Can Cats Eat Butter?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
No. Keep butter away from cats. Butter is almost entirely milk fat, and much of it is salted. In its entry on nuts, the ASPCA says the oils and fats in them can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in some pets, and a cat does not need butter for anything.
Why Butter Is a Problem for Cats
Butter packs a lot of fat and calories into a small amount. The USDA lists one pat of salted butter at 36 calories. WSAVA's daily treat allowance for a 9 to 11 pound adult cat is about 22 to 25 calories, so a single pat goes well past it. Fat in that concentration is what the ASPCA links to stomach upset and, in some pets, pancreatitis.
Salted butter adds sodium. The ASPCA warns that excessive salt can cause increased thirst and urination and, in larger amounts, electrolyte problems. Butter also contains small amounts of milk sugar, and the ASPCA notes that pets lack significant amounts of lactase.
The bigger risk is often what the butter comes with. Garlic butter, herb butter, and buttery sauces may contain garlic, onion, or chives, which the ASPCA lists as able to damage a cat's red blood cells and cause anemia. Baked goods may carry chocolate or xylitol, both on the ASPCA's list of foods to keep from pets.
Signs to Watch For
The ASPCA links fats like those in nuts to vomiting and diarrhea. Pancreatitis is a more serious possibility in some pets, and a cat with it may stop eating, hide, or seem sore in the belly. Salted butter can make a cat noticeably thirsty. If the butter contained garlic or onion, red blood cell damage may not show for a few days, so watch for weakness or pale gums.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Butter
If your cat ate more than a lick, or the butter was flavored, part of a sauce, or in a baked good, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Bring the wrapper, package, or recipe so you can describe what was in it and how much is gone. A cat that licked a buttery plate usually needs nothing more than watching for an upset stomach, but your vet can tell you for sure.
If your cat has a history of pancreatitis or another medical condition, call your veterinarian about any butter it ate, even a small amount.
Common Questions
Can I give my cat butter for hairballs?
Butter is not a recommended hairball remedy. It is almost all fat, and the ASPCA warns that fats, such as those in nuts, can cause vomiting and diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis in some pets. A pat of salted butter is also 36 calories, according to USDA figures, which is more than a 10-pound cat's daily treat allowance. If hairballs are frequent, ask your veterinarian about grooming, diet, and products made for cats.
What happens if my cat licks butter?
A single lick of plain butter is unlikely to cause more than a mild stomach upset. Larger amounts bring a lot of fat, which the ASPCA links to vomiting, diarrhea, and in some pets pancreatitis. Salted butter adds sodium. If the butter had garlic or herbs in it, or your cat ate a chunk, call your veterinarian for advice.
Can cats eat unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter removes the salt, but it is still nearly pure fat and is not a treat for cats. The ASPCA warns that fats, such as those in nuts, can cause vomiting and diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis in some pets. A pat of butter carries roughly a full day of treat calories for a 10-pound cat. If your cat wants a rich treat, a small piece of plain cooked chicken is a better fit.
Can cats eat garlic butter?
No, garlic butter is a bigger worry than plain butter. The ASPCA lists garlic, onion, and chives as able to damage a cat's red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, and it notes that cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic butter also brings fat and salt. If your cat ate garlic butter or garlic bread, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Can kittens eat butter?
No, kittens should not eat butter. A kitten's daily calories need to come from complete kitten food, and a pat of butter is 36 calories of fat with no protein, according to USDA figures. The ASPCA links fats to vomiting and diarrhea, and diarrhea can dehydrate a small kitten quickly. If a kitten ate butter and seems unwell, call your veterinarian.