Can Cats Eat Grapes? Nope, and They Can't Have Raisins Either

Cat with grapes — Honestly? This spells trouble. bunnygraphy / Shutterstock

Grapes might seem like a healthy snack for humans, but can cats eat grapes safely? The answer is no.

While the exact mechanism of grape toxicity in felines isn’t fully understood, veterinary experts agree that grapes — and their dried counterparts, raisins — are toxic to cats and should be avoided entirely.

Why Are Grapes Bad for Cats?

Even in small quantities, grapes and raisins can trigger severe symptoms in cats. Though research is ongoing, grape toxicity has been linked to kidney failure, which can be life-threatening.

Veterinary toxicologists caution that ingesting grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite in cats.

In severe cases, grape poisoning can lead to neurologic symptoms such as muscle tremors or seizures, and may even be fatal for cats. Tartaric acid has been proposed as one possible toxic compound, but how exactly this toxicity works in cats remains unclear.

Signs of Grape Poisoning in Cats

Pet parents should watch for sudden gastrointestinal upset, increased thirst, or a cat's diet refusal after their feline friend may have ingested grapes or raisins.

Kidney damage often develops quickly, and sometimes cats eat grapes out of curiosity, so symptoms can escalate without early signs.

As with onion poisoning or dark chocolate ingestion, poisoning in cats from grapes is a medical emergency. If you suspect your cat has eaten any grapes or raisins, contact your vet immediately or call animal poison control.

What to Do if Your Cat Eats Grapes

If cats eat raisins or grapes, your veterinarian may try to induce vomiting, administer IV fluids, and monitor kidney function. Fast action is key.

The goal is to prevent food poisoning complications and flush out toxins from your pet’s system.

Never attempt to treat your cat without professional guidance. While some human foods are safe in moderation, grapes are not one of them. Always avoid feeding this fruit or table scraps that may contain grapes, seeds, or raisins.

Better Treats for Cats

Cat eating treat — To avoid an upset stomach, cat owners should stick to cat treats instead of turning to fruits. Natureveryday / Shutterstock

Because cats are obligate carnivores, they need a meat-based diet to thrive. Treats should align with a cat's diet — think freeze-dried chicken, commercial cat treats, or vet-approved snacks.

Some common foods like dairy products, white chocolate, and other human foods can also be harmful.

So, while most cats won’t naturally crave grapes, it’s best to keep them out of reach. If you want to treat your cat, stick to foods designed with cats in mind.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.