Can Cats Eat Gummy Bears? (Is Gummy Bears Safe for Cats?)

Gummy bears should not be fed to cats. Gummy bears are low in essential minerals, and they may cause intestinal upset in cats. They’re full of sugar and might cause choking risk. While a cat may like the flavor of gummy bears, they aren’t a healthy alternative for a snack.

Cats also lack the enzymes necessary to break down sugar, so it can cause them to gain weight and develop diabetes. So, if you want to give your cat a special treat, skip the gummy bears and go for something else.

Why does my Cat Love Gummy Bears?

So you found your cat chowing down on some gummy bears, and you’re wondering why they love them so much. After all, they don’t taste very good to you.

There are a few reasons why your cat might be attracted to gummy bears. The first is that they are very sweet. Cats have a sweet tooth just like humans, and they love the taste of sugar.

Another reason is that gummy bears are chewy. Cats love to chew on things, and the texture of gummy bears is perfect for them. They can bite off small pieces and chew on them for a while before swallowing.

The last reason is that gummy bears smell good. They have a strong, sweet smell that is very attractive to cats.

I’d advise you not to give your cats gummy bears in this scenario, since if they adore eating gummy bears, it may be detrimental to their health.

What Ingredients Made Gummy Bears Bad for Cats?

I know that gummy bears are delicious, and it might be tempting to share your favorite candy with your cat.

Here are a few ingredients list that might help you to understand, why it is not a good idea:

1. Gelatin (father of digestive problems)

Once I read a journal about how gelatin is made (spoiler alert: from animal skin and bones), I stopped eating gummy bears myself. If the thought of that doesn’t gross you out, nothing will.

2. Sugar (the silent killer)

Should I say anything about sugar? I think we all know by now that too much sugar is bad for us, and the same goes for our feline friends.

I know a guy who used to my neighbor and he gave gummy bears to his cat all the time. The cat got so fat, it could barely move. And I’m not talking about a chubby little kitty here – this cat was obese.

3. Corn syrup (just as bad as sugar)

Few days ago, I’ve read an article that claims that corn syrup is even worse than sugar. It’s hard to digest, and it can cause all sorts of problems, including weight gain, diabetes, and digestive issues.

4. Citric acid (can cause stomach upset)

Citric acid is often used as a preservative, but it can also be found in some fruits and vegetables. It’s not necessarily bad for cats, but it can cause stomach upset if they eat too much of it.

5. Artificial and natural flavors (usually safe, but can be problematic)

Artificial and natural flavors are usually safe for cats, but some of them can be toxic. For example, certain essential oils can be poisonous to cats. So, it’s best to avoid giving your cat anything with artificial or natural flavors.

Still Thinking -Can Kittens Eat Gummy Bears?

It’s an obvious issue that you might not want to think about, but I’m going to ask anyway – can kittens eat gummy bears?

The answer is no, they shouldn’t. Kittens are even more susceptible to the problems caused by sugar and corn syrup than adult cats. They also lack the enzymes necessary to break down these carbohydrates.

So, if you have a kitten, it’s best to avoid giving them gummy bears (or any other candy for that matter).

What Happens if Cats Eat Gummy Bears?

While most cats wouldn’t be tempted by a gummy bear even if it were right in front of them, some do seem to enjoy the occasional chew on a gummy supplement or vitamin meant for humans.

If your cat has nabbed a gummy bear (or two), the good news is that they’re not likely to suffer any serious health effects. The bad news is that they may end up with an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Here I’ll go over some of the possible side effects of a cat eating a gummy bear, as well as what you should do if it happens.

1. Upset Stomach

The most common side effect of a cat eating a gummy bear is an upset stomach. This can range from mild stomach discomfort to full-blown vomiting and diarrhea.

If your cat has eaten a gummy bear and seems to be having stomach issues, the best thing to do is to offer them small amounts of water or milk to drink. You can also try offering them a small amount of plain, canned food.

If the vomiting and diarrhea are severe, or if your cat is showing other signs of illness (such as lethargy), then you should take them to see a veterinarian.

2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another common side effect of cats eating gummy bears. In most cases, it will be mild and will clear up on its own within a day or two. However, in some cases it can be more severe and may last for several days.

If your cat has diarrhea, it’s important to make sure they stay hydrated. Offer them small amounts of water or milk to drink, and if possible, give them some plain, canned food to eat.

If the diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a day or two, you should take your cat to see a veterinarian.

3. Allergic Reaction

In rare cases, a cat may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in a gummy bear. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you think your cat is having an allergic reaction, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.

4. Other Health Effects

While most cats will suffer no serious health effects from eating a gummy bear, there are some other potential risks to consider. For example, if your cat ingests too much sugar, they could develop diabetes.

If your cat ate a gummy bear and is now showing signs of illness, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Even if the symptoms seem mild, they could be indicative of a more serious problem.

So Can Cats Eat Sugar-free Gummy Bears?

The short answer is no, cats should not eat sugar-free gummy bears. Sugar-free gummy bears are made with sugar substitutes, which can be toxic to cats.

One of the most popular sugar substitutes is xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is often used in sugar-free gum and candy.

A journal name “Ingestion of xylitol by dogs and cats” suggest that xylitol can cause a drop in blood sugar, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination in cats. In severe cases, it can even cause liver failure.

So, it’s best to avoid giving your cat anything with xylitol or any other sugar substitute.

What Should You Give Your Cat Instead of Gummy Bears?

I hope you now understand why cats should not eat gummy bears. So, what can you give them instead?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Catnip (Its always my 1st choice)

People may surprise to see catnip on the top of my list, but there’s a reason for that. Catnip is not only safe for cats, but it’s also good for them.

Catnip can help to relieve stress and anxiety, and it can also be used as a training tool. For example, you can use catnip to train your cat to stay off the counter.

2. Cat Grass (my second choice)

Like my 1st choice I’m sure its not much surprising to see cat grass on the list. Cat grass is a type of wheat-grass that is safe for cats to eat.

Cat grass is a good source of fiber, and it can also help to relieve stomach problems. If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea, giving them some cat grass may help to settle their stomach.

3. Cat Treats (Its a good one)

There are a lot of different cat treats on the market, and most of them are safe for cats to eat. When choosing a cat treat, look for something that is high in protein and low in sugar.

You can also make your own cat treats at home. For example, you can give your cat cooked chicken or fish. Just be sure to remove the bones first.

4. Plain Yogurt (yogurt is always good)

Did you ever read “can cats eat yogurt” post? If not, you should check it out. Anyway, yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium, and it’s also safe for cats to eat.

However, not all yogurts are created equal. Some yogurts contain sugar or artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to cats. So, be sure to choose a plain yogurt with no added sugar.

5. Canned Tuna (its yummy)

While I writing this I remembered I already wrote an article on “can cats eat canned tuna” if you want you can check it out. Anyway, canned tuna is safe for kitty/cats to eat, and most of them love the taste.

Canned tuna is a good source of protein, and it’s also low in mercury. Just be sure to choose a tuna that is packed in water, not oil.

6. Canned Pumpkin (Pumpkin is good for their tummy)

Wow this is an important topic that I’ll must write an article on “can cats eat canned pumpkin”. Anyway, canned pumpkin is safe for cats to eat and it’s also good for them.

Pumpkin is a good source of fiber, and it can also help to relieve stomach problems. If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea, giving them some canned pumpkin may help to settle their stomach.

7. Chicken Broth (Cats love the taste of chicken)

Chicken broth (avoid giving your cat rotisserie chicken!) is safe for cats to eat, and most of them love the taste. Chicken broth is a good source of protein and moisture, and it can also help to relieve stomach problems.

Just be sure to choose a chicken broth that is low in sodium. You can also make your own chicken broth at home.

8. Baby Food (Its a good option)

Baby food is safe for cats to eat, and most of them love the taste. Baby food is a good source of moisture and nutrients, and it can also help to relieve stomach problems.

Just be sure to choose a baby food that is low in sodium and does not contain any artificial ingredients. You can also make your own baby food at home.

9. Cheese (Cats love cheese)

Cheese is safe for cats to eat, and most of them love the taste. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and it can also help to relieve stomach problems.

Just be sure to choose a cheese that is low in sodium and does not contain any artificial ingredients. You can also make your own cheese at home.

10. Milk (Cats love milk)

Milk is safe for cats to eat, and most of them love the taste. Milk is a good source of protein and calcium, and it can also help to relieve stomach problems.

Just be sure to choose a milk that is low in sodium and does not contain any artificial ingredients. You can also make your own milk at home.

The Verdict – Are Gummy Bears Safe for Cats or Not?

I hope now you know the answer to your question “can cats eat gummy bears?”. The answer is NO, Gummy Bears are not safe for cats to eat. Because gummy bears are high in sugar and artificial ingredients, which can be harmful to cats. So, it’s best to avoid giving them to your cat.

If you want to give your cat a treat, there are plenty of safe and healthy options available. Just be sure to choose something that is high in protein and low in sugar. You can also make your own cat treats at home.

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.