Fruits

Can cats eat raisins?

Toxic

Concentrated grapes: linked to acute kidney injury in pets, with no known safe dose.

Portion: None. No known safe amount.

Sourced from ASPCA Animal Poison Control · updated 2026-09-29

The short answer

No. Raisins, sultanas and currants carry the same kidney-injury risk as grapes, in a more concentrated form. The ASPCA lists them among foods to keep from pets. Watch for hidden raisins in cereal, trail mix, cookies, hot cross buns and bread. If your cat eats any, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.

Why it’s dangerous

Tartaric acid is now the leading suspect for the toxicity of grapes and raisins in dogs, and drying concentrates it. Individual sensitivity is unpredictable. Feline cases are less well documented than canine ones, which is why veterinary advice is to avoid them completely rather than assume cats are safe.

How to keep your cat safe

  • Never feed raisins, sultanas or currants.
  • Check baked goods, cereals and trail mix.
  • Store dried fruit sealed and out of reach.
Kittens: Treat any ingestion as an emergency.

Signs of trouble

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea within hours
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in thirst or urination
  • Abdominal pain
When to call the vet: Immediately, even before symptoms appear. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.

Raisins & cats: FAQ

My cat ate a raisin. What should I do?

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) promptly. Early treatment is most effective.

Are sultanas and currants also dangerous?

Yes. Treat all dried grapes the same way.

Can cats eat raisin bread?

No, even though the bread itself is fine.

See every food that’s toxic to cats →

Sources

Last updated 2026-09-29. We are not veterinarians: this guide summarises published veterinary references and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. See our methodology and disclaimer.