We all see that Starbucks is offering Puppuccino to dogs, which is a cup of whipped cream. Some consumers consider feeding their cats and other pets too. So it is inevitable to think, can cats eat whipped cream?
Well, cats can also enjoy the luscious taste of whipped cream, but in a moderate quantity. Whipped cream has almost all the ingredients that are not good for cats. If they are craving to eat whipped cream, it is because of its protein and fat content.
If you can’t see your cat making baby faces to eat the whipped cream, you have to be concerned about the quantity of the whipped cream. This article has more to say about it.
About Whipped Cream
Whipped or heavy cream is a double cream that looks light and is fluffy after an air expansion. People make it by whisking the cream mixture unless it forms a shape of fluffy cream. We often sweeten it with vanilla essence or sugar, but the key ingredient here is the cream.
We mostly see whipped cream on ice cream, cakes, cupcakes, puddings, and many other desserts.
Do Cats Like Whipped Cream?
Although cats are lactose-intolerant, they go baffling for cream, milk, and dairy products. Milk in cream has high protein, which cats find attractive. Again, the fat content in whipped cream makes cats lick it again and again. They don’t eat it because it is sweet. Cats don’t have the taste receptors to taste sweetness. They only crave the protein and fat found in whipped cream.
Can Cats Eat Whipped Cream?
Maximum ingredients and elements in whipped cream are those which cats find hard to digest. It includes fats, sugar, and lactose. Besides, whipped cream contains zero mutational value with lots of calories. So you can already assume that eating whipped cream can lead to weight gain and obesity in cats.
A small amount of whipped cream is technically safe for cats because its elements can only harm when eaten more than required. Also note that your cat can eat whipped cream as an occasional treat, not a regular part of their diet.
Why Should Cats Not Eat Whipped Cream?
Here are some reasons below which tell us why whipped cream is not an ideal treat for cats.
Cats Are Lactose-Intolerant
When cats grow, they wean off their mothers’ milk, which makes them lose enzymes or lactase. This makes them lactose-intolerant, and thus they can’t eat anything in a good amount that has lactose.
Unfortunately, whipped cream is full of lactose as we make it from milk. Unless they label the whipped cream as lactose-free, it will be unsafe for your cat to eat. While a small amount of lactose won’t have any adverse effects on your cat, we do not recommend feeding it to your cat.
Cats Can’t Cope With Sugar Content
Cats being obligate carnivores, seek for animal protein which they get from meat-based diets. And this has nothing to do with the whipped cream. Besides, cats can’t cope with sugar content, and we can see whipped cream has a high sugar content. Hence, it is inevitable for cats to have digestive issues, weight gain, stomach pain, etc. after eating whipped cream.
Artificial Sweeteners Can Be Harmful to Cats
We made whipped cream from artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, erythritol, and other sugar substitutes. They are not only harmful to cats but also to humans. According to experts, xylitol poisoning is more visible in dogs, but this doesn’t mean cats are on the safe side.
Taking the artificial sweeteners from whipped cream can accelerate the insulin level and reduce the blood sugar level in cats. This can cause vomiting, liver damage, or even death.
Can Cats Eat Puppuccino?
Puppuccino is a cup of whipped cream given to dogs by many coffee shops. Since they designed it for dogs, you may think that it is safe for other mammals, including cats.
Dogs can eat a whole cup of Puppuccino doesn’t mean cats can eat it too. However, owners can give cats a small amount of Puppuccino. Cats have different dietary requirements than cats. The Puppuccino made for dogs doesn’t escape the sugar and milk content. Therefore, cats can find it hard to digest.
Can Cats Eat Lactose-Free Whipped Cream?
Lactose-free whipped cream may have little to no lactose, but it’s still a dairy product that cats can’t digest. Lactose-free whipped cream has sugar and carrageenan, so it is still an unsafe treat for cats.
Vegan whipped cream and non-dairy whipped cream still have sugar content, oil, and even coconut milk. These all are enough to trigger lactose intolerance in cats.
Anyway, dairy whipped cream is safe for cats for a few licks. In the same way, non-dairy or lactose-free whipped cream can also be safe for them in the same amount.
When Can Cats Eat Whipped Cream?
More than a few licks of whipped cream can be unhealthy for our furry friends. They can face diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, and many other gastrointestinal issues.
Let’s say your cat is already having a digestive problem or any other health problem. In that case, you can’t consider feeding your cat whipped cream, not even one lick. Besides, your cat’s health record will say whether you should let your cat eat whipped cream or not. That’s why, ask your vet in advance about every treat that you are rewarding your cat.
Another concern is the time. For example, your cat ate whipped cream today, so you can’t let her eat it again tomorrow. Whipped cream should be an occasional treat for healthy cats, not a frequent treat.
Better Treats Than Whipped Cream
Your cat would love to receive a reward for his behaviour and training. Whether you give whipped cream or other treats, you must consider giving them an alternative. Whipped cream is not a safe alternative to meet their craving, it can be fine for just a few licks. If you want your cat to feel full, whipped cream should never be an option. Well, there are some other treats that your cat would like to receive. Such as
Fish
Since cats seek protein, you can include a portion of mackerel, salmon, or tuna. Make sure not to add any flavour or toppings after cooking them to feed your cat.
Cheese
Sometimes a bit of cheese can be a decent treat to reward your cat. Its fat content can satisfy your feline friend.
Meat
A certain amount of cooked chicken or beef without any topping or flavour can be a fruitful treat for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Cats Eat Whipped Cream?
Is whipped cream safe for cats and dogs?
Whipped cream is a non-toxic treat for cats, dogs, and many other pets. Just make sure they eat it in a moderate quantity, like two to three licks. Or else licking it too much can lead to digestive and gastrointestinal issues.
How can you make cat-friendly whipped cream?
To make a cat-friendly whipped cream, ⅛ of water, 1 tablespoon of dehydrated goat’s milk, and 1 tablespoon of unflavoured gelatin. Then whisk them until they become a soft, fluffy cream.
What happens if cats eat more whipped cream?
Cats should always eat whipped cream in a smaller amount. Otherwise, they can have stomach pain, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, etc.
Final Thoughts
As whipped cream is one of the favourite treats of pets, cat owners might wonder, can cats eat whipped cream? Firstly, you need to know that whipped cream is not toxic to cats or any pets if eaten in a small amount. The problem arises when they lick it more than needed.
Your cat may not control herself and lick too much. In that case, you must call your vet immediately and ask for the foods and medications that can help your cat to be sober. Also, allow your cat to discharge everything she ate.
