Can cats eat honey?

Why

Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need sugar in their diet, so honey offers no nutritional benefit for them. The high sugar content can lead to weight gain, dental issues, and digestive upset if consumed too often.

If you do feed it

• Offer only a tiny amount, such as a lick or a fraction of a teaspoon, no more than once a month.
• Ensure the honey is plain and free from added flavors, xylitol, or other sweeteners.
• Only give honey to healthy adult cats, avoiding kittens, overweight cats, or those with diabetes.
• Always monitor your cat after feeding to ensure there are no signs of stomach upset.

Watch out for

• Honeycomb containing sharp wax or propolis that could irritate the mouth
• Flavored or infused honeys with added ingredients like garlic or chocolate
• Raw honey which may contain bacteria or spores unsafe for some pets
• Xylitol or other artificial sweeteners in processed honey products

Better choices