Are grapes poisonous to cats? I’m very worried because I accidentally left a bowl of grapes on the counter, and I found my cat, Mittens, sniffing around it and possibly eating one or two. I know some foods that are safe for humans are toxic to pets, so I need to know quickly if grapes are dangerous. Beyond just a yes or no answer, can you tell me what specifically about grapes makes them poisonous to cats? What are the symptoms I should be watching for in Mittens that would indicate she’s been poisoned? And how long after ingestion would these symptoms typically appear? Finally, what steps should I take immediately if I suspect she has grape poisoning, and what kind of treatment would a vet likely administer? I need as much detailed information as possible to ensure I can protect her.

Answer

Grapes are toxic to cats.
The exact mechanism of toxicity is unknown, but grapes (and raisins, which are dried grapes) can cause kidney failure in cats.

Symptoms of Grape/Raisin Toxicity in Cats:

• Vomiting (often within a few hours of ingestion)
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy/Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Increased thirst and urination (early sign)
• Decreased urination or inability to urinate (later sign, indicating kidney failure)
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Coma

Amount of Grapes/Raisins Causing Toxicity:

The toxic dose is variable and not precisely established. Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can be toxic. Some cats are more sensitive than others. Due to this variability, any ingestion of grapes or raisins should be treated as a potential emergency.

What to do if your cat eats grapes or raisins:

1. Immediate Veterinary Attention: Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
2. Induce Vomiting (if appropriate and directed by a vet): If the ingestion was recent (within a couple of hours) and the cat is otherwise stable, your veterinarian may advise you to induce vomiting. Never attempt to induce vomiting without veterinary guidance, as it can be dangerous in certain situations.
3. Activated Charcoal: Your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to help absorb any remaining toxins in the digestive system.
4. Fluid Therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluids are crucial to help support kidney function and flush out toxins.
5. Monitoring Kidney Function: Blood tests to monitor kidney values (BUN, creatinine) will be necessary to assess the severity of the toxicity and guide treatment.
6. Supportive Care: Other supportive care may include medications to control vomiting, protect the stomach lining, and manage other symptoms.

Prognosis:

The prognosis depends on the amount ingested, how quickly treatment is initiated, and the severity of kidney damage. Early and aggressive treatment improves the chances of survival. However, even with treatment, some cats may develop irreversible kidney failure and require long-term management or may succumb to the toxicity.

Prevention:

The best approach is to prevent your cat from having access to grapes and raisins. Keep them out of reach and ensure that all family members and visitors are aware of the danger.