Can cats eat butter?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Fat can cause stomach upset and most adult cats cannot digest dairy well.
Why
Butter is very fatty and many cats are lactose intolerant, so it is best avoided.
Can cats eat butter, and why?
Butter is very fatty and many cats are lactose intolerant, so it is best avoided. Fat can cause stomach upset and most adult cats cannot digest dairy well.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
Fat can cause stomach upset and most adult cats cannot digest dairy well.
If your cat has eaten butter, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
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Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat butter?
Caution. Butter is very fatty and many cats are lactose intolerant, so it is best avoided.
What happens if my cat eats butter?
Fat can cause stomach upset and most adult cats cannot digest dairy well. If your cat has eaten butter, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is butter poisonous to cats?
Caution. Butter is very fatty and many cats are lactose intolerant, so it is best avoided.
Check butter for another pet