Is Butter Toxic to Pets?
Yes — butter is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — butter is mildly toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Fat
- Toxic parts
- Whole sticks
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain or a hunched posture
- Lethargy
- Signs of pancreatitis after fatty meals
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain or a hunched posture
- Lethargy
- Signs of pancreatitis after fatty meals
What to do
If your cat ate butter
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate butter
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Butter is pure fat. A lick is harmless, but a stick of butter can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
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Frequently asked questions
Is butter toxic to cats?
Yes — butter is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain or a hunched posture.
Is butter toxic to dogs?
Yes — butter is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain or a hunched posture.
Which parts of butter are toxic?
Whole sticks.
What makes butter toxic?
Fat.
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