By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A scone with jam and cream is a classic morning tea, and cats seem to know exactly when the cream comes out. A crumb of plain scone is unlikely to hurt your cat. The concern is what comes with it: dried vine fruit in fruit scones, and a generous layer of butter, cream and jam on top.
Key takeaways
- Plain scones are not toxic to cats, but they offer no nutritional value.
- Café scone recipes vary. They typically contain wheat flour, butter, sugar, milk and raising agents, and fruit scones typically add sultanas or raisins.
- The RSPCA lists sultanas, raisins and currants, fatty foods and dairy-based milk among foods not to feed cats.
- Many cats are lactose intolerant, so cream and butter often cause diarrhoea.
- Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 if your cat ate a fruit scone.
- Related reading: raisins and cats, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
What a café scone typically contains
Recipes differ between cafés and countries. Scones typically contain wheat flour, butter, sugar, milk or buttermilk and baking powder. Fruit scones typically add sultanas or raisins, and cheese scones add cheese and sometimes mustard or herbs. They are usually served with butter, jam and clotted or whipped cream. Ask the café or check the label for exact ingredients.
The fruit in fruit scones
The RSPCA lists grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants as harmful to cats. Pet Poison Helpline notes that dogs are the only species positively identified with grape toxicity, though there are anecdotal reports in cats. A study of 13 cats that ate grapes or raisins found two showed clinical signs and none developed acute kidney injury. That is reassuring but not proof of safety, so the advice remains to call your vet if your cat ate any dried vine fruit.
Butter, cream and jam
Butter and cream. The ASPCA explains that pets lack significant amounts of lactase, so dairy can cause diarrhoea and digestive upset. Cornell notes many cats are lactose intolerant. The RSPCA advises not giving milk and lists fatty foods as harmful.
Jam. Mostly sugar, and cats lack a working sweet taste receptor according to PLoS Genetics research. Some reduced-sugar jams use sweeteners, so check the label.
Cheese scones. These add salt and fat, and some contain chives or onion, which Merck Veterinary Manual notes cats are especially susceptible to.
Signs to watch for
- diarrhoea or soft stool, often within a day
- vomiting
- reduced appetite, lethargy or hiding
- a sore belly or hunched posture
When it is an emergency
Contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 if your cat:
- ate a fruit scone or any sultanas, raisins or currants
- ate a scone containing onion or chives
- vomits repeatedly or has ongoing or bloody diarrhoea
- seems lethargic, painful or stops eating
Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
How vets help
Your vet will ask what type of scone it was and how much your cat ate. For fruit scones, your vet may recommend decontamination and checking kidney values. For cream or butter upsets, your vet may advise monitoring at home or examine your cat if diarrhoea persists.
Prevention
- Keep plates and the cream bowl out of reach, and do not leave them on low tables.
- Clear the table as soon as morning tea is over.
- Cover leftovers and put them away.
- Give your cat its own treat at the same time to reduce begging.
FAQ
Can my cat lick a bit of cream?
Many cats get diarrhoea from cream, and the RSPCA advises against dairy milk. It is best to skip it.
Is clotted cream worse than whipped cream?
Both are high in fat and contain lactose. Neither is a good choice for cats.
My cat ate a plain scone crumb. What should I watch for?
Most cats are fine. Watch for vomiting or diarrhoea over the next day.
Are dried cranberries in scones a problem?
Cranberries are not grapes, but always check what dried fruit is in the scone and call your vet if you are unsure.
Talk with a vet
If your cat got into the morning tea, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you work out what to do. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Feline Safety.
- Dijkman MA, et al. J Small Anim Pract. 2022;63(6):447-453. Incidence of Vitis fruit-induced clinical signs and acute kidney injury in dogs and cats.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Li X, et al. PLoS Genet. 2005;1(1):e3. Pseudogenization of a Sweet-Receptor Gene Accounts for Cats' Indifference toward Sugar.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.