Why the dough matters more than the sweetener
For a 4.2 kg cat, the raw flour and eggs in that dough pose a bigger threat than the erythritol. Uncooked flour can harbor E. coli or Salmonella, which hit cats harder than dogs due to their smaller size. The dough also expands in the stomach, potentially causing painful bloating — watch for a distended belly or unproductive retching that suggests obstruction.
Erythritol may cause mild diarrhea, but it won't trigger the deadly low blood sugar that xylitol does in cats. That said, sugar alcohols aren't part of a feline's natural diet, so even small amounts can irritate their sensitive digestive tracts. Your cat's weight puts her at higher risk than a larger animal would face from the same portion.
First signs you might see
Within the next three hours, vomiting is the most likely red flag. Cats often vomit foam or clear liquid first, then undigested dough if it's still in the stomach. Lethargy is another concern — if she's not her usual alert self or hides more than usual, that signals systemic discomfort. Unlike dogs, cats rarely pant or drool when nauseated, so subtle changes in behavior are your best clues.
Check her gums: they should be pink and moist, not tacky or pale. Press gently on her abdomen — if she flinches, yowls, or tries to bite, that's a vet-worthy pain response. Normal gut sounds are quiet clicks; loud sloshing or complete silence can both indicate trouble.
The risky 12-hour window
Between four and twelve hours post-ingestion is when raw dough poses the highest obstruction risk as it swells. If she hasn't vomited yet but refuses all food, that's a worrying sign. Cats can't go long without eating before risking liver problems, so don't wait more than 12 hours if she's turning up her nose at even favorite treats.
Small amounts of water are fine, but don't force it — struggling to swallow or repeated gulping could mean dough is stuck in her esophagus. You might notice her licking surfaces excessively or smacking her lips as nausea builds. These are subtle but important cues in cats, who mask illness instinctively.
Longer-term monitoring
If she seems fine after 24 hours, the immediate danger has passed, but watch stools for the next three days. Bacterial infections from raw ingredients can take time to manifest. Liquid diarrhea, especially with a foul odor different from her usual, warrants a vet visit for antibiotics. The erythritol's effects should be fully out of her system by then.
Prevent repeat incidents by keeping dough behind closed doors — cats are agile counter-surfers. If she's drawn to sweet smells, be extra cautious with keto or sugar-free baked goods, as other ingredients in those recipes might be more toxic than erythritol alone.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Erythritol food facts page.