Whip cream is a delicious topping for many desserts and snacks. Although it is called whip cream, it is not typically eaten without other ingredients. It is usually put on things as a garnish or paired with other foods.
People often ask if cats can eat whipped cream, specifically can cats eat whipped cream licks? This question is not a simple one to answer.
Whipped cream comes in a can and is pure fat that is flavored. Since cats cannot digest fats very well, this makes it difficult for them to digest whipped cream. The licks they sell at supermarkets have chocolate or caramel on them, too. These are both ingredients that are difficult for cats to digest.
Unfortunately, I have bad news: you cannot let your kitty eat the whipped cream can he wants.
Can cats eat whipped cream?
Unfortunately, no, cats cannot eat whipped cream. While cream is a main ingredient in whipped cream, it is not included in pure sugar-based whip cream.
Whip cream is completely fat free and keto-friendly making it unsuitable for cats. The same goes for gelatin as cats cannot digest collagen. Both are key components of whipped cream and jelly!
Aside from the nutritional reasons, cats do not have the enzymes to break down the fats increams and jellies. This would cause serious digestive issues for your little fur baby.
However, if your cat is lactose intolerant, they may be able to enjoy a little bit of plain whipped cream. Test out how much your cat can handle and see if there are any symptoms of digestive upset later.
How much whipped cream can a cat eat?
The limits can be truly endless. As long as the cat does not eat too much, whipped cream is safe for cats. Even if your feline friend licks the bowl clean, he or she will not get too much of a bellyache.
Whipped cream contains some fat, which cats need to regulate their health. A little bit of whipped cream will also taste good to a cat, as they have a discriminating palate.
So, can cats eat whipped cream? The answer is an enthusiastic yes! Just make sure to keep it in moderation. Even if your cat tries to empty the whole container, he or she will not suffer any ill effects.
However, if you find your kitty walking around with a belly full of bulge, it might be time to cut back on the whipped cream intake.
What are the risks of letting your cat eat whip cream?
Although it may be tempting to let your cat enjoy the taste of whip cream, there are a few risks associated with this practice.
Whip cream, like most foods, contains calories. Although cats need fewer calories than humans, they still need some. Consuming too many calories will make your cat overweight, and possibly sick.
Also, since whip cream contains fat, it may not be very digestible for your kitty. Cats typically have a sensitive stomach, and ingesting anything that makes their stomach unhappy is not a good thing.
Finally, as mentioned before, there is a risk of your kitty consuming something that makes their stomach upset. If you notice your cat getting sick after consuming whip cream, take them to the vet!
However, if they seem fine and are acting normal then there is probably nothing to worry about.
What about gelato?
Gelato is also known as ice cream. The main difference is that gelato uses milk, sugar, and butter as the base ingredients, instead of just milk like regular ice cream.
Because gelato has a higher fat content, your kitty can enjoy a small bite! Just be sure to wash the bowl with soap and water after your kitty eats it.
Like ice cream, some gelato flavors contain chocolate which contains caffeine. Make sure to check the label for this!
This is a great alternative for your kitty since they tend to like the creamy texture and flavor.
Does your cat have a sweet tooth?
If your cat has a taste for sugar, then whip cream is not the best treat for them. Although very few people eat whipped cream by the spoonful, cats can be tempted to do so.
Whip cream does not have much nutritional value, except maybe some calcium. The problem is that it contains fat which cats should not eat a lot of.
Too much fat can cause digestive issues and weight gain. Although your kitty may love the taste of whip cream, it is best to give them something with less of a calorie content.
If you must give your cat whip cream, give it very little and make sure it eats it quickly. If there is leftover whip cream, then let it harden so that your cat cannot eat it anymore.
Know the risks
While most cats can eat whip cream without any issues, there are some risks. Most of these concerns arise when the cat is overweight or has weight issues.
Whip cream contains fat, which cats should avoid depending on their diet. If your cat has a set diet plan, it is best to consult a vet before allowing them to eat whip cream.
Some flavors may be harmful if your cat is sensitive to certain chemicals. Luckily, you can test this with whip cream by only letting them lick it for a few minutes and seeing if they show any signs of distress.
The biggest risk is that your kitty will overindulge and become too full. Since they love food so much, it can be hard to control how much they eat.
Are there any substitutes for sugar?
Unfortunately, there are very few substitutes for sugar. You can consume foods that are not sweet or eat plain white rice, but that is about it.
If you are trying to cut back on sugar, try experimenting with different foods to find what you like that are not sweet. You can also try exploring flavors through spices and herbs.
For those who have given up sugar completely, it can be tough to cook for others as most recipes require some form of sugar. So, if you are looking for a new hobby, try cooking recipes that are low in sugar!
For your cat, if he or she is having weight issues due to diabetes, your vet may recommend lowering the amount of glucose in their blood by giving them an oral drug called Metformin. This drug is not available to humans, but your vet may have other suggestions for reducing blood glucose.
Can I give my cat vanilla extract?
Unfortunately, no. Vanilla is very toxic to cats. There is no amount of vanilla that is safe for a cat to eat.
Although it is rare, some cats have died after consuming vanilla. Since it is so dangerous, most veterinarians know about it and can recognize symptoms from exposure.
If you see your cat licking or biting into a bottle of vanilla extract, immediately take the bottle away and wash your hands. Watch your cat for several hours or even a day for signs of sickness or intoxication.
The same goes for any other flavoring such as peppermint or pumpkin spice– these are also unsafe for cats! Even if you notice no immediate effects, take your cat to the vet just in case there are delayed ones.
Cat lovers want to give their pets treats, but sometimes it’s hard to know what’s safe and what’s not.
