Why?
Breakfast cereal is mostly starch and often sugar, neither of which a carnivorous cat needs. Plain varieties aren't toxic in a few pieces. But many contain ingredients cats should avoid, like chocolate, raisins, nuts or honey, and cereal usually comes with milk, which most adult cats digest poorly.
How much?
Two or three plain flakes with no added sugar or coating, once in a while, and never with milk. Check the ingredient list before sharing.
The risks
- Chocolate cereal is toxic
- Raisins: risk of kidney damage
- Nuts: fatty and hard to digest
- Added milk: diarrhea
- Sugar and empty calories
Your cat ate some: what now?
A few pieces of plain cereal are nothing to worry about. If your cat ate chocolate cereal or one with raisins, call your vet and tell them roughly how much. Otherwise, watch for vomiting and diarrhea over 24 to 48 hours.
Better options
For something crunchy, cat treats are made for them. A few pieces of their usual kibble, offered by hand, often do the trick too.
Common questions
Can cats eat cereal with milk?
No. Cow's milk often gives adult cats diarrhea. If your cat keeps sniffing your bowl, it's probably the milk they're after.
Can cats eat granola?
It's best not to. Granola often contains raisins, nuts, honey and sometimes chocolate, all of which are either unsuitable or toxic for cats.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.