Why?
Honey is mostly sugar, which cats don't need: as obligate carnivores, they get their energy from protein and fat, and they can't even taste sweetness. In small amounts, it isn't dangerous. But given often, it leads to weight gain, and extra weight raises the risk of diabetes in cats. It has no proven health benefit for them.
How much?
A tiny lick off your fingertip, only once in a while. Never for a diabetic or overweight cat unless your vet says so.
The risks
- Diarrhea or vomiting if too much is eaten
- Weight gain if given often
- Blood sugar swings in a diabetic cat
Your cat ate some: what now?
A small amount is usually not a problem. Watch your cat for 24 to 48 hours for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, and call your vet if they appear, if a good part of the jar is gone, or right away if your cat is diabetic.
Better options
As a reward, a cat treat or a small piece of plain cooked chicken will mean far more to your cat than sugar it can't taste.
Common questions
Can I give my cat honey for a cough?
There's no evidence that honey treats coughs in cats. A cough that lasts deserves a vet visit rather than a home remedy.
Can honey help a diabetic cat with low blood sugar?
For a cat on insulin, your vet may advise rubbing a little honey or syrup on the gums during a low blood sugar episode, then calling right away. It's an emergency step to agree on with your vet ahead of time, not a treat.
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.