Can Cats Eat Christmas Pudding?

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  • Can cats eat Christmas pudding?

    Cats cannot eat Christmas pudding as it contains raisins which are toxic dogs and there is anecdotal evidence of toxicity in cats. The toxic principle is unknown, but ingestion causes acute kidney failure.

    Fortunately, because cats cannot taste sweet, most will show no interest in Christmas pudding. But if your cat does consume grapes or raisins, seek veterinary attention.

    Clinical signs

    Treatment

    If ingestion was recent, the veterinarian can induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal to bind to any remaining toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Fluid therapy will be given to help flush the toxins out of the body and maintain electrolytes and hydration.

    What Christmas foods can cats eat? 

    Most pet owners enjoy sharing Christmas treats with their pets, and many are safe for cats in moderation. Always remember that cats are obligate carnivores and must consume a complete and balanced cat food. Treats should make up no more than 10% of a cat’s diet to prevent nutrient deficiencies and weight gain.

    As always, check with your cat’s veterinarian before feeding any Christmas treats. Cats on food elimination trials, prescription diets to prevent or manage a health condition, unweaned kittens and obese cats should not be given treats.

    Christmas food cats can and can’t eat


    Safe to feed


    Do not feed

    Apples (seeds removed) Chocolate
    Beans Alcohol
    Carrot Stuffing (regular or forcemeat)
    Sweet potato (plain) Grapes or raisins
    Pumpkin (plain) Onion
    Potatoes (boiled, steamed, mashed, baked) Christmas cake
    Cranberry sauce Christmas pudding
    Corn Mince pie
    Brussels sprouts Garlic
    Turnip Gravy
    Peas Mushrooms
    Broccoli Cooked bones
    Cooked meat (chicken, beef, lamb, turkey) Bread
    Ham Nuts
    Prawns (shrimp) Artificial sweeteners (xylitol)

     

    Author

    • Julia Wilson, 'Cat World' Founder

      Julia Wilson is the founder of Cat-World, and has researched and written over 1,000 articles about cats. She is a cat expert with over 20 years of experience writing about a wide range of cat topics, with a special interest in cat health, welfare and preventative care. Julia lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs. Full author bio