Cats should avoid dried fruits. Raisins and dried currants are the most concerning, since grapes and raisins are associated with kidney problems in dogs, and the same caution applies to cats even though cat-specific evidence is limited. Dried fruits are also very high in sugar, and pits from dried plums or dates can release cyanide. The safest choice is to keep dried fruit away from cats entirely.
Why does this matter?
Dried fruit is common in Indian homes, from kishmish and khajoor to anjeer, sookha aloo bukhara, and dry-fruit mithai. Cats are quick to investigate food left on a table, and dried fruit can be tempting because of its sweet smell. Because cats don’t need fruit in their diet, there is no nutritional benefit to offering it, so the risk is not worth taking.
What do vets generally agree on?
Vets generally recommend avoiding dried fruit for cats. Grapes and raisins are the clearest concern, with kidney problems reported in dogs and individual anecdotal reports in cats. The toxin has not been identified, and there is no established safe amount for cats. Dried plums (prunes) and dates contain concentrated sugar and fibre, which can cause digestive upset. Pits from prunes and dates can release cyanide, so they must never be given. Dried figs are very high in sugar and may cause stomach upset as well. Because cats are obligate carnivores, they gain nothing from these foods, which is why most vets advise keeping them away from cats completely.
When to be careful?
If your cat eats raisins, currants, grapes, or a pit from a dried fruit, call your vet promptly, even if your cat seems well. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, reduced urination, or difficulty breathing. Keep dried fruit, trail mix, and festival sweets out of reach, since cats are good at finding food in bags and containers. Do not share mithai or sweets, which often contain dried fruit and sugar. A complete cat food, such as BLEP cat food, removes any reason to offer dried fruit.
Sources
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Humane World for Animals, “Plants and Foods Can Be Poisonous to Pets”: https://www.humaneworld.org/resources/plants-and-food-can-be-poisonous-pets
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ASPCA, “Peach” toxic plant entry (for the cyanide risk in pits): https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/peach
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Dijkman MA, van Roemburg RG, De Lange DW, Hugen S, Robben JH, “Incidence of Vitis fruit-induced clinical signs and acute kidney injury in dogs and cats,” Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2022 Jun;63(6):447-453 (Epub 2022 Feb 8): https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13483