Can Cats have Eggnog?
Introduction
The holiday season is coming up in the next couple months and that brings with it a variety of new things into your home. This includes different food and drink you might not normally have. All the new sights, sounds and more importantly, smells, can be a wonderland for your cats.
How do I know this?
Every year our cats do their best to knock off every ornament on the tree or try to knock it down entirely. They are also very curious about new food or drinks we have. Anything that is new is exciting for them. So think about that when you are sipping on some eggnog and your cat is all up in your grill wanting a taste.
What do you do? Do you give in to the cuteness and let them try it? Or do you hold off and do some research first to see if it’s ok. If you have gotten this far keep going as we have done the research for you.
Can cats have eggnog?
Eggnog is not something your cat should be drinking or tasting. Although it tastes great to us and your cat, it is not a good idea to give it to them. There are several reasons eggnog is not good for your cat. First, eggnog usually contains cinnamon and nutmeg. Second, eggnog contains whole fat milk. Third, eggnog is extremely high in fat.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are both toxic to cats. In large enough amounts, they can cause liver disease and other life-threatening symptoms. In small amounts they can cause allergic reactions, vomiting and diarrhea. The small amounts would pertain more to eggnog than the large amounts but better not to risk it.
Cats are naturally lactose-intolerant. Anything with milk including eggnog will cause a wide range of gastrointestinal issues including vomiting, gas, cramps and diarrhea. Combined with the effects of the cinnamon and nutmeg symptoms, it would be best for your sanity to keep eggnog away from your cat.
Eggnog is extremely high in fat and this can cause a lot of health issues for your cat. Because it is not fat from meat which is their natural diet, it is hard for cats to digest this type of fat. Drinking enough eggnog and give your cat pancreatitis, which is much more severe in cats.
Loss of appetite, seizures, lethargy are all signs of pancreatitis in cats. It is extremely painful for them as well and has a low survival rate in kittens and senior cats.
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Is eggnog safe for cats?
Eggnog is not safe for your cats. Apart from making them violently sick from lactose-intolerance or cinnamon or nutmeg toxicity, pancreatitis is a very real possibility if enough eggnog is consumed. Do your best to keep eggnog out of reach of cats.
What do I do when my cat drinks eggnog?
If you suspect your cat has drank eggnog and is exhibiting the symptoms, contact your vet and follow their guidance.
Conclusion
Eggnog may be a great treat for humans around the holidays but it is not for your cat. Eggnog will make your cat very sick and put them at risk for long term health issues. For the safety of your cats as well as your sanity (cleaning up after them can be a real drag on the best days), keep your cats away from that tasty beverage. They will do their best to get to it as they are like children, tell them they can’t have it and they want it more.