet first, especially if your cat has any health condition. When in doubt, skip it.
Signs your cat may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your cat has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat butter?
Because butter needs extra caution for adult cats, it is best to avoid it for kittens.
What if my cat ate too much butter?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your cat ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
Should butter be a regular part of my cat's diet?
No. We recommend not making butter a regular part of your cat's diet.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Butter?