Can cats eat fortune cookies? This is a common question for cat owners who want to share treats with their feline friends. The short answer is no, cats should not eat fortune cookies. While they may seem like an innocuous snack, fortune cookies can actually be dangerous and unhealthy for cats.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about cats and fortune cookies, including:
Table of Contents
Can Cats Eat Fortune Cookies? Are Fortune Cookies Toxic to Cats?
Fortune cookies may look harmless, but they contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats including:
- Chocolate – Chocolate is poisonous to cats as they cannot metabolize theobromine found in chocolate. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and abnormal heart rhythms.
- Sugar – The high sugar content in fortune cookies can cause health issues like diabetes, weight gain and dental problems.
- Allergens – Fortune cookies may contain allergens like wheat or soy that some cats are sensitive to. This can lead to itching, upset stomach, and skin irritation.
So while a tiny crumb of a fortune cookie may not seem like a big deal, it’s best to avoid feeding any amount of fortune cookie to cats due to the risk of toxins and allergens. The small size of cats means it takes only a small quantity of toxic ingredients to make them very sick.
Dangers of Fortune Cookies for Cats
Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the specific dangers fortune cookies can pose for cats:
Choking Hazard
Cats are prone to swallowing large pieces of food whole without properly chewing. Fortune cookies can easily break off into large, mouth-sized shards that cats may swallow. This can lead to choking or blockages in the esophagus or intestines.
Intestinal Blockages
If a cat swallows the small paper fortune inside a fortune cookie, this can cause an intestinal blockage which is a life-threatening emergency. Blockages prevent food from passing normally through the digestive tract. Signs include vomiting, painful abdomen, constipation, and lethargy. Blockages usually require surgery to remove.
Sugar Toxicity
Fortune cookies contain high amounts of sugar, ranging from 5-8 grams per cookie. For a small cat, eating even one or two cookies could spike their blood sugar to dangerous levels. High blood sugar can cause diabetes, obesity, and dental issues.
Chocolate Poisoning
Some fortune cookies contain chocolate or cocoa powder, which is toxic to cats. Chocolate contains methylxanthines like theobromine that cats cannot process. Ingestion of chocolate, even in small doses, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures, and potentially death.
Healthier Cookie Alternatives for Cats
While conventional fortune cookies are not safe, there are some healthier cookie alternatives you can make to treat your cat including:
- Cat cookies made with cat-safe ingredients – Some pet food brands sell cat treat cookies made with wholesome ingredients like chicken, catnip, and cat milk.
- Freeze-dried raw cat cookies – Freeze-dried raw cookies keep nutrients intact without cooking. Contains only raw, natural ingredients.
- Meat or fish flavored biscuits – Look for biscuits made with high protein ingredients like salmon, tuna, chicken or turkey with no wheat, soy, sugar or chocolate.
- DIY healthy cookies – Use this cat cookie recipe and swap in cat-safe ingredients.
When giving cats cookie treats, be sure to break into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Limit to 1-2 small treats a day to prevent overfeeding.
Other Human Foods to Avoid Feeding Cats
Fortune cookies are not the only human foods that can be dangerous for cats. Here are some other common foods that should be avoided or given in very small amounts only as occasional treats:
- Chocolate – Extremely toxic
- Alcohol – Can cause intoxication
- Coffee/tea – Caffeine is unsafe
- Raw dough – May contain raw eggs with salmonella
- Grapes/raisins – Can cause kidney failure
- Xylitol – A sugar substitute toxic to cats
- Onions/garlic – Can cause anemia
- Dairy – Most cats are lactose intolerant
In general, cats should not eat any spicy, sugary, starchy, or fatty human foods as it can upset their stomach.
Safe Human Foods Cats Can Eat
While many human foods are dangerous, there are some that are perfectly safe for cats in moderation. Here are some people foods cats can eat:
- Cooked meat – Plain chicken, turkey, beef, pork or fish (no seasoning/sauces).
- Eggs – Hard boiled or scrambled eggs without butter/oil.
- Veggies – Steamed broccoli, carrots, green beans, peas.
- Oatmeal – Plain oatmeal without sugar or flavoring.
- Cheese – Small amounts of plain cheeses like cheddar or cottage cheese.
- Fish – Cooked salmon, tuna, or shellfish without seasoning.
When introducing new foods, go slow to check for allergies. Mix a small quantity with your cat’s regular food. Avoid giving table scraps from your plate, which likely contain onions, fat or other additives.
Signs Your Cat Ate a Fortune Cookie
If you think your cat may have eaten a fortune cookie, watch for these common symptoms:
- Vomiting – Usually occurs within 4-12 hours. Note the color/contents.
- Diarrhea – Can range from mild to bloody.
- Dehydration – Dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, lack of appetite.
- Abdominal pain – Crying, groaning when picked up, hunched posture.
- Discomfort/straining – While using litter box.
- Hyperactivity – Zoomies, panting, agitation (sign of chocolate poisoning).
- Lethargy – Lack of interest, low energy, sleeping more than normal.
If you see any of these symptoms, call your vet. Early treatment greatly improves the chance of recovery.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats a Fortune Cookie
If your cat managed to eat a fortune cookie, take these steps:
- Call your vet – They will advise you based on the amount ingested and your cat’s size/condition.
- Induce vomiting – If advised by your vet, give your cat hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting and eliminate the cookie from their system.
- Visit the emergency vet – If your cat is showing signs of choking, blockage, or chocolate poisoning, you may need emergency vet care.
- Monitor closely – Check your cat’s symptoms and vital signs like temperature and heart rate. Watch for changes.
- Supportive care – Make sure your cat stays hydrated. Feed a bland, easily digestible diet during recovery.
- Prevent access – In the future, keep fortune cookies locked away so your cat can’t get into them again!
With prompt treatment, most cats make a full recovery. However, delays could be life threatening. Call your vet at the first sign something is wrong after eating people food.
Conclusion
In summary, fortune cookies are not safe for cats due to the dangers from choking hazards, intestinal blockages, chocolate, and high sugar content. While tiny amounts will not necessarily harm every cat, it is best not to feed any quantity given the significant risks.
Instead, indulge your cat with safer alternatives like vet-approved store-bought cat cookies or homemade treats using cat-safe ingredients. Avoid feeding your cat any human foods not specifically designed and approved for feline consumption.
By understanding which people foods are toxic for cats, cat owners can help keep their kitties safe, healthy and out of harm’s way. Be very cautious when giving any treats, and call your vet right away if your cat accidentally ingests anything potentially dangerous. With proper care and caution, you can have many happy, fortune-filled years together with your feline companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats have a tiny lick of fortune cookie?
No. Even a tiny crumb can contain enough toxic ingredients to harm a cat. It’s safest to avoid fortune cookies altogether
What if my cat just ate the paper fortune, not the cookie?
The paper can still pose a choking hazard or intestinal blockage risk. Monitor your cat closely and call your vet with any concerns.
Can the smell of a fortune cookie make a cat sick?
No, the scent itself cannot make a cat ill. However, the smell may entice the cat to eat a toxic cookie, so keep them out of reach.
Will one cookie kill a cat?
It depends on the cat’s size and the amount ingested. While one cookie may not be fatal, it can still cause significant illness. No amount is completely safe.
