Can cats eat breakfast cereal?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
High sugar offers nothing useful and some varieties contain toxic chocolate or raisins.
Why
Breakfast cereals are sugary and unsuitable for cats.
Can cats eat breakfast cereal, and why?
Breakfast cereals are sugary and unsuitable for cats. High sugar offers nothing useful and some varieties contain toxic chocolate or raisins.
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
High sugar offers nothing useful and some varieties contain toxic chocolate or raisins.
If your cat has eaten breakfast cereal, 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.
More foods cats might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat breakfast cereal?
Caution. Breakfast cereals are sugary and unsuitable for cats.
What happens if my cat eats breakfast cereal?
High sugar offers nothing useful and some varieties contain toxic chocolate or raisins. If your cat has eaten breakfast cereal, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is breakfast cereal poisonous to cats?
Caution. Breakfast cereals are sugary and unsuitable for cats.
Check breakfast cereal for another pet