Why?
Most adult cats can no longer digest lactose well, and ice cream contains plenty of it, along with cream and sugar. The usual result is bloating, vomiting or diarrhea. Some flavors add toxic ingredients: chocolate, coffee, rum raisin, or xylitol in sugar-free versions. Sorbet has no milk but is still sugar, and citrus sorbets are best avoided.
How much?
No amount is recommended. A small lick of vanilla isn't an emergency, but it's not a treat to offer.
The risks
- Diarrhea and bloating from lactose
- Vomiting
- Poisoning with chocolate, coffee or alcohol flavors
- Xylitol in sugar-free ice cream
- Weight gain if it becomes a habit
Your cat ate some: what now?
If the ice cream contained chocolate, coffee, alcohol or xylitol, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms. Keep the packaging and don't try to make your cat vomit. For a lick of vanilla, just watch your cat for 24 to 48 hours.
Better options
On hot days, offer a little lactose-free cat milk, or ice cubes made with the water from boiling a plain chicken breast, with no salt or onion.
Common questions
Can cats eat vanilla ice cream?
It's the least risky flavor, but it's still full of lactose, sugar and fat. A lick won't do much harm; a bowlful can give your cat diarrhea.
Can cats eat frozen yogurt or sorbet?
Frozen yogurt still has lactose and sugar, and sorbet is basically frozen sugar, sometimes with citrus. Neither is a good treat; frozen lactose-free cat milk is a better idea.
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.