Is Stevia Toxic to Cats?

Introduction

Stevia is a well-known natural sugar substitute that has gained popularity over the years due to its numerous health benefits. Unlike other artificial sweeteners, Stevia is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, and it contains zero calories. As a result, it has become a popular choice for people looking to reduce their sugar intake and maintain a healthy diet. However, cat owners often worry about the safety of this sweetener for their feline friends. This article will explore the available scientific evidence to determine whether Stevia is toxic to cats, and if it is, what precautions cat owners should take.

What is Stevia

As mentioned earlier, Stevia is a sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The plant grows in Paraguay, Brazil, and other regions of South America, and it has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener. The use of Stevia as a sugar substitute started gaining popularity in the US in the 1970s, and it is now widely used in many countries across the world. Stevia contains two main compounds that give it its sweet taste - stevioside and rebaudioside A. These compounds are estimated to be about 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) and do not contain any calories. This makes Stevia a popular choice for people looking to reduce their sugar intake and maintain a healthy diet.

Is Stevia Toxic to Cats?

There is no existing scientific evidence to suggest that Stevia is toxic to cats. However, before giving Stevia or any other food or substance to your cat, it is essential to consult with your vet. While Stevia may not be toxic to cats, excessive consumption of any sweetener is never recommended. Cats are obligate carnivores, and their dietary needs are different from humans. Therefore, any changes to their diet should be made with utmost care. As mentioned earlier, Stevia is an artificial sweetener that does not contain any calories. While this may seem like an advantage, cats require calories in their diet to sustain their energy levels and remain healthy. Therefore, Stevia may not be an appropriate option for cats, as it does not provide them with any nutritional value. Additionally, some cats may be more sensitive to the compounds found in Stevia, which may cause digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the concentration of Stevia in any food or substance given to a cat is very low.

Other Sweeteners and Cats

Apart from Stevia, there are other sweeteners such as xylitol and erythritol that are toxic to cats. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods. Ingestion of xylitol by a cat can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and death. Erythritol is another sugar alcohol found in some sugar-free sweeteners, and it may cause digestive upset in cats. Therefore, cat owners should never give their feline friends anything that contains xylitol or erythritol, including gum, candy, or baked goods. If a cat accidentally ingests any food or substance containing xylitol or erythritol, they should be taken to the vet immediately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stevia is not toxic to cats, but it may not be an appropriate sweetener to give to them. Cats require calories in their diet, and Stevia does not provide any nutritional value, which means it cannot sustain their energy levels and overall health. Additionally, some cats may be sensitive to Stevia's compounds, which may cause digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Therefore, cat owners should consult their vet before making any changes to their cat's diet. Finally, cat owners should ensure that they never give their feline friends any sweeteners that contain xylitol or erythritol, as these are toxic to cats and may cause severe health issues.