Why?
Gum base can't be digested: swallowed, it can get stuck in the throat or form a blockage in the gut. Most sugar-free gums contain xylitol, a sweetener that crashes blood sugar and damages the liver in dogs. In cats the data is more limited, but as a precaution it's treated as dangerous.
How much?
No amount is safe. Don't leave open packs lying around, or chewed gum in an open trash can or at the bottom of a bag.
The risks
- Choking or a blocked throat
- Intestinal blockage: vomiting, painful belly
- Xylitol: risk of low blood sugar and liver damage
- Gum stuck in the fur or between the paw pads
Your cat ate some: what now?
Call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, especially if the gum was sugar-free, without waiting for symptoms. Keep the pack to check for xylitol. Don't try to make your cat vomit yourself.
Better options
If your cat loves to chew, offer fresh cat grass or a chew toy made for cats.
Common questions
Is xylitol toxic to cats?
It's highly toxic to dogs. In cats the data is more limited, but vets advise avoiding it completely as a precaution. It's found in sugar-free gum and candy, some toothpastes and some peanut butters.
How do I get gum out of my cat's fur?
Harden it with an ice cube, then gently trim the tuft with blunt-tip scissors, away from the skin. No solvents or household cleaners: if it's close to the skin or between the paw pads, ask your vet.
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.