Yellow: with caution
It's better not. Honey is not a treat for cats, but sugar, which their bodies can't handle well. Pumpkin's veterinary-certified guide expressly advises against this for cats.
Why the traffic light is yellow
Cats are strict carnivores. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, their natural prey is high in protein, moderate in fat and low in carbohydrates. Honey is almost the opposite.
The tongue also has a special feature. Veterinarian Sandra C. Mitchell explains at PetMD that cats lack one of the two proteins necessary for the sweet taste. So they don't taste sweet things like we do. Too many carbohydrates likely contribute to obesity and diabetes, according to Mitchell. If some cats still like sweets, according to PetMD, it's more due to the fat, the smell or the curiosity about something new.
Our sources do not list honey as poisonous. But because it has no benefit and can have consequences for weight and blood sugar, the traffic light is yellow.
What you should pay attention to
- Diabetes and obesity: Sugar is taboo for a cat with diabetes. If in doubt, ask your veterinary practice.
- Honey in Food: Honey is found in pastries, cereals and honey-roasted peanuts, which PetMD also says are unsuitable for cats.
- Sweeteners: According to the ASPCA, baked goods may contain xylitol. That makes a piece of cake even riskier.
- No home remedies: Wounds, coughs or digestive problems belong in the hands of a veterinarian, not under a spoonful of honey.
What to do if your cat has eaten honey?
If she has licked some honey from the breakfast plate, just watch her. Mild stomach problems are possible. If she ate honey biscuits, check the ingredients for xylitol, raisins or chocolate, which can be toxic to cats, according to PetMD. If it contains something like this or if your cat has diabetes, call the vet's office.
If poisoning is suspected, go to the vet immediately or to the veterinary emergency service.
Treats and extras are part of the daily ration. According to Cornell, they should make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of daily calories. Meaty snacks are the better choice.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats taste sweets? Not like us. According to PetMD, cats are missing one of the two proteins that make up the sweet receptor.
Is honey poisonous to cats? Our sources do not list it as poisonous. However, veterinary guides do not recommend it for cats because sugar is of no use to them.
Read more
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: PetMD, Can Cats Taste Sweet Things? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM); Pumpkin Pet Insurance, What Human Food Can Dogs and Cats Eat? A Vet-Reviewed Guide; Cornell Feline Health Center, Feeding Your Cat; PetMD, Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM); ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center); PetMD, What Can't Cats Eat? 8 Toxic Foods for Cats (Jennifer Coates, DVM)
