Updated October 1, 2026 by Lisa
Hey, cat parents! 🐈⬛ Licorice is one of those candies people either love or treat like a punishment, and cats seem extra curious about it.
If your kitty has sniffed at your licorice twists like a tiny detective, you may wonder if a nibble is okay. Let’s untangle this chewy question together.
What’s in this guide?
- Can cats eat licorice?
- What is licorice made of?
- Is real licorice root bad for cats?
- Is black licorice or red licorice worse for cats?
- Is sugar-free licorice safe for cats?
- Why does my cat seem to love the smell of licorice?
- What are the risks if a cat eats licorice candy?
- What should I do if my cat ate licorice?
- How do common licorice products compare for cats?
- What are better treats for cats than licorice?
- Can kittens have licorice?
- Do vets ever use licorice for cats?
- So, should cats ever have licorice?
Can cats eat licorice?
No, cats should not eat licorice. Licorice candy is full of sugar and other ingredients cats do not need, and real licorice root can affect the body in ways that are not safe for pets.
A tiny accidental lick of red licorice is unlikely to cause big trouble. But licorice is not a treat to share on purpose.
What is licorice made of?
Licorice candy is usually made from sugar or corn syrup, wheat flour, flavoring, and coloring. Some black licorice uses extract from the licorice plant’s root, while many brands use anise oil to get that strong flavor.
Red licorice usually has no real licorice at all. It is basically fruity, chewy sugar in a fun shape.
Is real licorice root bad for cats?
Yes, real licorice root can be bad for cats. It contains a natural chemical called glycyrrhizin, which can mess with the body’s salt and potassium balance and raise blood pressure.
Even in people, eating a lot of real black licorice can cause heart rhythm problems. Cats are much smaller, so it makes sense to keep licorice root, licorice teas, and licorice supplements away from them.
Never give your cat a licorice-based herbal product unless your vet prescribes it. “Natural” does not always mean “safe for cats.”
Is black licorice or red licorice worse for cats?
Black licorice made with real licorice extract is the bigger worry, because of glycyrrhizin. Red licorice is mostly sugar, so it is more likely to just upset your cat’s tummy.
Neither one is a good snack for cats. Think of both as “people candy” that should stay on your side of the couch.
Is sugar-free licorice safe for cats?
No, sugar-free licorice is not a safer choice for cats. Sugar-free candies may contain sweeteners like xylitol or sugar alcohols, and the ASPCA lists xylitol among foods to keep away from pets.
Sugar alcohols such as maltitol can also cause gas and diarrhea. If the package says “sugar-free,” that is a big reason to keep it out of paw’s reach.
Why does my cat seem to love the smell of licorice?
Your cat may be drawn to the smell of anise, which is the flavor in many black licorice candies. Some cats react to anise a little like they react to catnip.
Smelling is one thing, but eating the candy is another. Concentrated anise oil and other essential oils can be dangerous for cats, so never put oils on your cat or in their food.
If your cat likes fun smells, try cat-safe toys with catnip or silver vine instead. It is the same party without the candy. 🎉
What are the risks if a cat eats licorice candy?
The main risks of licorice candy for cats are tummy upset, choking, and harmful ingredients. The bigger the piece and the more your cat eats, the higher the risk.
- Upset stomach: Sugar and flour can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
- Choking or blockage: Chewy ropes and twists can get stuck.
- Glycyrrhizin: Real licorice extract may affect potassium and blood pressure.
- Sweeteners: Sugar-free candies may contain xylitol or sugar alcohols.
- Weight gain: Candy is full of empty calories.
What should I do if my cat ate licorice?
If your cat ate licorice, first figure out what kind and how much. Check the package for real licorice extract, xylitol, chocolate, or raisins.
A small bite of plain red licorice usually just needs watching for vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat ate black licorice, sugar-free candy, or a large amount, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
Get help right away if your cat is gagging, drooling, vomiting over and over, weak, or acting strange. It is always okay to call and ask.
How do common licorice products compare for cats?
Some licorice products are riskier than others for cats. This chart shows how they stack up.
| Product | Main Concern | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Red licorice candy | Sugar, chewy pieces | Low to medium |
| Black licorice (anise-flavored) | Sugar, strong flavoring | Medium |
| Black licorice with real extract | Glycyrrhizin | Medium to high |
| Sugar-free licorice | Sweeteners like xylitol | High |
| Licorice root tea or supplements | Concentrated glycyrrhizin | High |
| Anise essential oil | Concentrated oil | High |
Candy questions come up a lot! Check out our guides on whether cats can eat carob and why chocolate can hurt cats.
For a full list of risky snacks, see the ASPCA’s list of people foods to avoid feeding your pets.
What are better treats for cats than licorice?
Better treats for cats are made mostly from meat. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies run best on animal protein.
- Small bites of plain cooked chicken or turkey
- Freeze-dried chicken, salmon, or shrimp treats
- Store-bought cat treats made for cats
- A lick of a meaty cat “puree” treat
Cats cannot even taste sweetness the way we do, so they will not miss the candy. A meaty snack will win their heart every time. 😻
Can kittens have licorice?
No, kittens should never have licorice. Their bodies are small and still growing, so sugar, chewy candy, and strong ingredients hit them even harder.
Kittens also love to chew everything, so licorice ropes can quickly become a choking hazard. Keep candy dishes up high and closed tight.
Do vets ever use licorice for cats?
Some holistic vets may use licorice root in special products, but only in tiny measured doses for certain cats. That is very different from candy or a store-bought herbal tea.
Because licorice root can affect blood pressure and potassium, it is not something to try at home. If you are curious about herbal care, ask your vet first and bring the product label with you.
Hey hey! 👋 I'm constantly scouting for cool goodies to bring straight to you! From amazing pet products 🐾 to the ultimate coffee essentials ☕, cozy home office must-haves 🖥️, fantastic gift inspirations 🎁, and chic fashion selections 👗 – consider it all sorted! Oh, and here's the cherry on top: Finn, my feline buddy, is onboard too, dishing out his top recommendations for your furry pals! 🐱 Let's dive into a world of pawsome discoveries together! 🐾
So, should cats ever have licorice?
No, licorice is not a good snack for cats, and it is best to keep it away from them. Red licorice is mostly sugar, and black licorice or licorice root brings extra risks.
If your cat steals a nibble, don’t panic. Check the label, watch your cat closely, and call your vet if you are unsure, then hide the candy stash somewhere cat-proof. 🐾
This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian before adding new foods to your cat’s diet.
🐾 Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC! 🏡 She’s got a dapper
As a kid, Lisa shared her home with a Poodle and a chirpy parakeet! 🐩🐦
