Butter — Food safety facts
Feed with care · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page
High in fat and dairy — a lick is fine, but larger amounts cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and pancreatitis risk.
Short answer
One tablespoon of butter is more than a safe lick for a cat and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis. Butter is high in fat and dairy, which cats don’t digest well in large amounts. Keep an eye on your cat for any stomach upset, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain. If you notice vomiting, loose stools, or signs of pain, call your veterinarian promptly. Otherwise, limit future butter exposure.