Cat’s should not eat gummy bears, no. Gummy bears are too chewy, too high in sugars and other preservatives, and even present a choking hazard. Your job is to make sure your cat sticks to kitty treats and not human sweets and candy!
Can Gummy Bears Hurt a Cat?
It might seem funny watching a cat try to eat a gummy bear, but it’s not.
Cats have sensitive stomachs and require specific nutrients to maintain optimal health. A lot of human foods, especially junk foods, candy, etc, can cause cats serious health issues.
Here are some of the potential risks with sharing your gummy bears with your cat:
Gummy Bears Are Bad From a Nutritional Standpoint
First and foremost – and this applies to most human foods, to be honest – gummy bears do not provide any of the key nutrition cats need in their diets.
In fact, gummy bears are completely processed and are not really ‘real’ food. They’re made from sugar and chemicals that our bodies are not designed to digest, so just think about how bad they are for cats.
I’m not suggesting they’re harmful to us, of course. If you like your gummy bears, don’t let me ruin that for you – just don’t give them to your cat!
They Are Too Chewy
If you’ve ever given your cat something chewy, you’ve probably had a bit of a laugh about how they seem to be confused as to why the food isn’t breaking down.
Cats do not like chewy foods, and they struggle to deal with them. Their teeth are small and sharp and designed to break food up quickly, unlike ours that are larger with a flatter surface.
There is also a risk of bits of gummy getting stuck in their teeth. It’s not as if your cat can use a toothbrush, so you might end up having to help them out – which is never easy.
They Present a Choking Hazard
A more serious concern is the possible choking hazard. I’ve had a cat with something stuck in her throat before, and it was pretty terrifying trying to get a good hold of her and help her out.
You can’t watch your cat all the time, so you should avoid giving them any foods that present a possible choking Hazard.
Related – Here’s why marshmallows are a choking hazard for cats.
Giving Cats Candy Is a Bad Habit
I hate to be a killjoy, but as responsible pet owners, it’s on us to set good habits for our cats else we will pay the price.
If your cat gets used to the sound of the gummy bear packet or the taste of them, they’re going to start bugging you for more in the future.
The best thing you can do is get your cat used to the sound and taste of cat treats that are specifically formulated for cats. (check this post for the dangers of Twizzlers!)
What Happens if a Cat Eats Candy?
Generally speaking, candy is not toxic or poisonous to cats in any way. If your cats have been nibbling some, you don’t need to be overly concerned.
It doesn’t take away from the fact, however, that candy is bad for cats and they shouldn’t eat it. It’s sugar that’s the main issue, along with all the preservatives, E numbers, and other additives.
Cats find it difficult to digest and process sugars. Sugar can cause anything from vomiting and diarrhea to stomach upsets, and in the long run, a cat that frequently nibbles on gummy bears and other candy is at risk of diabetes, tooth issues, and other health concerns.
What Foods Are Toxic to Cats?
You have to be cautious when giving your cat any human food. Cat food is specially formulated to make sure cats’ complex dietary needs are met, so cat food should always make up the bulk of their diet.
Not many foods are toxic or potentially dangerous, but here are some of the most common foods that are known it’s very dangerous and should be avoided:
Garlic and Onions – On the plus side, I’ve never met a cat willing to go near either of these strong-smelling vegetables. On the bad side, both garlic and onions are highly toxic to cats.
Even in small amounts, either of these vegetables can damage a cat’s red blood cells. This can lead to anemia or worse health issues.
Dairy Products – This is the one that often comes as a surprise to most people because cats love milk and cream, and obviously they drink their mother’s milk as kittens.
However, cats become lactose intolerant as they grow as they no longer need milk. Being lactose intolerant essentially means they lack the enzyme needed to digest the lactose in dairy products.
If a cat drinks or eats products containing dairy there is a good chance they will experience stomach cramps, pains, and discomfort.
Grapes and Raisins – These fruits look innocent but are the main offenders for dog and cat owners. Even ingesting a small amount of either raisins or grapes can cause kidney failure in cats.
Chocolate – Most pet owners know that chocolate is bad for dogs. It’s also bad for cats as the same compounds are toxic to cats so chocolate should be avoided.
Alcohol – You can never leave alcohol unattended with cats around as it’s very dangerous for a cat to have even a lick of alcohol.
In Summary
The bottom line is that while gummy bears are not toxic or poisonous to cats, they certainly aren’t good for them and your cat shouldn’t be chewing on the treats.
Stick to cat treats and cat food, your cat will be more than happy to eat these and will be healthier in the long run as a result.
Resources
Image credits – Photo by Karin Hiselius on Unsplash
