Can Cats Eat Fig Newtons? (Yes & Possible Health Risks)

Last night an interesting thing happened! My wife was coming down to the kitchen and hear our cat Snickers crunching on something. It was dark so she couldn’t see what it was, but she knew it wasn’t his normal food.

So she turned on the light to find him eating a fig newton! We had no idea that cats could eat fig newtons, but after doing some research we found our answer!

Yes, cats can eat Fig Newtons but only in small amounts. The main ingredient in Fig Newtons is actually wheat flour so it’s not the healthiest treat for them. Cats usually like the sweetness of the fig filling, but too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

So if you want to give your cat a Fig Newton, just give them a small piece or two as a treat. And make sure they have plenty of fresh water available to wash it down!

What are Fig Newtons and What’s in Them?

I know you already know what Fig Newtons are, but I’ll give a brief overview for the people who don’t.

Named after the town of Newton, Massachusetts, Fig Newtons have been a favorite American cookie for over a century. The first batch of Fig Newtons was baked in 1891 by the Pearl Bakery, and the cookies soon became a national sensation.

Today, Fig Newtons are made by Nabisco, and they remain one of the most popular cookies on the market. So what exactly are Fig Newtons?

They are basically a fig-filled cookie, with the dough being made from flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. The filling is a mixture of figs, sugar, water, and lemon juice.

While Fig Newtons are undoubtedly delicious, they are not particularly healthy – which is why you should not give them to your cat!

Are Fig Newtons Bad for Cats?

As any cat owner knows, our feline friends are always drawn to anything that smells good. Whether it’s a freshly-baked cookie or a ripe piece of fruit, cats will go to great lengths to get a taste.

However, just because something smells appetizing doesn’t mean that it’s good for them. Case in point: fig newtons. While the tasty cookies may seem harmless, they can actually be very dangerous for cats.

The main ingredient in fig newtons is dried fruit, which is high in sugar and can cause digestive problems for cats.

In addition, the cookies also contain small pieces of nuts and seeds, which can pose a choking hazard. So while a few bites of fig newton might not kill your cat, it’s definitely not the healthiest snack for them.

Now Can Kittens have Fig Newtons?

No, kittens cannot have fig newtons. Fig newtons are a type of cookie that contains fig paste and is coated in a layer of Newton dough.

The dough is made from flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. The fig paste is made from dried-figs, sugar, and water.

Together, these ingredients make a cookie that is high in sugar and fat and low in protein. Kittens need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat and sugar in order to grow and develop properly.

Therefore, fig newtons are not a good choice for kittens. If you are looking for a healthy snack for your kitten, try giving them some canned tuna or chicken breast instead. These high-protein options will help your kitten grow into a strong and healthy cat.

Fig Newtons Vs Your Cat’s Diet

As I’ve mentioned before, fig newtons are not the healthiest treat for your cat. The main ingredient in fig newtons is wheat flour, which is not a healthy choice for cats.

Here I’ll give you a quick rundown of the nutrients in fig newtons and how they compare to your cat’s diet.

1. Fig newtons are high in sugar

I probably don’t need to tell you that sugar is not good for your cat. In fact, it’s one of the worst things you can feed them. Sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

2. Fig newtons are low in protein

Protein is essential for cats, and they need to get it from their diet. Fig newtons are very low in protein, which is not good for your cat.

3. Fig newtons are high in fat

Fat is an important part of a cat’s diet, but they don’t need a lot of it. In fact, too much fat can be just as bad as too much sugar. Fig newtons are high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

4. Fig newtons contain small pieces of nuts and seeds

The small pieces of nuts and seeds in fig newtons can pose a choking hazard for cats. In addition, these pieces can also cause digestive problems.

5. Fig newtons are made with artificial flavors and colors

Artificial flavors and colors are not good for cats. These ingredients can cause digestive problems and other health problems.

Health Risks Associated with Fig Newtons

As we’ve seen, there are several health risks associated with feeding fig newtons to your cat. These risks include:

1. Digestive problems

Did I mention that fig newtons are high in sugar? Well, they are. And too much sugar can cause digestive problems for cats. In addition, the small pieces of nuts and seeds in fig newtons can also cause digestive problems.

2. Weight gain

I already said that fig newtons are high in sugar and fat. Well, too much sugar and fat can lead to weight gain in cats. In addition, the artificial flavors and colors in fig newtons can also cause weight gain.

3. Allergies

The wheat flour in fig newtons can cause allergies in some cats. In addition, the artificial flavors and colors in fig newtons can also cause allergies.

4. Choking hazard

Yes its hazardous for them, because of the small pieces of nuts and seeds. If you must give your cat a fig newton, make sure to break it into small pieces first.

5. Hyperactivity

The sugar in fig newtons can cause hyperactivity in some cats. In addition, the artificial flavors and colors in fig newtons can also cause hyperactivity.

How Much is Too Much for a Cat to Eat?

Now its time to reveal how much is too much for a cat to eat when it comes to fig newtons.

Here I’ll walk through what would happen if your cat ate just one fig newton, as well as what would happen if they ate a whole package.

1. One Fig Newton

If your cat ate just one fig newton, it probably wouldn’t be harmful. However, the cookie is high in sugar and fat, so it’s not the best choice for them.

2. A Whole Package

If your cat ate a whole package of fig newtons, it would be very harmful. The cookies are high in sugar and fat, and they would also consume a large amount of artificial flavors and colors. This could lead to digestive problems and other health problems.

My Cat Ate a Fig Newton – Now What?

Did you just scrolled down to this section because your cat ate a fig newton? Here I’ll give you some suggestion that I done with my own cat when they’ve gotten into things they shouldn’t have.

1. Try to get your cat to vomit

If your cat ate a fig newton within the last two hours, you may be able to get them to vomit it up. This is usually done by giving them a small amount of hydrogen peroxide.

2. Watch your cat closely

If your cat ate a fig newton more than two hours ago, they will probably be fine. However, you should still watch them closely for any signs of digestive problems.

3. Give them plenty of water

Make sure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water. This will help them stay hydrated and will also help flush the fig newton out of their system.

4. Contact your veterinarian

If you are concerned about your cat’s health, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine if your cat is at risk for any health problems.

It’s My Last Bite

Unfortunately, its getting my habit to eat and write at the same time, I should really stop doing that. Its my last bite on this fig newton and I really hope you enjoyed the content that I have given. If not then maybe this sentence will change your mind, “The best way to eat a fig newton is with a cold glass of milk.”

I never knew that there were so many health risks associated with fig newtons! I’m definitely going to be more careful about what I give my cat from now on. I’m also going to contact my veterinarian to see if they have any suggestions for how to keep my cat safe and healthy.

Thanks for reading!