Cat Food Safety

Can Cats Eat Raisins?

Updated April 20265 min readVet-reviewed sources

Cats are less likely than dogs to eat raisins — they're obligate carnivores with little interest in dried fruit. But exposure happens: raisins fall on the floor, cats investigate trail mix, or well-meaning owners offer them not knowing the risk. The toxic principle is the same as in dogs — suspected tartaric acid causing acute kidney failure.

Nutrition Facts — Raisins

Suspected: tartaric acidtoxic Compound

No safe dose established — toxicity is idiosyncratictoxic Dose

24-72 hours after ingestionkidney Failure Onset

299calories per 100g

Why Raisins Are Good for Dogs

Risks & What to Watch For

Causes acute kidney failure

Raisins (and grapes, currants, sultanas) can cause acute renal failure in cats within 24-72 hours. Early signs include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Without treatment, complete kidney failure occurs.

No safe dose established

Like dogs, the toxicity is idiosyncratic — unpredictable between individual cats. Any amount should be treated as potentially lethal.

Fewer documented feline cases ≠ safe

Fewer cases exist in cats because cats rarely eat raisins voluntarily, not because cats are resistant. The ASPCA classifies raisins as toxic to both species.

How Much Raisins Can Your Dog Eat?

All treats combined — including raisins — should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calories.

Dog Size	Breeds	Serving	Frequency
ALL cats — any weight	Every breed	NONE — zero tolerance	NEVER

How to Prepare Raisins for Your Dog

DO NOT feed raisins to cats in any form

Keep trail mix, oatmeal raisin cookies, and baked goods away from cats

If ingestion occurs, call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately

5 Ways to Serve Raisins to Your Dog

No safe serving ideas

Raisins should never be given to cats. For a dried treat alternative, try freeze-dried chicken or fish treats designed for cats.

Breed-Specific Notes

ALL cat breeds

All cats are susceptible. The toxicity is idiosyncratic — no breed resistance exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Even one raisin should be treated as a potential emergency. Early decontamination (within 2 hours) and IV fluids significantly improve outcomes.

No — fewer cases are documented because cats rarely eat raisins (obligate carnivores are uninterested in dried fruit), not because they're resistant. The ASPCA classifies raisins as toxic to both species.

Within 6-12 hours: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite. Within 24-72 hours: decreased urination, dehydration, abdominal pain. Without treatment: complete kidney failure.

Yes — all grape-derived products (raisins, currants, sultanas, grape juice) carry the same toxicity risk.

Possibly — there's no proven safe threshold, and cats' small body size means each raisin represents a proportionally larger dose. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.

Inducing vomiting (within 2 hours), activated charcoal, and aggressive IV fluid therapy for 48-72 hours to protect the kidneys. Kidney function is monitored via blood work.

Store trail mix, baked goods, and dried fruit in sealed containers. Don't leave oatmeal raisin cookies on counters. Inform family members that raisins are toxic to cats.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Grape and raisin toxicosis — classified toxic to cats and dogs (2024)

Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care — Grape and raisin toxicosis in companion animals (2005)

Merck Veterinary Manual — Raisin and Grape Toxicosis — includes feline cases (2022)

Cornell Feline Health Center — Foods That Are Toxic to Cats (2023)

Dietary emergencies happen

If your cat eats something toxic, emergency vet visits can cost $1,000–$5,000. Pet insurance covers poisoning, food allergies, and digestive emergencies.

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