Quick Answer
No, cats should not eat cookies meant for human consumption. Cookies contain ingredients like sugar, chocolate, raisins, baking soda, and xylitol that can be toxic to cats. However, there are some safe, cat-friendly cookie recipes that can be made at home using cat-safe ingredients.
Can Cats Eat Human Cookies?
Human cookies are not recommended for cats to eat. Here’s why:
- Sugar – Too much sugar is unhealthy for cats and can cause obesity, diabetes, and dental issues.
- Chocolate – Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats.
- Raisins – Raisins and grapes are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.
- Baking soda – Ingesting baking soda can cause electrolyte abnormalities in cats.
- Xylitol – An artificial sweetener toxic to cats and can lead to liver failure.
- Other ingredients – Cookies may contain other ingredients unsuitable for cats like nutmeg, garlic, and onions.
Even small amounts of people food and treats like cookies can be unhealthy for cats over time. It’s best to avoid sharing human cookies with cats.
Dangers of Cats Eating Cookies
Here are some of the dangers cats face from eating human cookies:
Obesity
The high sugar and fat content in cookies can lead to obesity if regularly fed to cats. Obese cats are prone to diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and other problems.
Diabetes
The sugar spikes from eating cookies may increase a cat’s risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes can be difficult and expensive to manage in cats.
Pancreatitis
A high fat diet from cookies can bring on a painful inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis in cats.
Gastrointestinal upset
Cookie ingredients like chocolate, raisins, baking soda, and xylitol can all cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains if eaten.
Kidney failure
Both raisins and xylitol contained in cookies can lead to kidney failure in cats, which can be fatal.
Liver failure
Xylitol poisoning can also cause liver failure along with seizures and blood clotting disorders.
Safe Cookie Alternatives for Cats
While regular cookies are too risky, there are some safe, cat-friendly cookie recipes that can be made at home:
Cat Cookie Ingredients
- Whole grain flours like oat, brown rice, or quinoa
- Eggs
- Oil like canola or olive oil
- Unsweetened pumpkin or baby food
- Cat grass or catnip
Avoid any ingredient that is toxic to cats like sugar, chocolate, raisins, baking soda, nutmeg, garlic, and onion.
Baking Cat Cookies
Cat cookies should be baked at around 300°F until fully cooked through. Cut cookies into bite sized pieces for cats before serving. Refrigerate homemade treats in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.
Serving Cat Cookies
Only offer cat cookies in very small amounts, not as a daily treat. Monitor your cat’s weight and health when feeding homemade treats. Discontinue use if any gastrointestinal upset occurs.
Can Kittens Eat Cookies?
Kittens should not have any human cookies due to potential toxicity. Kittens have developing digestive and immune systems that make them more vulnerable to harm from unhealthy ingredients.
Even homemade cat cookie recipes may be too much for a kitten under one year old. It’s safest to avoid cookie treats altogether for kittens and stick to kitten formula, wet food, and eventual transition to an age-appropriate cat food diet. Check with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods.
Key Takeaways
- Do not feed human cookies to cats or kittens due to potential toxicity.
- Ingredients like chocolate, raisins, baking soda, and xylitol found in cookies can be dangerous for cats.
- Obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal issues, kidney and liver failure can occur.
- Special cat cookie recipes using cat-safe ingredients can be made for occasional treats.
- Always monitor your cat’s health when feeding treats and ask your vet first.
Conclusion
While the occasional cookie may seem like a fun treat, human cookies pose too many health risks to cats and kittens to be worth it. Leave people cookies for the humans and stick to cat foods, some veggies, and the occasional cat-friendly cookie for safer snacking. With vigilance and caution, cats can live long, healthy lives without the need for cookies of any kind. Be sure to check with your veterinarian about any diet changes or new foods you want to offer your cat.