Can Cats Eat Raisins? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

No. Cats should not eat raisins, sultanas, currants or dried-fruit baking. Even if many cats are not interested, keep these foods off cat-accessible benches and plates.

Why

ASPCA lists grapes and raisins among people foods to avoid for pets, and VCA's fruit-and-vegetable guidance lists raisins with foods that are toxic for pets. NZ cats may encounter raisins through cereal bowls, fruit mince pies, Christmas cake, hot cross buns, trail mix, lunchboxes or sticky dessert plates rather than deliberate feeding.

If your cat ate it

Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice, especially if the food contained a known toxin or your pet seems unwell.

Safer alternatives

Cats do not need human-food variety. Safer options are complete cat food, a cat-specific treat, or a few pieces of the cat's normal food in a puzzle feeder.

Related reading

• Cat Food Guide NZ
• Cat Care NZ Complete Guide
• Pet Emergency Kit NZ Civil Defence Guide

References

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Can you feed pets certain fruits and veggies, checked 2026-06-13: https://vcahospitals.com/resources/preventive-dog/nutrition/can-you-feed-pets-certain-fruits-and-veggies

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA/SPCA guidance.*