Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Ice Cream?
Ice cream isn’t a good treat for cats. Dairy can upset their stomachs, and chocolate or xylitol makes it worse. Here’s what to know and what to do.
Ice cream isn’t a good treat for cats. It is mostly dairy, and the ASPCA says milk and dairy can cause diarrhea or other stomach upset in pets. A lick of plain vanilla is unlikely to be an emergency. Chocolate ice cream, or any flavor with xylitol, is a different story, so call your vet.
Why is ice cream a poor choice for cats?
Dairy is the main problem. The ASPCA explains that pets don’t have much lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose (the sugar in milk). Without it, dairy can cause diarrhea and an upset stomach. The Merck Veterinary Manual says the same about cats in particular: milk is not a recommended treat and can upset a cat’s stomach.
Ice cream also has fat and sugar. The ASPCA notes that fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes pancreatitis (a painful swelling of the pancreas) in some pets. None of this helps a cat that already eats a complete cat food.
Can cats eat vanilla ice cream?
Plain vanilla isn’t poisonous in itself, but it is still dairy and sugar. A small lick may cause no trouble, but it can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. It’s best not to offer it on purpose. Check the label first if your cat got some. Sugar-free kinds may have xylitol (see below).
Other kinds of ice cream
Can cats eat chocolate ice cream?
No. Chocolate has methylxanthines, which the ASPCA says can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, tremors and seizures. The Merck Veterinary Manual says darker chocolate is much more dangerous than milk chocolate, and white chocolate has very little. Merck mostly describes dogs, so doses for cats aren’t given here. Cats are small, so call your vet or a hotline about any chocolate flavor.
Can cats eat dog ice cream?
Dog ice cream is made with dogs in mind, not cats. We didn’t find a veterinary source that reviews these products for cats. Some are made with dairy, so the same stomach upset can happen. Read the label and don’t offer it as a treat. If your cat ate some, call your vet if the label lists xylitol or chocolate.
What about sugar-free ice cream and xylitol?
Xylitol is a sweetener used in some gum, candy and baked goods. It can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs, says the ASPCA. Pet Poison Helpline says there are reports that cats may be sensitive to it, but there is no published data. Because the risk in cats is unclear, treat xylitol as a reason to call a vet.
What are signs of a problem?
After dairy, watch for:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Not wanting to eat
After chocolate, the Merck Veterinary Manual says signs of poisoning usually start within 6 to 12 hours. They include thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and in worse cases tremors and seizures. Don’t wait for signs if you know your cat ate chocolate.
What should I do if my cat ate ice cream?
- Find the flavor and check the ingredients for chocolate or xylitol.
- If it was plain, watch your cat for stomach upset. Call your vet if it doesn’t pass quickly or your cat seems unwell.
- If it had chocolate or xylitol, or you aren’t sure, call your vet or a hotline right away.
What can I give my cat instead?
Your cat doesn’t need ice cream to feel included. Small bits of plain cooked meat or a cat-made treat are better ideas. Keep any treats a small part of the day’s food. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that overfeeding can lead to obesity. For more, see our guide to foods that are toxic to cats, or read about cats and cheese, another dairy treat cats often beg for.
Common questions
Will one lick of ice cream hurt my cat?
A single lick of plain ice cream is unlikely to be an emergency, but the dairy can still upset your cat’s stomach. The ASPCA says milk and dairy can cause diarrhea or other stomach upset in pets.
Is milk good for cats?
No. The Merck Veterinary Manual says milk is not a recommended treat for cats and can upset a cat’s stomach.
What should I do if my cat ate chocolate ice cream?
Call your vet or a poison hotline and tell them the flavor and about how much your cat ate. Dark chocolate is the biggest worry, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Is xylitol dangerous for cats?
It is well known to be dangerous for dogs. Pet Poison Helpline says there are reports of cats being sensitive to it, but no published data. Call a vet if your cat ate something with xylitol.