Fruit
Can cats eat cranberries?
A cranberry or two is safe for cats, though most won’t eat them.
Why Added sugar; raisins or alcohol in some mixes and sauces
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If the mix contained raisins, call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Upset stomach after eating a lot
How much, how often
One or two, rarely.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain, unsweetened cranberries only
- Check dried cranberry mixes for raisins
- Skip cranberry sauce — it’s mostly sugar
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Yes, plain fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries are safe in small amounts. Cranberry sauce, juice and trail mixes often add sugar, alcohol or raisins.
How much: A few berries for a small dog; a small handful for a large dog.
Can dogs eat cranberries?Cats In moderation
A cranberry or two is safe for cats, though most won’t eat them.
How much: One or two, rarely.
The details
Cranberries are often suggested for urinary health in pets. Research in people is mixed, and evidence in dogs and cats is limited. Cranberry won’t treat a urinary infection or bladder stones, so a pet straining to pee, or peeing blood, needs a vet rather than cranberry supplements.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat cranberries?
A cranberry or two is safe for cats, though most won’t eat them.
How much cranberries can a cat have?
One or two, rarely.
What makes cranberries risky for cats?
Added sugar; raisins or alcohol in some mixes and sauces.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
upset stomach after eating a lot.
What should I do if my cat ate cranberries?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If the mix contained raisins, call your vet.
Is cranberries safe for dogs too?
Yes, plain fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries are safe in small amounts. Cranberry sauce, juice and trail mixes often add sugar, alcohol or raisins.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
