Quantity
Even more dangerous per gram than fresh grapes due to concentration. A handful of raisins for a cat is a proportionally massive dose. No safe amount exists.
Notes
Raisins show up in more products than people realize: trail mix, granola, oatmeal raisin cookies, fruit cake, cinnamon bread, cereal. Sultanas and currants are dried grape products and carry identical risk. A cat batting a raisin around the floor and then eating it is a plausible exposure scenario.
Negative Signs
* Vomiting, often within a few hours
* Loss of appetite and hiding behavior
* Lethargy progressing to unresponsiveness
* Abdominal tenderness
* Decreased or absent urination
* Rapid deterioration if kidneys are shutting down
FAQ
Q: My cat ate one raisin. Is one raisin really an emergency?
A: It can be. With the unknown toxin concentrated by the drying process and your cat's small body weight, even one raisin is worth a vet call. Let your vet assess the risk rather than guessing yourself.
Alternatives
Most cats don't seek out dried fruit, but if yours does, small pieces of freeze-dried chicken or fish treats are a much safer option with far more appeal to a carnivore.
Risks & Disclaimer
Same emergency protocol as grapes — call your vet immediately, don't wait for symptoms. Raisins are small enough that a cat could eat several before you notice. Bring any packaging to help your vet estimate the dose.
