Why?
Raisins are simply dried grapes: the kidney risk described in dogs is the same, and because they're small it's easy to eat a lot of them. As with fresh grapes, no one knows the dangerous dose or the exact cause of the toxicity. Data in cats is lacking, hence the cautious rule.
How much?
No amount is safe, sultanas and currants included. Watch out for foods that hide them: raisin bread, fruitcake, granola, cereal bars and trail mix.
The risks
- Acute kidney damage (described in dogs)
- Vomiting within hours
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, belly pain
- Abnormal thirst or urination, or no urine at all
Your cat ate some: what now?
Call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, even if your cat ate only one or two and seems fine. Keep the packaging so you know exactly what the product contained. Don't try to make your cat vomit yourself.
Better options
As a treat, choose a small piece of plain cooked chicken or fish, or a cat treat. If you want fruit, a few fresh blueberries are safe.
Common questions
What about sultanas and currants?
Same risk: sultanas and dried currants are dried grapes too. Keep them, and anything baked with them, away from your cat.
How many raisins are toxic to a cat?
No one knows, and sensitivity varies from one animal to another. That's why no amount is considered safe.
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.