Can Cats Have Honey?

Last Updated on January 31, 2023 by ellen

Can cats have honey? If you’ve ever wondered if you can use honey in your homemade cat treats, keep reading to find out.

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Can cats have honey? If you've ever wondered if you can use honey in your homemade cat treats, keep reading.

Can Cats Have Honey?

Honey is a natural sweetener so you may be wondering if it is safe for cats or not. And, should you feed your feline raw or processed honey?

So, can cats eat honey? Let’s address that first. Cats can eat it in moderation. But, do not feed honey to young kittens or sick cats.

This brand is processed and considered safe for cats.

Nutritional benefits 

Honey is widely used for wound healing and the bacterium can also fight infections. So much that Greek philosopher Aristotle called it an excellent remedy to aching, swollen eyes and wounds.

According to nutritional studies, a tablespoon of honey contains 66 g of carbohydrates and 18 mg of sugar.

Antibacterial properties 

Honey has antibacterial properties. When used topically, it can help heal wounds and fight infections.

When ingested, it can help soothe a sore throat and relieve cough symptoms. It’s also thought to help with digestive issues.

a spoon filling with golden liquid

How to feed your cat honey

If you want to give your cat honey, start with a small amount. A few drops of honey is plenty.

Add honey to your cat’s food or water bowl. You can also put a little honey on your finger and let your cat lick it off. Never give them more than half a teaspoon or it may trigger stomach aches.

Honey is a natural sweetener and has many health benefits, but it should only be given to cats in moderation. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with your veterinarian.

Can cats eat honey in treats?

Yes, you can add a small amount of honey to your case treats when you make them. Or, add a bit to their cat food. Eating honey is fine in a small amount.

This brand is processed and considered safe for cats.

a white cat looking up

Can cats digest honey?

According to the ASPCA, honey is not toxic to cats. So, if your cat ingests a small amount of honey, he should be just fine. However, it’s important to note that some honey may contain botulism spores which can be harmful to animals and humans. So, it’s best to avoid feeding your cat raw honey or unpasteurized honey.

It is safe for cats to eat in small amounts as a treat. You can add a little bit of honey to your cat’s food or give him a small lick as a special treat. Just be sure not to give your cat too much as it can cause an upset stomach.

In general, it’s best to avoid giving your cat sugary foods as they can lead to weight gain and other health problems. So, if you give your cat honey, do so in moderation.

Can cats have honey? If you've ever wondered if you can use honey in your homemade cat treats, keep reading to find out.

What’s the difference between raw honey and processed honey?

Raw honey has not been pasteurized or filtered. Pasteurization is the process of heating food to kill any harmful bacteria. Filtering removes any particles, such as pollen, from the honey.

Processed honey is honey that has been pasteurized and filtered. Most commercial honey you find at the grocery store is processed honey. This brand is processed and considered safe for cats.

So, can cats eat raw honey? It’s best not to feed them this when raw in case it contains bacteria.  Always be aware of your kitty’s allergic reactions when adding new food to your cat’s diet.

a hive covered with bees

What is Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is a type of honey that comes from the Manuka tree in New Zealand. It is made by bees that pollinate the Manuka flowers.

This type has unique antibacterial properties and it’s often used as a natural remedy for wounds, skin infections, and digestive issues.

Is Manuka honey safe for cats?

Yes, Manuka is safe for our feline friends. You can give your cat a small amount of it as a treat or add it to his food. Just be sure to choose one that is processed and organic.

You can always ask your vet if they recommend giving cats honey.

How much honey can I give my cat?

You can give your cat a small amount of all-natural honey as a healthy treat. A teaspoon is a good amount for a small cat and a tablespoon is a good amount for a large cat.

Be sure to give your cat this sweet treat in moderation as too much can cause an upset stomach.

It is safe for cats to consume in small amounts as a treat, with many benefits including being antibacterial. Just be sure to give your cat honey in moderation!

a bowl of honey

Tips for feeding honey to your cat

-Start with a small amount and increase the amount gradually.

-Add it to your cat’s food or water bowl.

-You can also put a little bit on your finger and let your cat lick it off.

-Never give your cat more than half a teaspoon at a time.

-Choose a brand that is processed.

-Monitor your cat closely after feeding him honey to make sure he doesn’t have any adverse reactions.

This brand is processed and considered safe for cats.

Is honey good for cats?

While honey is not toxic to cats, there is no evidence that it has health benefits for cats. So, you can feed your cat this as a treat, but don’t expect it to improve his health in any way.

Too much can cause stomach aches because your cat may have a hard time digesting honey.

If your cat eats honey, watch for a stomach upset or any allergic reactions. Cat allergies are rare, but anything is possible.

Never give this to cats that have health or weight issues. Diabetic cats should not eat it at all.

Stop completely if you notice any change to their digestive system.

Can cats eat Honey Nut Cheerios?

While they are not toxic to cats, they are not a healthy food for them. Cheerios are made from whole grains and are high in sugar.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use animal-based proteins, fats, and nutrients. Grains like wheat and rice can be difficult for cats to digest and can cause stomach upset.

So, while your cat may enjoy the taste of Cheerios, they are not good food for him and should be avoided.

Consuming honey is safe for your cat’s digestive system. Always do your research before adding human food to your cat’s diet.

This brand is processed and considered safe for cats.

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4 thoughts on “Can Cats Have Honey?

  1. My cat loves honey. but whenever I give it half or less than half a spoon, she asks for more. She has been addicted to it. Excess honey can be harmful to cats. Is there any way to reduce the addiction to cats? If you have any thoughts about it then share with me too.

    • I think as pet parents, we have to make good decisions for them. So, just like you wouldn’t let her have as many treats as she wanted, you should moderate the honey as well. Thank you for stopping by.

      • Yea, you are right, ellen. I’ll try to moderate the honey. I was concerned that maybe my pet would react aggressively to this change. Thank you for guiding me.

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