Can cats eat honey?
Quick answer: Not recommended — honey is best avoided for cats.
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Cats cannot taste sweetness and gain nothing from it; the sugar can upset their stomach.
Why
Honey is not recommended for cats.
Can cats eat honey, and why?
Honey is not recommended for cats. Cats cannot taste sweetness and gain nothing from it; the sugar can upset their stomach.
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
Cats cannot taste sweetness and gain nothing from it; the sugar can upset their stomach.
If your cat has eaten honey, 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 honey?
Caution. Honey is not recommended for cats.
What happens if my cat eats honey?
Cats cannot taste sweetness and gain nothing from it; the sugar can upset their stomach. If your cat has eaten honey, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is honey poisonous to cats?
Caution. Honey is not recommended for cats.
Free printable: safe & toxic foods for cats
honey is just one food — get the full one-page checklist of what’s safe, fine in moderation, or dangerous for cats. Vet-sourced, yours to print and keep.
Check honey for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether cats can eat honey draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.