Some foods may seem harmless, but for cats, they can be downright dangerous. One bite of the wrong thing can lead to an upset stomach—or something far worse.
Curious by nature and always on the hunt for a snack, cats have a habit of getting into things they shouldn’t. From common household items to tempting table scraps, their taste buds don’t always know what’s best. And no, just because they beg for it doesn’t mean it’s safe!
While some foods can cause mild discomfort, others are toxic enough to require an emergency vet visit. Nobody wants that. So before you share a bite of your meal or leave something tempting within reach, make sure you know what could put your feline friend at risk.
Here are 23 things you should avoid letting your cat eat!
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and seizures. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are particularly dangerous due to higher levels of theobromine. It’s important to keep all forms of chocolate away from your cat’s reach. If you suspect your cat has ingested chocolate, seek veterinary help immediately. Always ensure that chocolate is stored securely, preventing your feline friend from indulging in this sweet, yet harmful treat.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic can cause severe damage to a cat’s red blood cells, leading to a condition known as hemolytic anemia. This can result in symptoms like weakness, lethargy, and pale gums. Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, these common kitchen ingredients are best kept out of your cat’s diet. Be cautious with foods containing these seasonings as well. If your cat consumes onions or garlic, a trip to the vet is crucial. Ensure all household members are aware of these dangers to avoid accidental ingestion.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can be extremely dangerous for cats, leading to ethanol poisoning. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, disorientation, and breathing difficulties. Larger quantities may result in coma or death. Always clean up spills immediately and store alcoholic beverages securely. Cats are intrigued by sweet-smelling liquids, but their bodies cannot process alcohol like humans can. If your cat ingests alcohol, contact your veterinarian without delay. Prevent exposure by ensuring that your drinks are never left unattended.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts. Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite might appear within hours. It’s unknown why these fruits are toxic, but the effects are severe. Always keep grapes and raisins out of your cat’s reach and educate household members about the risks. If ingestion occurs, immediate veterinary intervention is necessary. Prevention is key; ensure all snacks containing these fruits are stored safely away.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can adversely affect a cat’s heart and nervous system. Found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, ingestion may result in restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. Cats are more sensitive to caffeine than humans, making even small amounts dangerous. Ensure all caffeinated beverages are kept away from curious paws. If you suspect your cat has consumed caffeine, seek veterinary attention immediately to prevent severe health complications. Keep your household informed about these risks.
Xylitol
Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, is highly toxic to cats. Found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some baked goods, it can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. In severe cases, liver failure can occur. Always check product labels and store items containing xylitol securely. If your cat accidentally ingests xylitol, contact your vet immediately. Prevention is crucial, so ensure all family members are aware of this hidden danger in common foods.
Raw Meat and Fish
While cats are carnivores, raw meat and fish can expose them to harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Additionally, raw fish contains thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1. This can lead to neurological problems and convulsions. Always cook meat and fish thoroughly before feeding them to your cat. Ensure raw food is stored safely out of reach. If your cat consumes uncooked meat or shows signs of illness, seek veterinary care. Maintaining good food hygiene can prevent these serious health issues.
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs pose a risk due to the possibility of Salmonella infection, which can lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, the enzyme avidin in raw egg whites can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a vital B vitamin, possibly causing skin and coat issues. To ensure your cat’s safety, only offer cooked eggs as a treat. Store eggs securely and maintain cleanliness in areas where eggs are handled. If your cat ingests a raw egg, monitor for any signs of illness and consult your veterinarian as needed.
Milk and Dairy Products
While often depicted as a favorite, many cats are lactose intolerant and can suffer from digestive issues if they consume milk and dairy products. Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, and gas. It’s best to provide water as the main source of hydration. If you wish to offer milk, opt for lactose-free versions specifically formulated for cats. Always monitor your pet’s reaction to new foods. In case of any adverse symptoms following dairy consumption, consult your veterinarian for advice. Ensuring proper hydration is essential for your cat’s health.
Fat Trimmings and Bones
Fat trimmings, whether cooked or raw, can lead to pancreatitis in cats. Bones pose a choking hazard and can splinter, causing internal injuries. While it may be tempting to share table scraps, it’s safer to avoid offering your cat fatty leftovers and bones. Provide balanced cat food for a nutritional diet. If your cat consumes harmful scraps, watch for signs of distress like vomiting or abdominal pain and seek veterinary care if needed. Encourage family members to refrain from feeding these risky treats to your pet.
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can expand in a cat’s stomach, potentially causing bloating and discomfort. During fermentation, yeast produces alcohol, which is toxic to cats. If dough is ingested, it can lead to serious health issues like ethanol poisoning. Always allow dough to rise out of your cat’s reach and dispose of scraps securely. If your cat consumes yeast dough, contact your veterinarian promptly. Keeping your kitchen safe from curious explorers will help prevent accidental ingestion of potentially hazardous foods.
Salt
Excessive salt intake can lead to salt poisoning in cats, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Cats require only a minimal amount of salt in their diet, typically provided through commercial cat food. Avoid sharing salty snacks or adding extra salt to their meals. If you suspect your cat has ingested a large amount of salt, seek veterinary assistance immediately. Keep saltshakers and salty foods out of reach. Educating your household about the dangers of salt will help protect your feline friend.
Avocado
Avocado contains persin, a substance that can be toxic to cats, causing vomiting and diarrhea. The high fat content may also lead to pancreatitis. It’s crucial to keep avocados, including the flesh, pit, and skin, away from your cat. If your cat ingests avocado, monitor for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if symptoms occur. Educate family members about this potential hazard to prevent accidental feeding. Keeping avocados stored securely will help avoid any health risks.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic to cats and can cause symptoms like vomiting, increased body temperature, and tremors. The exact cause of toxicity is unknown, but consumption can lead to severe discomfort. Always keep macadamia nuts and foods containing them out of your cat’s reach. If ingestion occurs, seek veterinary help immediately. Prevention is key; ensure all snacks containing these nuts are stored safely away. Educating others about the dangers of macadamia nuts will further protect your feline companion.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes contain essential oils and psoralens, which can be toxic to cats. Ingestion may cause stomach upset, vomiting, and depression of the central nervous system. While cats typically avoid citrus due to the strong scent, it’s important to keep these fruits and their peels out of reach. If your cat ingests any citrus, observe for signs of distress and consult your veterinarian as needed. Store citrus fruits securely to ensure your cat’s safety.
Human Medications
Human medications should never be given to cats, as even small doses can be fatal. Common pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can cause serious health issues, including liver and kidney damage. Always store medications securely and dispose of unused pills properly. If your cat ingests human medications, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Ensure all household members understand the risks and keep medication areas cat-proofed. Protecting your pet from accidental poisoning requires vigilance and proper storage practices.
Dog Food
Dog food is not formulated to meet a cat’s nutritional needs and lacks essential nutrients like taurine. Long-term feeding can lead to deficiencies and health issues such as heart disease and vision problems. Always provide a balanced diet specifically designed for cats. Keep dog food stored separately and ensure your cat primarily consumes its own food. If your cat occasionally nibbles on dog food, monitor its health and consult your veterinarian for guidance. Understanding dietary needs is crucial for maintaining your cat’s health.
Raw Potatoes and Green Tomatoes
Raw potatoes and green tomatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Cooking decreases solanine levels, but it’s best to avoid these foods altogether. Keep raw potatoes and green tomatoes stored securely and educate household members about the risks. If you suspect your cat has ingested these items, seek veterinary help immediately. Preventing exposure to solanine-rich foods is essential for your cat’s well-being.
Moldy or Spoiled Food
Moldy or spoiled food can contain harmful toxins that pose health risks to cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. Certain molds produce mycotoxins, which can be particularly dangerous. Always dispose of spoiled food promptly and ensure trash containers are secure from your cat’s reach. If your cat ingests moldy or spoiled food, monitor for signs of illness and consult your veterinarian if symptoms occur. Maintaining a clean environment will help protect your cat from accidental exposure to toxins.
Coffee Grounds and Beans
Coffee, in any form, contains caffeine, which is harmful to cats. Ingestion of coffee grounds or beans can lead to caffeine poisoning, presenting symptoms such as restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and muscle tremors. Always keep coffee-related items out of your cat’s reach and dispose of grounds securely. If your cat ingests coffee, seek veterinary care immediately. Educating household members about the dangers of caffeine will help prevent accidental exposure and ensure your cat’s safety.
Cherries
Cherries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause cyanide poisoning in cats. While a cat would need to consume a significant amount, even small exposure can lead to digestive upset. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and shock. Always keep cherries, including pits and leaves, away from your cat’s reach. If ingestion occurs, seek veterinary intervention immediately. Storing cherries securely and educating others about potential hazards will help protect your feline companion from this sweet, yet dangerous fruit.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
Coconut and its oil, while not highly toxic, can cause upset stomach and diarrhea in cats. The high fat content is not suitable for a cat’s diet and may lead to weight gain if consumed regularly. While occasional exposure might not be harmful, it’s best to keep coconut products out of your cat’s reach. If your cat shows signs of digestive discomfort after consuming coconut, consult your veterinarian. Being cautious with new foods can help maintain your cat’s digestive health.
Raw Bread Dough
Raw bread dough poses a dual threat to cats: the dough can expand in their stomach, causing bloating, while the fermentation process produces alcohol, which is toxic. Symptoms include vomiting, disorientation, and difficulty breathing. Always keep raw dough out of reach and clean up spills promptly. If your cat ingests dough, seek veterinary help immediately. Educating family members about the risks and securing baking areas will help prevent accidental ingestion and ensure your cat’s safety.