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Can Cats Eat Cake?
Please read the risks below before offering any.
Is cake safe for cats?
Cake is a baked, sweetened dessert made from flour, sugar, eggs and fat, often with frosting. Cats have little interest in sweet food and gain nothing from cake, which is sugary and fatty, so it is best not offered. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need cake. If you offer it at all, treat it as a rare, tiny extra.
How to reduce the risks if you offer cake
- Check the ingredients for chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts or xylitol before considering any
- If the cake is plain and free of those, a small crumb is the most to offer
- Choose a treat made for cats instead of cake
What to avoid
- Chocolate cake and cocoa frosting
- Cake containing raisins, grapes or macadamia nuts
- Frosting or low-sugar cake made with xylitol
How much cake can my cat have?
If you decide to offer cake 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 cake?
Because cake needs extra caution for adult cats, it is best to avoid it for kittens.
What if my cat ate too much cake?
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 cake be a regular part of my cat's diet?
No. We recommend not making cake a regular part of your cat's diet.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Cake?