By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Last updated: 30 October 2026
A warm cheese scone is the kind of thing a cat will happily try to steal from a plate or a paper bag. Greggs is a UK bakery chain, and its cheese scones are a popular grab-and-go snack. A cat that eats a crumb is unlikely to come to harm. A cat that drags half a scone off the counter is a slightly different story, mainly because of the fat, salt and the seasonings we cannot see on the label.
Key takeaways
- Greggs lists its cheese scone at 97 g, with 340 kcal, 19 g fat, 8.9 g saturates and 2.1 g salt per scone.
- Greggs' allergen guide says it contains wheat, milk, eggs and mustard, and may contain soya and sulphites.
- Greggs does not publish a full ingredient list, so we cannot confirm whether onion, garlic or other seasonings are included.
- Cheese and other dairy can cause diarrhoea in cats.
- For more than a crumb, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
What do we know about the scone?
Greggs publishes a nutrition guide and an allergen guide. The nutrition guide lists the cheese scone at 97 g per portion, with 340 kcal, 19 g of fat (8.9 g saturates), 0.7 g of sugars, 13 g of protein and 2.1 g of salt.
To put the calories in context, Cornell's Feline Health Center recommends that treats make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories. At 340 kcal, a whole scone would be far more than any cat's daily treat allowance.
The allergen guide lists wheat, milk, eggs and mustard as ingredients, with a may-contain warning for soya and sulphites.
The seasonings we cannot see
Savoury scones are sometimes made with onion, chives or garlic, but Greggs does not publish the full recipe. If your cat ate a substantial amount, it is safest to mention to your vet that the seasoning is unknown.
The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that onion and garlic damage red blood cells, that cats are the most susceptible species, and that signs typically appear three to five days after exposure. See our guides to onions and garlic.
Cheese and dairy
The ASPCA explains that pets do not have significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar, so dairy can cause diarrhoea. A rich, cheesy scone can upset a cat's stomach.
Salt and fat
Salt and fatty foods are on the RSPCA list of foods to avoid for cats. The ASPCA notes that large amounts of salt can cause thirst, increased urination, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and seizures. A crumb of scone is nowhere near that, but a large piece is a meaningful amount of salt and fat for a small animal.
Mustard
Mustard is listed as an allergen in the scone. There is little reliable information on mustard in cats, but it is a spicy, irritating ingredient that could cause drooling or a tummy upset.
Signs to watch for
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- drinking more than usual
- drooling or lip-licking
- lethargy, pale gums or dark urine over the next week (tell your vet if seasoning is unknown)
What to do now
- Estimate how much of the scone your cat ate.
- For more than a crumb, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738, and mention that the seasoning is unknown.
- Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet or the Helpline tells you to.
- Offer fresh water and watch your cat closely over the next week.
When to see a vet urgently
- repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
- weakness, collapse or breathing changes
- pale or yellow gums, or dark urine
Safer treats
- a small piece of plain cooked chicken or fish
- freeze-dried meat treats made for cats
- a few pieces of your cat's usual dry food
FAQ
Is a plain scone safer than a cheese scone?
A plain scone has no cheese or savoury seasoning, but it is still rich and offers nothing a cat needs. Fruit scones may contain raisins or sultanas, which are on the RSPCA list of foods to avoid. See our raisins guide.
Can I give my cat a little cheese as a treat?
Many cats do not tolerate dairy well. If you want to use cheese, ask your vet first and keep it to a tiny amount.
My cat ate a crumb and seems fine. Do I need to do anything?
A crumb is very unlikely to cause problems. Keep an eye on your cat and call your vet if anything seems off.
Talk with a vet
If your cat helped itself to a bakery snack and you are not sure what was in it, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide what to do. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Greggs. Nutritional Information (Guide only).
- Greggs. Allergen Guide.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- 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.