Updated: August 8, 2022 by Kristen Chapple
Among the sweet treats this one is considered nature’s candy and it is thus used as an energy booster that can be put into hot drinks, desserts or even on things like meat. The reputation of honey is that it is a healthier choice of sweets and thus it is given to children more often than things like chocolate, but does that mean that it is actually safe for your pets too? Let us find out the answer to the question “can cats eat honey?” together!
Nutritional Benefits
There are several types of honey and the best one is considered the unprocessed, raw one which has a thick and milky look. Processed honey loses its effectiveness so it won’t have any of the advantages we discuss below. The main benefits it provides are some anti-bacterial properties and a high amount of antioxidants.
Remember that cats aren’t used to digesting things like honey so always start with very small quantities to ensure that there are no side effects. The carnivore digestive system of cats means that they require proteins mainly and they will get the minerals and vitamins required from that type of food.
The local pollens contained in honey are known to help boost the tolerance for seasonal allergies so if you know that the cat is allergic to some things then this might help. That being said, we recommend seeing a veterinarian since only that way will your cat get the best treatment.
Honey should only be used in small quantities and never as a regular treat. If your cat has a sore throat than a few licks of honey can ease their problem or you can give them some nabs if you want to boost their immune system when the weather is really cold.
Possible Problems
The digestion of honey can make a cat’s stomach uneasy and they might have pains so consider this when administering some to your pet. The small mouths and throats cannot swallow sticky foods too well so it might pose some hazards if too large a quantity is ingested. It is better to dilute it with water if you see that the cat is struggling.
The fact that honey is so sweet means that cats who suffer from diabetes should only eat this if the vet considers it to be OK. Overweight cats should also probably stay away from honey as a single tablespoon has around 64 calories and thus they will gain even more weight.
For kittens, there is a bacteria that can lead to botulinum and as their immune systems aren’t fully developed it’s better to keep them away from honey.
Short Answer:
Honey isn’t toxic for cats but it also doesn’t offer too many benefits and thus should be considered only as a way of helping with occasional problems.
