can cats have honey

Cats can eat honey in very small amounts, but it is not recommended to make it a regular part of their diet. Honey is high in sugar, which cats' digestive systems are not equipped to process well. While honey is not toxic to cats, feeding it frequently can lead to gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea, weight gain, and an increased risk of diabetes. Additionally, cats cannot taste sweetness, so honey is unlikely to be appealing to them. Raw honey is especially risky because it is unpasteurized and might contain harmful bacteria or yeast. Manuka honey has antibacterial properties and can be used topically to help heal wound in cats, but feeding it is not medically justified. Kittens should generally avoid honey due to their sensitive digestive systems. In emergency situations, honey can be rubbed on a cat's gums to quickly raise low blood sugar, but this should only be done under veterinary guidance. Overall, honey offers no essential nutrition for cats, and most vets recommend avoiding it except for rare, small treats. Cats are obligate carnivores and thrive best on diets high in animal protein rather than sugars or carbohydrates. If a cat accidentally consumes a small amount of honey, it is unlikely to cause harm, but monitoring for any digestive issues is wise.