Can Cats Eat Honey?

Yes, cats can have a small lick of plain honey, but it’s best not to make a habit of it. 

The issue isn’t toxicity. It’s that honey is all sugar and offers very little of what your cat actually needs. Cats are obligate carnivores, and their diet works best when it’s high in meat and low in carbohydrates, especially sweeteners like honey. This matters even more for cats who are carrying extra weight or have blood sugar concerns, like diabetes. 

If you want to give your cat a special treat, here are some store-bought options that will make your kitty just as happy:  

No, honey isn’t especially good for cats. 

Plain honey isn’t considered toxic, but it also doesn’t offer anything a healthy cat needs. Cats don’t have a sweet tooth, and sugary foods add calories without giving your cat much nutrition. 

Honey can be bad for cats if they get too much or if they already have health issues that sugar can make worse. 

Here are some reasons honey isn’t the best snack for your cat: 

• Too much sugar: Honey is almost entirely sugar, which adds empty calories and can be a poor fit for cats who need tighter blood sugar control, like diabetic cats. 
• Stomach upset: Sugary, rich foods can upset a cat’s stomach and may lead to vomiting or diarrhea, especially if they eat more than a small lick. 
• Weight concerns: Sugary foods can add extra calories fast so they can easily contribute to weight gain, especially in kitties who tend to overeat. 
• Flavored honey: Honey mixed with syrups, spices, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings can be more concerning than plain honey. The added ingredients can upset your cat’s stomach or even be toxic in some cases, such as when garlic or onion seasoning is added.  

Your cat should have no more than a small lick of honey once or twice a month at most. Anything beyond that is more likely to cause harm. 

If your cat has diabetes or obesity or is on a veterinary diet, skip honey altogether. 

If you decide to offer a small bit of honey: 

• Keep it to plain honey only. 
• Offer only a very small drop or light smear. 
• Do not mix it into a full meal. 
• Skip honey-baked goods, syrups, and sweetened snacks. 
• Stop if your cat shows any digestive issues afterward. 

If your cat got into a large amount of honey—especially flavored honey—they may develop digestive upset. But in most cases, this resolves on its own. 

Side effects might notice: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Low appetite 
• Lethargy 
• Increased thirst 
• Lip licking or signs of nausea 

Call your veterinarian if: 

• Your cat ate a large amount of honey.  
• The product also contained chocolate, garlic, onion, or other potentially toxic add-ins. 
• Your cat has diabetes or another medical condition. 
• Your cat keeps vomiting or stops eating. 

If you can’t reach your veterinarian right away, you can call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). 

Is honey bad for cats? 

Honey can be bad for cats if they get more than a small lick, mostly because it’s high in sugar and can cause stomach upset or sudden spikes in blood sugar. It’s not toxic, but you should still be cautious with this sweet treat. 

Can cats eat raw honey? 

Cats can eat raw honey, in the sense that it isn’t toxic, but raw honey still has the same downside as regular honey: It’s too sugary for cats. 

Can kittens eat honey? 

No, don’t give your kitten honey. Growing cats should be eating nutrient-dense kitten food instead of sugary extras. Plus, you don’t want your young kitty growing overly fond of sweet tastes. 

Can cats eat foods sweetened with honey? 

No, cats shouldn’t eat honey-sweetened foods like granola, pastries, or sauces. These foods usually have fat, sugar, and other ingredients that can be even harder for cats to digest than plain honey alone.