A Starbucks Puppuccino is a small cup of whipped cream that can be purchased at the drive-through for your dog. You may be wondering, “Can cats have whipped cream?” after seeing how much dogs enjoy these tasty treats.
Although whipped cream is safe for cats to consume in moderation, it should be avoided if possible to prevent the development of obesity.
Naturally, whipped cream is also a dairy product, and many cats are lactose intolerant, so avoiding it may be preferable. Is it true, though, that cats shouldn’t eat whipped cream? That’s not to say it can’t be.
If you want to treat your cat to a snack but are concerned about their health, there are better options than whipped cream. Let’s talk about the ingredients in whipped cream and whether or not it’s safe for cats to eat.
Can Cats Have Whipped Cream?
Although cats can technically consume whipped cream, this does not mean they should. Cats are better off without whipped cream.
As a general rule, cats shouldn’t eat whipped cream. Sometimes, a cat that’s otherwise healthy might even enjoy a dab of whipped cream.
However, cats shouldn’t eat whipped cream because it contains chemicals that can be toxic to them. Thus, it is preferable to look for a healthier snack option.
Milk, sugar, and other similar substances are toxic to a cat’s digestive system but are perfectly safe for human consumption. Cats shouldn’t eat whipped cream because it contains chemicals that are toxic to them.
Cats lack the taste receptors necessary to enjoy sweets like whipped cream, while humans enjoy it. In fact, owners should refrain from giving their cats whipped cream because it is unhealthy for them.
What Is Whipped Cream Made Of?
Heavy cream is whipped into a lighter, fluffier cream to make whipped cream. It could have flavor enhancers like sugar or artificial sweetener added to it. Heavy cream, water, sugar, corn syrup, non-fat milk, and other flavorings and ingredients go into making Reddi Wip whipped cream.
While it may seem like cats would love to drink milk, most felines actually have a lactose intolerance.1Do cats, then, enjoy a nice bowl of cream?
Constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting are just some of the gastrointestinal problems that can result from doing so. Dairy products, such as whipped cream, can cause stomach pain and diarrhea in cats.
Most cats are lactose intolerant, so it’s best not to feed yours dairy if you want to spare them any discomfort.
Your cat may not be lactose intolerant, but whipped cream contains other ingredients that are harmful to them.
- Whipped cream has a much higher fat content than regular milk. Due to digestive difficulties, cats may gain weight if their food has a high fat content.
- Sugar: Whipped cream is high in sugar in addition to its high fat content. Since bad bacteria feed on sugar, it can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and dental issues. In addition, diabetic cats should avoid corn syrup because it can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels.
- Your cat’s calorie intake will determine its final body mass. Cats don’t need the extra calories found in whipped cream. Given that there is no health benefit to feeding whipped cream to your cat, you run the risk of them becoming overweight. However, most cats only require a few hundred calories daily, so even a small spoonful of whipped cream would be too many.
- Extract of vanilla bean is used to enhance the flavor of some whipped cream varieties. While vanilla itself is safe for felines, vanilla extract contains alcohol, which is poisonous in large doses.
Do cats need to avoid whipped cream? In theory, yes. Understanding cat diets is essential for properly feeding your cat. The fact that they must consume meat exclusively means that cats have no need for whipped cream in their diet.
Cats, unlike dogs, do not have a sweet tooth and therefore cannot appreciate the sugary flavor of whipped cream. However, they can only get the protein they need from animals because they prefer eating fresh prey and meat that is high in moisture.
Cats need a very specific type of food, and giving them too much of anything that isn’t protein-based can lead to health problems and digestive issues.
Your cat should get all the vitamins and minerals they need from the canned food or kibble you feed them on a regular basis. Since cats gain no advantages from consuming whipped cream, it’s not something you should give them on a regular basis.
If your cat has a preexisting medical condition, you should always check with your veterinarian before giving them any new food.
Sugary foods, especially those containing lactose, aren’t necessary for a cat’s diet and nutrition, so if you’re wondering whether or not your cat should eat whipped cream, it’s usually best to avoid it.
Whipped Cream Nutrition Facts
- Energy: 29
- 3.0 g Total Fat
- Number of milligrams of cholesterol: 10
- 0.5 g carbohydrate
- Total Potassium: 18 mg
- Nutritional Value (g): 0.4 Protein
- 1% Calcium
Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Whipped Cream
Cats aren’t the best candidates to snack on human-made foods like whipped cream. Whipped cream contains dairy and sugar, neither of which are good for your cat. Dairy consumption has been linked to numerous digestive problems.
Dairy Downfalls
You’ve probably seen cartoons and other depictions of cats using a milk saucer for years. It’s deceptive, and we know it. Dairy may seem like a good idea for your cat’s diet. However, research disproves this hypothesis.
Cats are unable to process the lactose found in dairy products. All cats naturally have a low tolerance for lactose. Kittens are the only felines who have a true need for milk.
Sugar Impacts
We humans consume far too much sugar, but pets have an even more severe reaction to it. Problems like diabetes and obesity are just the beginning.
Sugar shouldn’t be included in a cat’s diet because it isn’t in theirs.
Cats Can’t Taste Sweets
Is that what you think it says? Yes, actually. Due to the fact that cats must consume meat in order to survive, their taste buds have no use for sweet flavors. This means that desserts don’t even cross their minds.
Wild cats, when you really think about it, are predators. They spend most of their time looking for new prey to eat, and they get most of the water and nutrients they need from the prey they catch. Their diet consists solely of animal products, so they lack any training in the appreciation of sweet flavors.
A Note On Sugar & Xylitol
If you want to keep your cat from getting too fat, monitoring sugar levels is just as important as keeping an eye on the calories.
Cats should avoid sugar because it can cause obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Sugar alternatives, meanwhile, are harmful in their own right. Many human foods contain xylitol, a toxin that can be harmful to cats and dogs.
It’s used as a sugar substitute in desserts, sweets, and other foods. Dogs, not cats, are more commonly affected by xylitol poisoning, but it is still best to avoid it.
Xylitol is highly poisonous to dogs, as you probably already know. Cats, on the other hand, have been linked to fewer cases of poisoning, possibly because they are less likely to indulge in the sugary treats you leave out once they develop a taste for them.
However, xylitol could be harmful to cats in the same way that it is to dogs. Liver failure and even death may result from the resulting drop in blood sugar levels and insulin production. Therefore, you shouldn’t take any chances by giving your cat anything that contains xylitol.
If you suspect your cat has ingested xylitol, you should get them to the nearest emergency vet as soon as possible. Cats’ reactions to xylitol are less well understood than those of dogs’, so they need to be treated right away.
Importance of Healthy Feline Diet
The diets of cats and humans and dogs are completely dissimilar. It is crucial to provide your pets with a diet that is appropriate for their species. Protein and amino acids can only be obtained from animal products for cats.
Cats can develop serious health problems, including digestive problems, obesity, and early death, if they regularly consume human junk food. Professional animal nutritionists developed these foods and treats specifically for felines.
A single taste of whipped cream probably won’t hurt your cat, but excessive consumption probably will. Instead, here are some healthy snack ideas that even cats will eat.
Alternative Snacks for Cats
We have some fantastic alternatives to whipped cream that you can keep on hand for your cat.
Boiled lean meat
Your cat will never say “no” to a tasty meat treat. As long as it is thoroughly cooked and has no seasonings, you can give them almost any kind of meat.
Dehydrated meat strips
Though it may sound complicated, dehydrating meat at home requires very little effort. Beef or chicken strips can be dried in the oven or dehydrator.
Commercial treats
You could always just buy commercial cat treats and let the experts handle it. They come in a wide range of flavors, textures, and manufacturers, and are widely available.
Broths
Most cats love drinking broths made from different kinds of meat. In addition, cats typically don’t get enough water from their food, so this is a healthy way to increase their fluid intake.
FAQs
Can cats have Puppuccinos?
Many coffee shops now offer Puppuccinos, which are essentially just cups of whipped cream for dogs. Cats, too, can benefit from them in moderation.
You shouldn’t feed them to your cat because they’re high in lactose, but a little whipped cream now and then shouldn’t hurt a healthy cat.
What happens if a cat licks whipped cream?
Most cats are lactose intolerant, but licking whipped cream probably won’t make them sick for too long. Symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as bloating, belching, nausea, and diarrhea or constipation, may last for a few days.
Also, most cats probably won’t get sick from eating whipped cream, as it isn’t toxic to them even if they eat a lot of it.
If you suspect, however, that your cat has consumed whipped cream sweetened with xylitol or an artificial sweetener, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Why do cats love whipped cream?
Cats may find whipped cream appetizing due to the presence of fat and protein. But they have no idea how sweet the whipped cream is.
It’s also possible that your cat wants to eat what you’re having because it sees you enjoying it. Cats are highly observant, and if they see you eating whipped cream, they may want to give it a try.
However, it is not a nutritious treat for cats and should only be given on rare occasions. In addition, a full spoonful is too much for them. Due to the high calorie content of whipped cream and the fact that cats only need a few hundred per day, moderation is key.
Cats & Whipped Cream: Final Thoughts
It’s tempting to feed our beloved pets table scraps, but doing so can cause digestive upset. Cats do best on species-appropriate diets and libations. The list of things cats can’t eat is very long and includes whipped cream.
Keep in mind that cats have no sense of taste for sugary foods. Therefore, even in moderation, whipped cream is not good for your cat.