The majority of felines are not particularly interested in anything but the food their humans put in their bowls.
As a result, we can usually eat whatever human food we like without worrying about their health.
However, there are cats that show an interest in and even eat human food when they normally wouldn’t.
Therefore, it is beneficial to learn what human foods are safe for cats to eat and which ones should be avoided. Popsicles are one possible option in this category. Cats have been known to show an interest in popsicles, and when they do, we might not see any harm in giving them one.
Can a cat eat a popsicle? Can I give my cat a popsicle? While store-bought popsicles aren’t safe for cats, there are some homemade varieties that are. What is it?
Are Popsicles Bad for Cats
To put it mildly, cats shouldn’t eat popsicles. Popsicles aren’t directly toxic for cats like chocolate and grapes are, but they’re also not good for your kitten.
First of all, sugar is bad for you in the short and long term. It can cause diarrhea or vomiting in cats shortly after ingestion.
Consistent exposure to the high-sugar diet (say, if you gave your cat a popsicle every day!) could have devastating effects.
A common cause of diabetes and obesity in both humans and cats is a diet high in sugar.
Can Cats Have Ice Lollies
Ice lollies are dangerous for cats and should never be given to a cat. Your cat may be lactose intolerant and you wouldn’t know it unless her stomach was upset by an ice lolly that contained dairy.
Cat ice lollies, on the other hand, are perfectly acceptable. Cats have no desire for sugary treats. A tuna-flavored ice pop, for instance, would be much more appealing than, say, an orange creamsicle.
What more can be said? Cats are weird!
Now, sugar isn’t exactly toxic or deadly to a cat, and yes, if you’re slurping a popsicle and want to share a lick or two with your kitty, that won’t do any harm (so long as you’re okay with the feline germs!).
However, a sugary diet can cause obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay in cats. You also have excellent popsicle taste, if this one is milky.
Second, your cat’s stomach problems will be much worse if she drinks milk with sugar in it. It could cause stomach distress, throwing up, and/or loose stools.
So, while she may have enjoyed the treat at the time, it’s best to prevent the consequences rather than deal with them later.
But aside from popsicles, are there any other human treats that would be appropriate for a cat? Can you freeze a cat? Does your cat drink enough water every day?
Can Cats Have Strawberry Popsicles
Cats shouldn’t eat strawberry popsicles or any other flavor, either.
It’s true that pictures of your cute cat enjoying a frozen strawberry treat will go viral on social media.
Some cats will eat anything, so he may even beg you for a bite. However, a cat’s digestive system does not agree with the sugar and artificial ingredients.
We assure you that there are plenty of other adorable photo opportunities that will not put your pet’s health at risk on social media.
Do Cats Like Frozen Treats
Many felines, perhaps unexpectedly, appreciate cold snacks.
Some cats enjoy the feel of ice on their tongue or paws, while others play with it (much like they would with a ball of tin foil; why do cats always seem to favor the free toys?!).
On hot days, when your overheated cat is trapped in her fur and unable to cool down, a frozen treat will go over very well and help cool her down.
Make sure the frozen treat you give her is safe for cats (no sugar, please!). Remember, ice is a fantastic choice.
Alternately, you could make her wet food more presentable by transferring the contents of the wet food container to a plastic dish lined with wax paper and serving it at a cooler temperature. A tasty way to cool off will be waiting for her in a few hours.
Another possibility? A homemade cat popsicle can be made with just some water and canned tuna.
Do Cats Get Brain Freeze
Though it’s been debated amongst experts, it’s not inconceivable that cats could suffer from brain freeze.
It’s not easy to read a cat’s emotions exactly. However, it is well-documented on YouTube that cats appear to be in pain when they lick something cold.
This response, however, could be the result of tooth sensitivity or a combination of the two.
Don’t try to administer brain freeze to your cat under any circumstances. It’s so unkind!
Is It Bad for Cats to Get Brain Freeze
Cats are susceptible to the same negative effects of brain freeze as humans. It hurts, it’s not pleasant, and it seems to go on forever.
When compared to humans, who at least have an explanation for their suffering (delicious slushie syndrome), cats have it even worse because they have no idea what is causing it. But cats don’t, which makes the discomfort of a brain freeze all the more frightening.
Fruit-Based Popsicles
Your cat probably won’t be interested in your fruit popsicles because cats can’t taste sweetness. However, there are still cats that might try to lick your popsicle.
Your cat can safely have one or two licks from a fruit-based popsicle, but these treats are high in sugars and carbohydrates that your cat does not need.
In addition, health issues like weight gain and feline type 2 diabetes can arise if your cat is fed an unhealthy amount of carbohydrates or sugars.
Loss of vision and inflammation are two potential outcomes of this disease. Popsicles made from fruit should be kept out of the reach of your cat. There is no need to worry if your cat eats a small portion of your popsicle.
However, cat-friendly treats like fruit-flavored popsicles are not a good idea.
Milk-Based Popsicles

The fat and protein in milk may make milk-based popsicles more appealing to cats than fruit-based ones.
Your cat may be waiting patiently by your side while you enjoy an ice cream popsicle, especially if it contains any trace of milk (cow’s milk, cream, or even coconut milk).
Most cats, sadly, cannot tolerate lactose. After weaning off their mother’s milk, kittens’ bodies stop producing the enzyme needed to digest lactose.
Therefore, if your cat eats a milk-based popsicle, it may show signs of intestinal distress like bloating and gas.
Since cats need protein and fat in their diet, it’s unclear whether or not eating milk-based popsicles would be beneficial.
Popsicles made with milk should be kept out of your cat’s reach, as they contain ingredients that are toxic to felines.
What Frozen Treats Can I Give My Cat
There are a few delicious frozen treats that are safe for cats to enjoy in place of human frozen treats.
You can make your own cat popsicles by combining canned tuna and water, and then freezing the mixture. Wet cat food can also be frozen (for best results, store it between layers of wax paper in a plastic bag).
It’s possible to find cat ice cream (yes, that’s a thing!) at your local supermarket or pet store. Get your vet’s advice on what’s best (and don’t go overboard).
Healthy Homemade Popsicle Options
Although your cat shouldn’t eat human popsicles, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy their own special kind of frozen treat.
Cats love popsicles, and you can make them some that are both tasty and nutritious at the same time.
Your cat will love homemade popsicles, and they are packed with nutritious ingredients. Here are some potential solutions:
- Make some high-protein popsicles by thoroughly combining a can of wet cat food with a cup of lactose-free or cat milk. Fill an ice cube tray with the liquid and freeze it until it hardens. You can give your cat a single cube as a treat between meals, or sprinkle one into their food on occasion.
- Popsicle treats can be made by filling an ice cube tray with goat, lactose-free, or cat milk and placing two to four treats in each compartment. Put the tray in the freezer until the milk solidifies, and then serve. These treats double as puzzles to keep your cat entertained and active when you can’t be there.
- Make a can of wet food into popsicles by blending it with some water or cat milk. To make ice cubes, simply pour the liquid into a tray. The frozen cubes can be a fun addition to plain water or bland meals.
Even more so for your cat, there is no need to go to the trouble of making popsicles. If, despite your best efforts, your pet still won’t stop sniffing at your popsicles, you might want to give one of these recipes a try.
How Do You Make Ice Treats for Cats
We’ve got a recipe for some simple and nutritious ice treats that your cat is sure to enjoy.
Instead of giving your cat a sugary soda that could upset his stomach, try giving him a popsicle instead.
- Get a bowl or food processor ready, and then open a can of tuna (or salmon). If you want to speed up the freezing process, leave the liquid in the can and add about a half a cup of water.
- Next, combine the ingredients, preferably in a blender or food processor but also by hand.
- Put the fish water mixture into a Ziploc bag and snip off a tiny corner.
- Use the bag’s corner as a pipette to fill each space in an ice cube tray.
- Put in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight, and you’re done! What a neat idea, cat popsicles!
If you don’t want fishy bits all over your floors, serve the ice cube in a bowl or on a plate.
Final Thoughts
Popsicles are enjoyed by nearly everyone, and even some inquisitive felines will investigate them. Kitties shouldn’t eat human popsicles, but there are plenty of safe and tasty homemade alternatives.
Your cat may be interested in the popsicles you enjoy eating, but that is no reason to start making your own for him or her.