Ask a Vet with Dr. Sam: Is xylitol dangerous for cats too?

I often hear warnings about checking any peanut butter you give to your dog as a treat for the ingredient xylitol as it is extremely toxic to dogs. Is xylitol dangerous for cats too? Is there anything else I should check my house for?

Good question! Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. Xylitol doesn’t appear to have the same blood sugar-lowering toxic effect in cats as it does in dogs and it appears that it also does not have the same liver cell damaging toxic effect in cats. Notice the research states say “it does not appear to have” so since it isn’t definitive, it is best to keep any products containing xylitol (sugarless gum, sugar-free foods, toothpaste, etc.) somewhere your pets cannot access them.

Dogs are typically less picky about what they’ll gobble up when you’re not looking so there are many, many more cases of dogs ingesting xylitol. Though cats are usually more discerning about what they’ll eat, they are curious creatures and can get into their fair share of mischief. March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month so it’s a great time to brush up on household items and chemicals that aren’t safe for cats. Some human medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, antidepressants and cold medicines pose serious risks. Be sure to keep these safely stashed away.

Human foods like chocolate, garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, alcohol and caffeine are also dangerous for cats. Also be sure to double-check a resource like this list by the ASPCA before bringing a new houseplant into your home. Plants like lilies and Rhododendron are poisonous to cats.

Store chemicals in a safe place too. Some of them taste good to cats but are anything but. Keep antifreeze, bleach, detergents, de-icing salts and fertilizers locked up.

If you think your cat has been exposed to something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. Post your clinic’s phone number as well as a 24-hour emergency clinic in an obvious place along with the number for the Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.

Do you have a question for the vet? We want to hear it! Email yours to steph@mrfrs.org.