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Can Cats Eat Cookies?
Please read the risks below before offering any.
Are cookies safe for cats?
Cookies are small baked sweets made from flour, sugar and fat, often with chocolate, raisins or nuts mixed in. Cats have little interest in sweet food, and cookies offer nothing they need, so it is best not to offer them, especially with chocolate or raisins. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need cookies. If you offer them at all, treat them as a rare, tiny extra.
How to reduce the risks if you offer cookies
- Check the ingredients for chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts or xylitol before considering any
- If the cookie is plain, offer only a small piece, rarely
- Choose a treat made for cats instead of cookies
What to avoid
- Chocolate chip cookies and cookies with cocoa
- Cookies with raisins or macadamia nuts
- Sugar-free cookies, which may contain xylitol
How many cookies can my cat have?
If you decide to offer cookies 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 cookies?
Because cookies need extra caution for adult cats, it is best to avoid them for kittens.
What if my cat ate too many cookies?
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 cookies be a regular part of my cat's diet?
No. We recommend not making cookies a regular part of your cat's diet.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Cookies?