TL;DR: Raisin ingestion is a critical medical emergency for cats that can lead to fatal kidney failure from even a single raisin. Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately if your cat consumes any amount of grapes or raisins.
What happens if my cat eats a raisin?
Raisins are dried grapes, and both are known to be highly toxic to felines. While the exact toxin responsible for the reaction is still being researched, ingestion often leads to acute kidney injury or complete renal failure. Because raisins are a concentrated form of the fruit, even a very small amount can be dangerous.
Is my cat eating a raisin considered a medical emergency?
- Urgency Level: High. Any ingestion of a raisin by a cat should be treated as a medical emergency.
- There is no known "safe" dose for raisins; even a single dried raisin can cause fatal kidney failure in some cats.
- You should contact an emergency veterinarian immediately rather than waiting for symptoms like vomiting or lethargy to appear.
How does taking a photo of the raisins help the veterinarian?
- Taking a photo of the raisin or the product packaging confirms the exact item ingested.
- A photo helps the vet identify other potential toxins in the ingredients, such as chocolate coating or xylitol.
- This visual information allows the triage staff to prepare the appropriate treatment room and supplies before you arrive at the clinic.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Ingestion of grapes or raisins has resulted in acute renal failure in some dogs, and anecdotal reports suggest similar toxicity in cats and ferrets. Although the exact mechanism of toxicity is unknown, the primary injury appears to be in the proximal renal tubular epithelium. Clinical signs in affected animals include vomiting and/or diarrhea within 6-12 hours of ingestion, lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, weakness, dehydration, polydipsia, and tremors. Serum creatinine levels tend to rise early and disproportionately compared with serum urea nitrogen levels. Oliguric or anuric renal failure can develop within 24-72 hours of exposure. For recent ingestions of more than 1-2 g/kg, emesis should be induced, followed by activated charcoal, particularly with large ingestions. Aggressive fluid diuresis for a minimum of 48 hours is recommended with large ingestions or in cases in which vomiting and/or diarrhea has spontaneously developed within 12 hours of ingestion; renal function and fluid balance should be closely monitored.
Chapter: Toxicology, Nephrology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 2968)