Can cats eat butter?
Butter is very high in fat, and fatty food can cause stomach upset and even pancreatitis in cats (VCA, Cats Protection). PDSA advises against high-fat treats; only RSPCA considers a little butter in mashed potato OK.
Good to know: Not as a home remedy to help something swallowed pass, either: Pet Poison Helpline says the risk outweighs any benefit.
Better choices, for example
Questions
Can dogs eat butter?
Better not. Butter is very high in fat, and fatty foods like butter can trigger pancreatitis in dogs (PDSA, Pet Poison Helpline). AKC notes that even a single large serving of fatty food can bring on an episode.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Dos and don’ts for a cat-safe game day
- PDSA – The best diet for your cat
- Cats Protection – Christmas dinner: Can cats eat turkey?
- RSPCA – How to keep your pets safe from Christmas dangers
- Pet Poison Helpline – Pet Poison First Aid Misconceptions
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Cat Owner Version) – Proper Nutrition for Cats
Last checked: October 2026