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You may be asking yourself, can cats eat honey? Cats love honey. They also love meat, fish, and any other food but nothing more than the sweet delight that is honey. But does that mean you should feed your cat with honey?
Feeding your cat with honey while eating their daily diet may improve their appetite. But, it may not be good over the long run as it can lead to nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, even paralysis.
Can Cats Eat Honey?
The short answer is yes. In moderation, honey is safe for cats. It is okay if you want to give your cat a small amount of honey as an occasional treat. Yet, giving your cat too much of the sweet treat could lead to some problems.
Is Honey Good for Cats?
Honey is a sweet and viscous liquid that most people and animals crave. What’s more, the substance has several health benefits for humans. It is even used as a natural remedy for several ailments.
You may be wondering if honey is safe for your furry friend and if it can offer the same benefits as it does to humans. Here’s what you need to know about cats and honey, including whether it’s safe for your feline pal.
What Will Happen If My Cat Eats Honey?
Honey is a sweet substance produced by bees using the nectar from flowers. It has approximately the same relative sweetness as granulated sugar. It contains sugars such as glucose and fructose.
The flavor of honey varies based on the nectar source and the season the bees harvested it. Honey is unnecessary for a healthy cat’s diet, but most cats find it quite palatable.
Cats can eat small amounts of honey without adverse side effects. But, they should never eat large quantities of raw honey. Raw honey is a choking hazard for cats and contains botulinum spores.
Botulinum spores can cause botulism in kittens or very young cats. These spores are harmless to adult cats. Their digestive systems are strong enough to destroy these harmful bacteria.
Cats that eat a lot of raw honey may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, botulism can cause weakness in your cat’s muscles. They can also cause loss of coordination and even paralysis.
Most honey sold in the market does not contain botulinum spores. So, adult cats are not at risk for botulism if they eat moderate amounts of this type of honey. Kittens should not eat honey since they have a weak digestive system.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not actually picky eaters as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Butter?
Side Effects of Honey on Cats
Honey is generally safe for cats. It can be a great way to get your cat to take medicine or treat them to a delicious snack. But, there are some potential dangers associated with giving your cat honey.
The most common side effect of honey for cats is diarrhea. Too much honey can cause excess water in the intestines and diarrhea. Also, if your cat has diabetes, you should avoid giving it any honey because it contains high sugar levels.
The best way to give your cat honey is in small amounts on an occasional basis. If it experiences any diarrhea or other adverse effects after eating honey, do not give her any more of it. Talk to your vet about alternative ways to treat her health problems.
Vets Don’t Recommend Feeding Honey to Your Cat.
Most vets agree that you shouldn’t feed your cats with honey. It contains natural sugars and toxins that can affect your cat’s health. Honey does contain some beneficial nutrients for humans, including vitamins and minerals.
But, it’s not recommended for cats. Honey contains sugar and can cause an increase in a cat’s blood sugar levels. This can lead to weight gain and diabetes.
The pollen in honey can also cause an allergic reaction in some cats. It’s important not to give honey to kittens under 12 months old. They may have a weaker immune system, and the bacteria in the honey could harm them.
Honey isn’t toxic to cats. But, there are more suitable foods you can give your cat as a treat to keep them healthy and happy.
Is Honey Safe for Cats? Can Cats Eat Honey?
You can use honey to treat several ailments, but it is not safe for cats. When eaten, honey will produce a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, which could prove deadly for your cat. It is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before giving honey or any medication to your pet.
