Feed My Cat

Is It Safe to Feed My Cat Candy?

Cats have an extremely sensitive stomach. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful of what you are feeding them if you don’t want them to get sick. Now, it’s one of the foods that you shouldn’t ever feed your cat when it comes to candy.

Candies contain toxic substances that can lead to health problems in felines. In this article, I have discussed if candies are safe for cats and related questions. So, read on!

Can You Feed Candy to Your Cat?

You shouldn’t feed candies to your cat. Keep in mind that sugar in limited quantities is safe for cats. Yet, candies contain other ingredients that may get toxic for cats. Let’s take a look at these ingredients:

  • Xylitol or Other Artificial Sweeteners

Xylitol is a type of artificial sweetener that poses several risks to cats. Typically, it is found in sugar-free products, like gums. But, you can also find it in candies and sweets. 

So, your cat might face several side effects if they consume candies. These side effects include – gastrointestinal problems, seizures, low blood pressure, and liver damage. 

Hence, it is safe to say that if xylitol (or any other artificial sweeteners) is an ingredient in your candy, you should keep it away from your cat. 

  • Dairy Products 

Candies come in several flavors and types. You may also find some candies containing dairy products, such as milk. 

Now, note that even though most cats love their milk, most of them are lactose-intolerant. Hence, it may lead to minor side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting. 

  • Chocolate 

Chocolate is highly toxic for cats. So, chocolate candies are a big no-no if you’re planning to feed them to them. 

Chocolate contains a compound named theobromine. This compound is linked to causing health problems in cats and dogs, as their bodies don’t metabolize them. Moreover, theobromine can lead to serious health issues, including tremors, seizures, stomach problems, and heart rate abnormalities. 

  • Caffeine 

Just like chocolate, caffeine is also problematic to cats. It can cause severe health issues, and you should keep it away from your furry friend. 

  • Wrappers 

Apart from the candies’ ingredients, there is also a concern regarding the wrappers and lollipop sticks. If your cat eats candies by itself, it may chew on the wrapper. Now, this may potentially lead to a choking hazard. 

Moreover, even if your cat eats the wrapper without choking, there is still a possibility that it might experience an obstruction. 

So, it is safe to say that you should never feed candy to your cat. 

Risks of Feeding Candy to Your Cat

If you feed candy to your cat, there are a few risks that you need to consider: 

  • Potential Side Effects

As discussed earlier, candies contain ingredients that are harmful to cats. So, if your cat eats any type of candies, it may experience some potential side effects such as:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting 
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Tremors
  • Seizures 
  • Arrhythmia 

The side effects depend on the ingredients present in the candy you have fed to your cat. 

However, cats with sensitive stomachs experience diarrhea and vomiting most of the time. So, you should feed such cats with proper food. CatFoodPoint.com discusses the best foods for cats with sensitive stomachs. 

  • Weight Gain

Candies contain a lot of sugar, which a cat’s body may not digest. This amount of calories can lead to severe weight gain in the long run. 

Obesity in cats can further lead to various issues. For instance, it increases the risk of cardiac problems and joint-related problems. 

  • Diabetes

The consumption of sugar doesn’t cause diabetes. Still, if your cat suffers from diabetes, you may worsen the condition by feeding them sugar-filled diabetes. 

Moreover, overconsumption of sugar may lead to obesity, increasing the chances of diabetes in your cat. 

  • Tooth-Related Issues

The excess sugar in candies can lead to dental caries and cavities in cats. So, sweets can affect your cat’s dental health too. 

What to Do If Your Cat Has Eaten Candy?

If your cat has eaten candy, try out the below tips: 

  • Check for Ingredients

The first thing you need to do is check for ingredients in that candy. If there are no risky ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, or caffeine, your cat may not experience any major side effects.

  • Look Out For Symptoms 

Next, always keep an eye out for the symptoms if you have fed candies to your cat. If the symptoms seem mild, you need not worry. However, if your cat is experiencing tremors, seizures, or an overall drop in blood pressure, it is a cause of concern. 

  • Talk to a Vet 

Finally, you can consider talking to your vet after feeding candy to your cat. They can offer you peace of mind and guide you through what you need to do. 

Final Thoughts

Cats require the utmost care and attention when it comes to what goes into their tummy. So, make sure that you feed them the right things with proper nutrients to keep them healthy and happy!