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Can Cats Eat Chewing Gum?
Do not give chewing gum to cats.
Is chewing gum safe for cats?
Chewing gum and mints are small, but many sugar-free varieties are sweetened with xylitol, one of the most dangerous common foods for pets. Xylitol, found in many sugar-free gums and mints, is considered toxic to dogs, and while less is known about cats, it is safest to keep all gum and mints away from them too.
What to do instead
- Keep purses, bags and pockets with gum or mints zipped and out of reach
- Check the label for xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar) on any gum, mints or candy in the house
- If your cat ate any gum or mints, call your vet or a poison hotline right away, even if it seems like a small amount
- Choose a treat made for cats instead
What to avoid
- Sugar-free gum and mints containing xylitol
- Any dropped gum, including on walks or under tables
- Xylitol-sweetened candy, baked goods and some peanut butters
How much chewing gum can my cat have?
There is no amount of chewing gum that we can recommend for cats. Skip it entirely.
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.
Important: Xylitol's effects in cats are less well documented than in dogs, but because the risk in dogs is so severe, treat any known ingestion in a cat as an emergency and call your vet right away.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat chewing gum?
No. Chewing gum should not be given to cats of any age.
What should I do if my cat ate chewing gum?
Call your vet or an animal poison hotline right away, even if your cat seems fine. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, when, and your cat's weight. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Is there a safe amount of chewing gum for my cat?
There is no amount of chewing gum that we can recommend, and some cats react to very small amounts. It is best not to give any.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Chewing Gum?