Last updated on March 22nd, 2023 at 08:39 pm

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Cats and Oreos

Even the most well-informed cat parents may not know the answer to this question. After all, there are plenty of things that cats cannot eat, such as onions or grapes. But Oreos? They look so harmless and delicious! Are they safe for cats to eat? 

Quick Answer:

No, cats should not eat Oreos even in very small amounts as it can result in many health complications, including weight gain, obesity, oral infection, bone and heart problems. These issues are mainly linked to unhealthy ingredients like sugar, chocolate, and coca. Their overconsumption can put your cat at risk.

Let’s take a look at why cats cannot eat Oreos and what you can feed them instead.

What Are Oreos?

Oreos are a type of sandwich cookie that’s been around since 1912. There are many different variants of Oreos available today, including Double Stuf Oreos (which have even more filling than normal Oreos), Golden Oreos, and Birthday Cake Oreos, to name just a few. Some of the main ingredients in regular Oreos are flour, sugar, hydrogenated vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors.

Can Cats Eat Oreos?

Oreo cookies are nothing but a sweet treat. There is no nutritional value of health benefit of Oreos to cats and therefore should not be allowed to eat.

As Oreos contain a lot of sugar and cats should avoid them. These cookies can lead your pet to unhealthy diet habits, proving the root cause of diabetes. Similarly, obese cats are more prone to health complications for the difficult digestion of these cookies and end up with weight gain problems.

Sugar, chocolate, and coca are the most threatening ingredients of Oreos that make them harmful for your cat.

• In addition to these materials, Oreos also contains caffeine and theobromine, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and affect heart rhythm. If your cat eats Oreos in large amounts, these ingredients can suffocate and result in theobromine toxicity. Though it does not happen after licking or just tasting, your can is susceptible to this toxicity when feasting over a large oreo packet.

• When it comes to sugar, remember it is not good and may put your furry baby at risk of weight gain and other health problems such as diabetics, dental issues, and many heart-related diseases. It is not only granulated sugar that you need to be concerned about. In fact, sweetening agents and artificial flavors are also added to enhance the sweetness and give a special taste.

Therefore, you should not spoil your furry baby and give him many cookies. If your cat is a fan of ores, it is okay until it is given as a treat. Make sure the quantity of cookies is not increased; that is unhealthy for your cat.

 

Are Oreos Bad or Good for Cats?

Oreos are unhealthy as they contain ingredients that lack any health benefits for your cat and prove harmful. There is no good in feeding cats with Oreos, which negatively affects them.

Here are some potential damages of Oreos to cats:

• Cats get an enormous amount of calories from Oreos. There is no need for calories in cats, and they need healthy nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and protein. Feeding your cat with calories rich Oreos cookies means these empty calories fill the space of nutrients. Your cat will also be demanding and end up exceeding daily calorie intake, which is one of the main causes of weight gain in cats or other pets.
• An overweight cat is very likely to suffer from bone degeneration, joint problems, kidney issues, arthritis, and heart diseases. Similarly, giving your cat Oreos may also increase the risk of various cancers and develop insulin resistance with diabetic cats. If your cat is obese and often remains depressed or inactive, remember, obesity could be the cause of his depression.
• There is high sugar in Oreos, but at the same time, fiber content is low, which can lead to an abrupt rise in blood sugar. This is accompanied by laziness or dizziness.

 

Note: If your cat eats a few Oreos, they will likely pass through their system without any issues. But if your cat eats a lot of Oreos, they could develop some serious health problems.

 

What to Do if Your Cat Ate Oreos?

If it is the first time, your cat ate Oreos or has done overeating, be sure that he is under observation. There are equal chances of chocolate toxicity or theobromine toxicity, and leaving the condition untreated can result in the death of your cat.

Normally, symptoms do not appear immediately after eating areas. It can take between 10 to 24 hours for the food to move through the entire digestive tract, and your cat shows signs progressively.

So, you can mark these symptoms as complication signs in cats:

• Lack of appetite
• Abdominal tenderness
• Pain
• Constipation
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Keep in contact with your vet and brief about your cat’s health. Plus, take your pet to the vet if you feel symptoms worsen.

Best Way To Store Oreos Far From a Cats Reach

If you know your cat they’ll most likely try to snag an Oreo or two if it’s in reach.

The best way it to keep them completely out of reach. You should keep them in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. It is best to keep them in a cabinet away from the stove and oven where the temperature fluctuates. You should also keep them away from other foods, such as crumbs, to prevent cross-contamination.

If you like to snack on Oreos but have a kitty who will try to get them, you can always make homemade Oreos. This way, you won’t have to worry about feeding your kitty something they shouldn’t eat

Summary – Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Oreos?

In short, no. 

While some cats may be able to consume small amounts of Oreos without any side effects, other cats may develop digestive issues. It’s best to keep your cats away from Oreos as a whole. If you want to feed your cat something sweet, try feeding them a low-fat treat or some cat biscuits. These treats are much better for your cat’s health than a dangerous snack like an Oreo.