Disclaimer: Always check with your vet on what “human foods” your cat can and cannot eat as information may vary based on their dietary needs and health conditions.
As cat owners, we often find ourselves wondering if our feline friends can share in our favorite snacks. While it’s tempting to offer a nibble of whatever we’re eating, not all human foods are safe for cats. One such food is grapes—a seemingly harmless fruit that can pose significant health risks to your furry companion.
Read on to learn more about why are grapes dangerous for cats, the potential effects of ingestion, and what to do if your cat accidentally eats one. Let’s separate fact from fiction to keep your kitty safe and healthy!
Table of Contents
Can cats eat grapes?
No, cats should not eat grapes. Grapes and raisins are toxic to cats (and dogs), even in small amounts. While the exact toxin in grapes that affects pets is still unknown, even a small amount can be harmful.
Key reasons why grapes are dangerous for cats include:
- Kidney toxicity: grapes can cause acute kidney failure, where the kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly, which is life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Gastrointestinal upset: even before kidney issues appear, cats might experience vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain after eating grapes.
- Unknown sensitivity: not all cats will react the same way to grapes, but since there’s no way to predict their sensitivity, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
If your cat accidentally eats a grape, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact a veterinarian immediately for advice, as early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing severe outcomes.
Symptoms of grape poisoning in cats
The symptoms can vary but are often serious and require immediate veterinary attention. Common signs and symptoms that may appear within a few hours and include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite
- Nervous system symptoms: restlessness or hyperactivity, muscle tremors or twitching, seizures in severe cases
- Kidney problems: increased or decreased urination, bad breath (due to toxins building up in the blood), swelling in the limbs (caused by fluid retention)
- Other symptoms: weakness, decreased energy levels or reluctance to move
Which is why at Petchef, we ensure that all the ingredients that go into your cat’s meal is made for obligate carnivores! All the meals tailored for cats contain:
It’s completely free of preservatives, additives, fillers and grains! If you’d love for your cat to eat the food they were born to eat, come have a chat with our friendly pet nutritionist to find the ideal meal for your pet
If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your cat has eaten grapes, it’s best to contact a vet immediately, as the toxicity can escalate quickly.
What to do if your cat ate grapes?
If your cat has eaten grapes, here are 3 steps for quick action:
- Keep calm & assess the situation
- Determine how much grapes your cat ate and what type it was (raisin, fresh or a by product).
- Check for any signs of distress or symptoms of poisoning.
- Remove any remaining grapes or raisins from your cat’s reach immediately
- Keep a sample of the grape or raisin (or its packaging) to enable the vet to assess the situation more accurately
- Call your vet
- Even if your cat isn’t showing symptoms, call your vet immediately. Provide details about the type and amount of grape consumed.
- Follow their advice, which may include bringing your cat in for examination.
- Monitor your cat
- Keep an eye on your cat for any symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or decreased appetite.
- Note any behavioral changes or physical symptoms to share with your vet.
IMPORTANT: Do Not induce vomiting yourself as it can sometimes cause more harm than good.
Early intervention is critical for preventing serious complications like kidney failure, so don’t delay in seeking professional help!
Treatment of grapes poisoning in cats
Great job, you’ve gotten your cat to the vet and told them all about what happened! Treatment for grape poisoning in cats focuses on preventing toxin absorption and supporting kidney function.
Here’s an overview of the typical veterinary care:
- Inducing vomiting: if the ingestion occurred recently (within 1–2 hours), the vet may induce vomiting to expel the grapes before they are digested.
- Activated charcoal: administering activated charcoal can help prevent further absorption of the toxins into the bloodstream.
Additional treatments would look like:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids: IV fluids may be provided to help flush the toxins from the system, maintain hydration, and support kidney function.
- Medications: Anti-nausea medications to help manage vomiting, Anti-seizure medications if the cat is experiencing seizures or severe tremors, and Heart medications if there are signs of cardiovascular issues.
- Monitoring: the vet will monitor your cat’s blood work, focusing on kidney function markers such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Urine output will also be closely observed to ensure the kidneys are functioning properly.
In more serious cases, hospitalisation may be required for close observation and treatment. Always follow your vet’s instructions for treatment and care.
Preventing grape poisoning in cats
Preventing grape poisoning in cats involves being vigilant about the foods your cat has access to and creating a safe environment. Here are some practical steps you can take to reduce the risk:
It’s important to keep yourself informed of all the different food items around your house that can cause harm or danger to your cat. As you already know, chocolate is not safe for cats, and you may consult our cat snack guide for a more detailed list of snacks cats can or cannot eat.
