Can Cats Eat Blueberry Muffins?

Blueberry muffins are not a good food for cats. A small plain crumb is unlikely to be an emergency, but a muffin gives your cat nothing it needs. The real risks are the extras, like chocolate chips and nuts. Keep muffins away from your cat, and call your vet if yours ate one with those inside.

Why are blueberry muffins not good for cats?

Cats are carnivores, which means they eat mainly meat, says the Merck Veterinary Manual. Cornell’s Feline Health Center adds that cats are “obligate” carnivores. They rely on nutrients found only in animal products. A complete cat food already gives them what they need.

A muffin is a people treat. It is made from flour, sugar, and fat. Merck tells owners to avoid table scraps. It also says that overfeeding can lead to obesity and other serious health problems.

The blueberries are not the problem. The ASPCA lists plain blueberries as an okay fruit for pets. Our guide on blueberries for cats explains how to serve them. A berry baked into a muffin is a different thing, because it comes with everything else in the batter.

Which muffin ingredients can hurt a cat?

Check the recipe or the package. Blueberry muffins often have extras.

• Chocolate chips. The ASPCA says chocolate has methylxanthines. These can cause vomiting, diarrhea, extra thirst and peeing, an uneven heartbeat, tremors, seizures, and death. Dark chocolate is riskier. Baking chocolate and cocoa powder have the most. White chocolate has the least. See our guide on chocolate for cats.
• Nuts. The ASPCA says almonds, pecans, and walnuts are high in fat. This can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and may lead to pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas. Some muffins have nuts in the batter or on top. See our guide on almonds for cats.
• Dairy. Many muffins have milk, butter, or buttermilk. The ASPCA says pets have little lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar. Dairy can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. Cornell says many cats are lactose intolerant.
• Xylitol. This is a sweetener in some sugar-free foods. The ASPCA says cats are not negatively affected by xylitol. It is dangerous for dogs, so keep any sugar-free muffin away from a dog.

The sources we read do not cover other muffin ingredients, such as spices or streusel toppings. If you are unsure about something in the recipe, call your vet.

What should I watch for if my cat ate a muffin?

A plain muffin may upset your cat’s belly. Watch for vomiting, loose stool, or not wanting to eat.

Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, extra thirst, tremors, and seizures. If you see any of these, call a vet right away.

Have the recipe or package ready when you call. The ASPCA suggests noting how much your pet ate before you call.

What about muffin wrappers and raw batter?

The sources we read do not cover muffin wrappers or raw batter for cats. Paper liners are not food, so keep them away too. Raw batter has the same mix-ins as the baked muffin. Call your vet if your cat ate either one.

What can I give my cat instead?

Treats made for cats are the easiest choice. You can also use a few pieces of your cat’s regular food as a reward. Cornell says treats should be about 10 to 15 percent of a cat’s daily calories. The ASPCA suggests no more than 5 percent. If you want a fruit treat, one or two plain blueberries is a better pick than a muffin. For more on what to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to cats.