Is Xylitol Harmful to Cats?

While xylitol is toxic and even potentially fatal when ingested by dogs, its effects on cats is unknown.

  1. What is Xylitol?

    • Xylitol is a no-calorie sweetener found in some sugar-free human foods. It is a type of sugar-alcohol and can be purchased in both powder and liquid forms at health food stores.

    How is Xylitol Used?

    • Xylitol is commonly used in sugar free chewing gum, but it can also be found in toothpaste, mouthwash and some sugar- free baked goods.

    How Does Xylitol Affect Dogs?

    • Unlike humans, dogs produce insulin in response to ingesting xylitol. The response is rapid and can easily put a dog into a diabetic seizure within 30 minutes of ingesting the substance.

    What About Cats?

    • There's no data on xylitol's effect on felines because there's no record of cats having ingested the substance. Veterinarians believe that cats either choose not to eat foods that contain xylitol, or their digestive systems handle it differently.

    What Should I Do if My Cat Ingests Xylitol?

    • Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat eats xylitol. Better to be safe than sorry.