Xylitol Poisoning in Cats

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in chewing gum, mints, toothpaste, peanut butter, and confections. It's widely believed that xylitol is as toxic to cats as it is to dogs, causing hypoglycemia, liver failure, and even death. 

However, a recent small study from Hungary suggests that xylitol doesn't have the same effects on cats as dogs. In this study, six healthy middle-aged cats were able to ingest ten times as much xylitol as dogs without xylitol significantly changing their blood glucose levels. 

While wider studies on xylitol poisoning in cats are limited, this 2018 study suggests xylitol is only mildly toxic to cats. Due to the small scale of this study, there is no definitive answer — xylitol may affect cats differently depending on their age, breed, and genetics.

If a cat ingests a small amount of xylitol, the symptoms are likely to be mild or absent. As cats lack sweet taste receptors, they're unlikely to consume a large quantity of xylitol. Possible signs of mild xylitol poisoning in cats include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Weakness

Signs of severe xylitol poisoning affecting a cat's blood glucose levels include:

• Inability to walk
• Collapse
• Yellow mucous membranes
• Tremors/seizures
• Black tarry stools

"In my 10 years, I have never seen a cat with...xylitol toxicity...while we should not knowingly feed [xylitol] to our cats, it is unlikely they would become unwell if they eat [xylitol]."

However, if your cat does show symptoms of xylitol poisoning, whether mild or severe, take them to the vet immediately as a precaution.

Xylitol may have a mild laxative effect on cats, similar to humans. So, diarrhea is likely to be the most common and immediate symptom of xylitol poisoning in cats. As xylitol is a sweetener, it's likely to make your cat vomit and may cause them to become lethargic due to feeling unwell. 

When dogs ingest xylitol, it's quickly absorbed back into the bloodstream, resulting in a large release of insulin from the pancreas resulting in a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. Humans can eat xylitol safely as it doesn't cause the release of insulin from the pancreas.

The process of why xylitol causes this insulin release in dogs isn't well studied, and it's also unclear if xylitol affects cats to the same extent.

Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS says that "...in the absence of any signs, it is usually a case of 'wait and see' and monitoring closely."

Vets may choose to monitor your cat's blood glucose levels and liver values to ensure they're within the normal physiological range. If your cat is showing low blood sugar levels, they will take immediate action to try to treat your cat. 

As mentioned, xylitol appears to be much less to cats than dogs, and cats can withstand a 1,000 mg/kg dose before even mild changes to their blood glucose concentrations begin to show. 

As a result, your vet may not take immediate action to treat your cat as they would with dogs. Signs of xylitol poisoning can begin to appear within 30 minutes of ingestion.

Your vet may induce vomiting as a precaution to purge your cat's body of any undigested xylitol. Your cat could administer IV fluids and liver protective medications. They may also supplement your cat's sugar levels. 

There's no antidote for xylitol poisoning once it begins to cause liver damage, so take your cat to the vet immediately if they start to show severe symptoms.

If your cat is showing mild to severe signs of xylitol toxicity, your vet may request they stay overnight to monitor your cat's blood glucose levels and liver values. Most cats fully recover from xylitol poisoning without showing any severe symptoms. 

While hypoglycemia can be easily reversed, your cat will need long-term treatment if liver failure or damage occurs.

Paying for to treat xylitol poisoning out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.