Pet Circle

    Last Updated: 13/07/2025

    Author: Dr Samantha Wycherley BVSc

    Reading Time: 1 minute - quick read

    The answer to this one is a definite NO! Cats are unable to eat grapes or their dried counterparts- raisins, sultanas or currants, as they can cause toxicity and lead to kidney failure.

    Contents:

    Why Are Grapes Toxic?

    What Are The Signs Of Toxicity

    What Do I Do If My Cat Has Eaten Grapes?

    Are There Any Safe Fruits For Cats To Eat?

    Why are grapes toxic?

    Grapes have been known to cause cats to develop kidney failure. This can be life threatening.

    Vets are still not 100% sure what it is about grapes and sultanas that causes the toxicity however a recent theory suggests that tartaric acid may be the culprit.

    There are no known safe levels of grapes for a cats to eat.

    What are the signs of grape toxicity?

    Affected animals will often develop diarrhoea or vomiting within 24 hours after ingestion. This can then progress to lethargy and excess water intake and urination.

    What do I do if my cat has eaten grapes?

    If your cat has eaten grapes or sultanas the best thing to do is to contact your vet immediately so they can hopefully induce vomiting before the grapes have time to cause any damage.

    They may also suggest supportive treatment such as intravenous fluid therapy as well as blood testing to monitor kidney values.

    Are there any safe fruits for my cat to eat?

    The good news is that there are plenty of tasty fruits out there that ARE safe for your cat to eat! If your cat is craving a sweet summer treat you can feed them blueberries, watermelon or cucumber safely.

    For more options, take a read through Which human foods are safe for pets?

    If your cat is after a special treat, you may want to check out our recommended treats below:

    Treats For Cats

    Further Reading

    Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.