Cats and ice cream go together like fire and gasoline. So, can cats eat ice cream?
People have enjoyed this creamy confection for centuries, and the good news is that it’s also safe to feed your feline friend.
The answer is yes! Adding some dairy to your cat’s diet can even help relieve allergies.
However, this doesn’t mean you should start making homemade ice cream with your kitty—here’s what you need to know about ice cream and cats!
Can Cats Eat Vanilla Ice Cream?
Can cats eat ice cream? Cats can eat ice cream, but it’s not a good idea to feed them it all the time.
The type of ice cream you should feed your cat is vanilla because it has some milk, which cats need.
Other types of ice cream could give your cat an upset stomach.
So, don’t feel too bad if you’re craving a bowl of ice cream and your cat doesn’t want any.
They can eat vanilla, but they can’t have other flavors. In addition, cats can’t digest dairy well as humans do.
Dairy can cause indigestion in cats and make their poop less firm. What’s worse, a high-fat diet can lead to diabetes in cats.
If you want ice cream for yourself, think about feeding your cat a scoop or two of plain vanilla when you crave dessert.
Vanilla is made from only egg whites and sugar, so it won’t put extra fat into your kitty’s diet like most commercial brands would.
Can Cats Eat Non-Dairy Ice Cream?
So can cats eat ice cream? The answer to this question is yes, but it depends on the type of ice cream.
Non-dairy or vegan ice creams are safe for kitties, while dairy-based ice creams are not.
Cats need their daily calcium intake and will get it from the occasional lick of a non-dairy frozen treat.
But keep in mind that too much dairy-based ice cream can cause diarrhea or constipation, as well as other stomach problems, which is why we recommend sticking with non-dairy varieties if your cat will be eating it.
It’s also worth noting that you should never feed your kitty any iced treats without thoroughly checking the ingredients first; some people use sugar substitutes like xylitol, which can lead to serious health issues.
Can Cats Eat Chocolate Ice Cream?
Can cats eat ice cream? The answer is that it depends on the type of ice cream. For instance, Chocolate is not toxic to cats.
The types of Chocolate that are toxic to cats are white Chocolate and some dark chocolates, such as baker’s Chocolate, which contains a high level of cocoa solids and, therefore, theobromine.
If your cat has a sweet tooth for ice cream, try making a delicious low-fat vanilla bean frozen yogurt with strawberries for dessert–chocolate chips can be added for an extra special treat!
For all you new parents out there who may be wondering if cats can eat ice cream, don’t fret.
Giving them a scoop or two is safe so long as they’re offered in moderation. Just like us, can cats eat ice cream will only lead them to want more?
While can cats eat chocolate ice cream is possible, don’t go overboard when deciding what flavor is best suited for your furry friend.
Some other flavors might contain more salt or sugar than what would be safe for them!
Can Cats Eat Ice Cream Cones?
It is common to see people eating ice cream cones, but Can cats eat ice cream with cones? The answer is yes and no.
Technically, cats cannot eat ice cream cones because they cannot move their jaw.
However, the sweet taste of ice cream makes it very tempting for cats to try to lick it off a cone.
This may lead to them getting some on their whiskers or in their eyes which can cause discomfort and even injury.
For this reason, if you want to give your cat an ice cream cone, consider using something other than an ice cream cone as a holder.
Plenty of recipes online use anything from paper cups to kitty-friendly cupcake tins.
You can also put the treat inside half a banana peel or an empty paper towel tube with one end cut off so your cat can lick out the yummy goodness while still being safe!
Can Cats Eat Strawberry Ice Cream?
Can cats eat ice cream? Cats can eat ice cream, but not strawberry ice cream. Yes, giving your cat a little bit of ice cream is possible, and it will not hurt them.
However, cats should not be given strawberries or anything else from the nightshade family.
As far as flavors go, cats can eat vanilla ice cream with some chocolate syrup added in for a little extra taste.
Ensure you never give your cat dairy products with milk solids, such as cream or cheese. These are typical of what causes issues with cats eating ice cream.
If you decide to give your cat ice cream, use a small amount and ensure that it is low-fat.
Also, if other treats are involved, like whipped cream or marshmallows, avoid them because they can cause problems too. When giving your cat ice cream, please don’t overdo it.
Ingesting an excessive amount can lead to stomach issues for them which can be harmful in the long run.
It’s essential to keep everything as natural and healthy as possible when feeding your cat something sweet like ice cream.
Ice Cream and Cats: Helpful Feeding Tips
It’s never too late to learn whether your pet can enjoy a bowl of ice cream. So, what can you do with that leftover pint of Ben and Jerry’s in the freezer?
Here are some helpful tips for feeding ice cream to your cat:
- Make sure that the dessert is softened enough for your kitty’s teeth and sensitive tongue
- Please put it in a small, shallow dish so it doesn’t overwhelm the cat
- Allow them to lick the treat out of their bowl rather than eat it with a spoon
- Only give them one serving daily (ice cream is not a balanced diet!)
If your cat reacts badly to an ice cream treat, try another flavor, or don’t feed them for several days before giving it again.
Some cats will take a few bites and then walk away from their bowl, while others might polish off an entire container throughout the night.
Keep this in mind when providing your pet with a snack. You can also experiment by offering different flavors of ice cream to see if there is any preference.
Conclusion
Can cats eat ice cream? The answer is yes! Whether or not your cat has a sweet tooth, you can indulge them with this favorite dessert.
Although some cats may be lactose-intolerant and cannot digest milk, many cat owners have successfully used ice cream to treat their pets for various reasons, such as anger management, depression, or other behavioral issues.
Even if your pet doesn’t have a stomach ailment that makes it difficult for them to digest milk products, it’s still essential to consider the type of milk you are using in your recipe.
