Grapes are bad for cats and should not be given to them. Although less common than in dogs, grapes can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and have been reported to potentially lead to more serious problems like kidney failure. Because the exact toxic substance in grapes is still unknown and to avoid any risk, veterinarians strongly advise against feeding grapes or grape-containing products to cats. Additionally, grapes can pose a choking hazard to cats. If a cat consumes grapes, veterinary advice should be sought immediately, even if no symptoms are visible yet.

Why Grapes Are Harmful

• Grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, abdominal pain, and dehydration in cats.
• There is a risk of kidney damage, although less well-documented in cats than dogs.
• The specific compound causing toxicity is unknown but may involve tartaric acid or related substances.

Precautions for Cat Owners

• Avoid all grapes (red, green, black), raisins, currants, and products containing them.
• Keep grapes out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Seek immediate veterinary care if a cat eats grapes.

Overall, grapes present enough potential danger to cats that they should be completely excluded from their diet for safety.