Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Just because pets are part of the family doesn't mean they should share our food. Cats have different dietary needs than humans, so it's important to understand what foods they can and can't eat. Renowned for being curious, cats might nibble on foods harmful to them. Your best strategy is to be aware of the foods cats should avoid—and how to handle toxic food ingestion. Here are some key facts cat lovers should know.
Why Some Foods Are Dangerous for Cats
Cats have unique dietary needs. As predators, their natural diet is carnivorous, meaning they can get all the nutrients they need from animal foods.1 In addition, they're unable to metabolize (process) certain foods. For instance, theobromine, a substance in chocolate, is fine for humans but toxic to cats. (Chocolate is also one of the foods that dogs shouldn't eat.)2
We all want the best for our pets, including making sure they're as healthy as possible. That's why keeping harmful foods away from our feline friends is part of being a responsible pet owner.
List of Foods Cats Can't Eat
Many foods and household items can be toxic or poisonous to cats. Here are some specific ones to avoid.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine as well as caffeine. Both are harmful to cats and many other animals and can cause a condition called chocolate toxicosis. The result can be illness or death. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing or seizures.2
2. Onions and garlic
Avoiding bad breath isn't the only reason to keep onions and garlic away from your cat. These and other vegetables in the allium family (think leeks and chives) are especially bad for our feline friends—there are reports of toxicosis in cats after eating less than a teaspoon of cooked onions. This is because compounds in alliums damage cats' red blood cells, leading to anemia. Interestingly, cat hemoglobin is two to three times more sensitive to oxidative damage than dog or human hemoglobin. Symptoms of allium toxicosis include weakness, pale gums and lethargy.3
3. Alcohol
The list of animals for whom alcohol can be harmful includes humans, which is why U.S. guidelines recommend limiting our intake.4 And since cats are so much smaller than we are, it's even more important to keep them away from an accidental tipple. A mere teaspoon of an alcoholic drink can cause alcohol poisoning in cats. Symptoms might include disorientation, vomiting or difficulty breathing.5
4. Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, energy drinks or sodas can be a great pick-me-up for humans. But for cats, the caffeine in these beverages can cause hyperactivity and heart issues, with symptoms such as restlessness, rapid breathing or tremors.6
5. Raw eggs, meat and fish
These items might seem like natural food sources for cats, but unfortunately, they can be dangerous due to harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Symptoms from ingestion might include vomiting, diarrhea or neurological issues. In addition, raw egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme whose consumption can cause issues that lead to skin and coat problems.7
6. Grapes and raisins
While dogs are much more sensitive to the toxic effects of raisins and grapes, there are reports of the tartaric acid found in them being harmful to cats, too. Best to keep these foods away and call your vet if your cat eats some.8
7. Dairy products
We've all heard about the cat who got the cream. But as it turns out, many cats are lactose intolerant and can get symptoms such as diarrhea or an upset stomach from eating dairy products. If your cat enjoys a bit of milk as a treat and doesn't seem to suffer for it, give it to them in moderation. But dairy shouldn't be a significant part of their diet, and cats whose tummies suffer from eating it should avoid milk products altogether.9
8. Bones and fat trimmings
Yes, your pet's ancestors crunched down on whole animals as a matter of course. But that doesn't mean bones and fat trimmings are a healthy pick for domestic kitties. Pets can choke on bones, or fragments can lodge in their digestive tract.7 Plus, as with raw meat, fat trimmings can cause vomiting, diarrhea, salmonella or E. coli infection.10
9. Yeast dough
Raw yeast dough rises. If your cat eats it, the dough will expand in their stomach, causing symptoms such as discomfort, bloating or vomiting. The rising process (also known as fermentation) creates alcohol as well, which can cause the issues noted above.11
What To Do if Your Cat Eats Toxic Food
There are several important steps to take if you realize your cat has eaten something toxic to them:
- Remove any remaining food to prevent further ingestion.
- Stay calm and assess the situation. What exactly did your pet eat, and how much?
- Call your vet or a pet poison control helpline. Try the Pets Best 24/7 Helpline, available to all Pets Best policyholders, or ASPCA Poison Control.
- Don't induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian.
Potential Treatments for Toxic Food Ingestion
If your cat eats something toxic, several things can help. Be sure to get advice from a veterinarian or other qualified professional before deciding on a course of action. Some possible treatments include:
- Inducing vomiting
- Activated charcoal to absorb toxins
- IV fluids for hydration and flushing toxins
- Hospitalization for severe cases
Most importantly, don't delay. For the best outcomes for your cat, seek help right away.12
Preventing Food Poisoning in Cats
You don't have to be a cat video connoisseur to know that cats have a habit of sneaking into places and things they shouldn't. To prevent food poisoning in cats, keep human food safely stored and out of the way so your kitties can't get to it. For instance:
- Store chocolate in a sealed package in a cupboard instead of leaving it on the countertop.
- Rinse partially finished cups of coffee rather than leaving them in the sink.
- Defrost raw meat and fish in the refrigerator. If it needs to be at room temperature, place it in a sealed container.
If your cats are stealth artists who like to slip into cupboards, you might also consider installing pet-proof locks.
Another smart idea? If you have kids, teach them that human treats and pet treats aren't the same so they know not to share their ice cream with their fluffy best pal.
Cat Food Is for Cats
We love our cats, and we want to keep them safe. This includes keeping harmful foods safely out of reach and recognizing that cats are best off eating food and treats designed specifically for felines—even when you want to include them in your Thanksgiving feast.
If you're ever unsure about whether you can feed your cat a certain food, check with your veterinarian.
Pets Best Is Here To Help
If you're concerned about unexpected costs like treating your cat for food toxicity, consider pet insurance from a provider like Pets Best. Not only can Pets Best cat insurance offer you peace of mind in knowing you can pay for the care your kitty needs, but it also offers benefits like a 24/7 Pet Helpline so you can get expert advice on your cat care questions anytime.
Sources/ Citations
1. "Feeding your cat," (7/2017), Cornell Feline Health Center, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat
2. "Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals," Cristine Hayes (9/2024), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/chocolate-toxicosis-in-animals
3. "Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals," Cristine Hayes (9/2024), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/garlic-and-onion-allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals
4. "What are the U.S. Guidelines for Drinking?" (n.d.), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, https://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/how-much-too-much/what-are-us-guidelines-drinking
5. "Can Cats Drink Alcohol?" (n.d.), Pet Poison Helpline, https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-tips/can-cats-drink-alcohol/
6. "Caffeine," (n.d.), American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, https://vetmeds.org/pet-poison-control-list/caffeine/
7. "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets," (n.d.), ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
8. "Grape, Raisin, and Tamarind (Vitis spp, Tamarindus spp) Toxicosis in Dogs," Cristine Hayes (9/2024), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs
9. "Cats seem to love milk. But is it safe and healthy for pets to drink?" Mythili Devarakonda (7/2024), USA Today, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2022/07/25/can-cats-drink-milk/10100864002/
10. "Avoid a catastrophe: Foods that spell trouble for your cat," (2/2024), BC SPCA, https://spca.bc.ca/news/toxic-for-cats/
11. "Bread Dough Toxicosis in Animals," Cristine Hayes (9/2024), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/bread-dough-toxicosis-in-animals
12. "Principles of Toxicosis Treatment in Animals," Renee D. Schmid (6/2024), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/toxicology-introduction/principles-of-toxicosis-treatment-in-animals