Fat Trimmings
ToxicVerdict
Avoid — high fat triggers pancreatitis.
If your cat ate this
Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.
- 1. Call your veterinarian immediately
- US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
- US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
- GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
- AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
- NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
- CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)
Verified 2026-08-06
Verdict
Fat trimmings from meat are extremely high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis — a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Cats are particularly susceptible to pancreatitis, and the condition can be difficult to diagnose. Even a small amount of fatty trimmings can cause an episode. Symptoms may not appear for 1–4 days after ingestion.
Symptoms to watch for
- • vomiting
- • diarrhea
- • loss of appetite
- • abdominal pain
- • lethargy
- • fever
- • dehydration
What to do
Contact your vet if your cat ate fat trimmings. Pancreatitis requires veterinary treatment including fasting, IV fluids, and pain management. Never feed fatty scraps to cats.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org