Grapes are healthy snacks for humans and they bring about a healthy dose of nutrients and health benefits. One of which is lowering blood sugar levels, providing the body with Vitamins C and K, and providing antioxidant properties.
Pet parents love giving their kitties the very same delicious and healthy snacks they eat themselves, but should you feed grapes to your cat?
The answer is a big no.
Why You Shouldn’t Feed Grapes to Your Cat
Is it widely known that grapes are highly toxic to dogs. Within a couple of hours of ingestion, dogs can experience signs of toxicity, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Within 48 hours, some dogs can have acute kidney failure.
Though there hasn’t been any evidence that grapes are as toxic to cats as they are to dogs, it is better to be safe than sorry.
According to Dr. Jeff Werber, an Emmy award-winning veterinarian, while there is no recorded problem of cats eating grapes, pet owners should avoid giving grapes to cats just to be safe.
The cause of the toxicity of grapes on dogs is unknown. There seems to be a compound in grapes that lead to toxicity in dogs, as well as kidney disease and failure. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), scientists have not figured out the actual compounds that cause the ill-effects of dogs and cats ingesting grapes.
Some researchers believe mycotoxin may be involved, but there has never really been a concrete answer to why feeding your cat with grapes is highly toxic.
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All types of grapes are to be avoided, whether they are seedless or seeded, store-bought or homegrown. Even raisins, prunes, and grape pressings from wineries must be avoided.
The Signs to Watch Out For
If your cat has ingested a grape or two, or a whole bag, you must watch out for the following signs of toxicity:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- dehydration
- frequent water drinking
- frequent urination
- dehydration
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain
- lethargy
- weakness
- seizures
- muscle tremors
If your cat is showing any signs of these symptoms, it’s time you bring your cat to the veterinarian. Signs of toxicity can manifest in as little as two hours, with acute kidney failure occurring in about 24 hours to 48 hours from ingestion.
The Good News
While grapes might be extremely toxic to cats, there’s good news. Cats don’t seem to like grapes. If you try to feed grapes to your cat, chances are, she won’t want to eat them.
However, their curiosity can get to them so if you have grapes lying around the countertop or on your dining table, it’s best that you keep them in the fridge instead.
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Can Cats Eat Fruit?
Fruits are not appealing to cats because they are obligate carnivores. But if you want to feed them a slice or two of fruit, good options are bananas or strawberries in small doses.
It must be noted that human foods and fruits are laden with sugar and carbohydrates, which do nothing for your cat’s daily nutritional needs and can only contribute to weight gain.
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The Bottom Line
Cats must never eat grapes because of the toxicity associated with dogs. Acute kidney failure could occur and other health issues can be brought about by ingesting grapes. If your cat already has a kidney problem, eating grapes will only hasten the problem.
When you see the signs of toxicity in your cat, including vomiting and other digestive issues after she ingested a grape or two, seek medical help immediately.
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