It’s tempting to share a bite of your food with your cat, but many common foods that are perfectly safe for humans can be harmful or even toxic to cats. Knowing what to keep off-limits can prevent a trip to the emergency vet. Here’s a rundown of the foods every cat owner should avoid feeding their cat.
Table of Contents
- Onions, Garlic, and Related Vegetables
- Chocolate and Caffeine
- Dairy Products
- Raw Meat, Eggs, and Bones
- Grapes and Raisins
- Alcohol and Yeast Dough
- Xylitol and Other Additives
- What to Do If Your Cat Eats Something Toxic
Onions, Garlic, and Related Vegetables
Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives — whether raw, cooked, or in powder form — can damage a cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Even small amounts in seasoned leftovers or certain baby foods can add up over time, so it’s best to keep these out of your cat’s diet entirely.
Chocolate and Caffeine
Chocolate contains compounds that are toxic to cats’ nervous and cardiovascular systems, with darker chocolate posing a greater risk than milk chocolate. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, is similarly dangerous and can cause rapid heart rate, tremors, and other serious symptoms. Keep these items well out of reach.
Dairy Products
Despite the popular image of cats drinking milk, most adult cats are actually lactose intolerant and lack enough of the enzyme needed to digest it properly. Feeding milk, cheese, or other dairy products can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and stomach discomfort, even though it’s rarely dangerous in small amounts.
Raw Meat, Eggs, and Bones
Raw meat and eggs carry a risk of bacterial contamination, such as salmonella, which can affect both your cat and the humans handling her food. Raw eggs also contain a compound that interferes with biotin absorption over time. Bones, meanwhile, pose a choking hazard and can splinter, potentially causing internal injury.
Grapes and Raisins
While the toxic mechanism in cats isn’t as well understood as it is in dogs, grapes and raisins have been associated with kidney problems in some cats and are best avoided entirely as a precaution.
Alcohol and Yeast Dough
Alcohol in any form is highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts, and can cause serious effects on the liver and central nervous system. Raw yeast dough is also dangerous, since it can continue to expand in a cat’s stomach and produce alcohol as a byproduct of fermentation.
Xylitol and Other Additives
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, is highly toxic and can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar. Always check ingredient labels on any human food before considering sharing it with your cat, since sweeteners and preservatives can be hidden in unexpected products.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect your cat has eaten something on this list, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately, even if she isn’t showing symptoms yet — some toxins take hours to show effects. Don’t try to induce vomiting at home without professional guidance, since this can sometimes make things worse depending on what was ingested. Keep packaging or a sample of what she ate on hand, as it helps your vet respond quickly and accurately.
Final Thoughts
The safest approach is to stick to cat-specific food and treats, and keep human food — especially the items above — well out of reach. When in doubt about a specific food, it’s always worth a quick check with your vet before offering it to your cat.