Can cats eat fatty scraps and fat trimmings?

Why

The FDA's advice about high-fat scraps covers dogs and cats, and it says pancreatitis signs in cats are harder to notice. Merck says high blood fats are a risk factor for pancreatitis in dogs but not in cats, so the cat link to fatty food is less clear. Because the FDA says to avoid them, treat fatty scraps as a no for cats and call a vet if a cat seems unwell.

Good to know

Pancreatitis looks different in each pet: the FDA says dogs show vomiting and belly pain, while in cats the signs are less clear, like less appetite and weight loss.

Watch for: Fat that looks harmless, like drippings, skin and the trimmed edge of a steak, is the part that causes the trouble. Cooked bones in scraps can also hurt a pet.