Better to skip it
Butter is not toxic to cats, but it is almost pure fat and contains some lactose. A lick will not hurt, but more can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use butter to help hairballs; ask your vet about proper remedies.
| Can cats eat it? | Caution |
| Calories | Not recommended as a treat |
| Main benefit | Not toxic |
| Main risk | High fat can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis |
| Kittens? | No |
A small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy cat. Remove any remaining food, offer fresh water and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly or lethargy over the next 24-48 hours. Call your vet if your cat ate a large amount, is small, young or has health problems (such as pancreatitis), or if the food contained onion, garlic, chocolate or xylitol.
These are safe for cats in treat-size amounts:
Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.
Butter is not toxic to cats, but it is almost pure fat and contains some lactose. A lick will not hurt, but more can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use butter to help hairballs; ask your vet about proper remedies.
It is an old remedy, but it is not recommended. Vets suggest hairball gels, fiber or diet changes instead.
No. Kittens are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so it is best avoided entirely.
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This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.
Caution
Butter is not toxic to cats, but it is almost pure fat and contains some lactose.