It’s a question that many cat owners ask themselves: “What foods are poisonous for cats?” The answer is not always straightforward. Cats are carnivores, so they require animal protein in their diet to survive and thrive. This is much like us.
However, the similarities end there. Cats have a very different digestive system than humans. This is important for the cat owner to be aware of because cats will often show curiosity and interest in our meals. Many will even nibble on almost anything! But many human foods will do harm, and in extreme cases even kill your cat!
Not only are cat’s systems different, but they also have special nutritional needs – while dogs can eat just about anything humans do, but cats also need a very different diet to stay healthy. As such, again, it is important for them to avoid any food that will make them sick or cause long-term harm. But it is also important to make sure that they are getting the nutrients that they need as cats.
In this blog post, we will discuss what some of the most common people foods are that are poisonous for cats and how you can keep your feline friends safe!
Did you realize before that there are many foods that can be poisonous for cats? I certainly did not think about this when I first took on caring for a cat. I would offer my kitty anything he wanted- because it is super cute, right? And a great way to bond and show love to your kitty. Sort of. This blog post will tell you about the most common people foods that should never be given to your cat.
For toxic plants that need to be kept away from your kitty, consult our article here.
If your cat has ingested any of these, it is important to consult a vet immediately and call ASPCA poison control.
Even if in doubt, seek help to make sure that your cat is okay. If something seems, ‘off,’ with your cat, you could very well be right.
Symptoms and signs of poisoning are, but are in no way limited to:
Some toxic foods can cause mild discomfort, while others can be lethal. Again, if in doubt- take action. Call your vet immediately and/or a pet poison helpline. (Easily found by doing a quick, Google search for one in your country).
Remember to also research any people food you may be giving your cat before treating them. No one wants to accidentally harm their cat. Especially when you meant to give them something special!
If you have any doubts about whether or not your pet should eat a certain food item, speak with the veterinarian ahead of time and find out their stance on it before giving it to them.
” It’s a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 (or your country’s equivalent)– where you know you can find them in an emergency. And if you think your cat has consumed something that’s toxic, call for emergency help at once.”
Pet MD
NOTE: IF your cat may have eaten something toxic, you can also contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
The most common people food by far that is poisonous for paws is chocolate. Did you know that as little as 0.2 ounces can make a cat sick and 2 ounces of baking chocolate can kill a cat? But why is chocolate poisonous for cats? It’s so delicious. What a delicious poison!
The reason that chocolate is poisonous for cats is that it contains theobromine. This chemical acts as a stimulant to humans, but in high doses can be poisonous to felines.
The chemical stimulates the heart and central nervous system of cats while causing them to release more urine than normal. This eventually leads to acute toxicosis (or poisoning).
In addition, theobromine is poisonous to cats because it is a diuretic, meaning that it causes the feline’s body to pull water out of cells.
The end result is dehydration from excessive urination and an abnormal heart rate.
The second part of chocolate that is poisonous to cats is caffeine. The caffeine found in chocolate causes vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
To put it in a nutshell, and if you want even more science on the issue, these two toxic substances for cats- caffeine and theobromine- belong to the methylxanthine’s compound category. They are methylxanthine compounds.
Methylxanthine compounds are found in the cocoa bean and are also found in some other plants. Since chocolate is made from the cocoa bean, methylxanthine compounds are included in the chocolate.
Clever cat owners can remember to keep chocolate away from furry friends by noting that this means more chocolate for them!
How much chocolate is too much for a cat? What about the tiniest bit?
It’s hard to say for sure, but it is safe to say that any amount can cause illness in your cat. Best to avoid completely in all cases!
If your cat ingests any amount of chocolate, you will need to phone the pet poison hotline and/or talk to your veternarian. immediately.
The SprucePets gives a helpful chart on toxicity. levels of chocolate. But as stated above, these are very general amounts, and in all cases, you will need to phone the pet poison hotline and/or talk to your veterinarian immediately in the case of any amount and kind of chocolate ingestion by your cat.
Chocolate Toxicity Levels in Cats
| Type of Chocolate | Minimum Amount That Can Be Toxic to an 8 lb. Cat |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1.14 oz |
| Dark | 0.5 oz |
| Semisweet | 0.5 oz |
| Baking | 0.2 oz |
| White | Not a concern |
Signs of Chocolate Poisoning Specifically:
Want to know what the specific symptoms are of chocolate poisoning in cats? Check out these symptoms given by a certified veterinarian, Dr. Evan Ware of Phoenix, Arizona, on the WedgewoodPharmacy website:
“Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:
There are also some symptoms that the cat’s owner may not be able to identify, such as low blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms may only be discoverable by a veterinarian.”
Wait what about liver? Isn’t that one of the classic treat foods that comes to mind when you think of treating your cat? Isn’t it part of what makes your cat a cat? although liver may have been indirectly promoted in pop culture, media, videos, t.v. shows, and children’s story books as something all cats love, it is not a great idea to be feeding this to your furry friend.
-vitamin A toxicity (affects your cat’s bones and can even lead to death)
-bone deformation
-growths on bones
-osteoporosis.
The temporary joy your cat may get from some delicious liver is not worth the potential suffering later. There are other treats your cat will love just as much that will not have such terrible consequences!
Another food to avoid giving to cats is onions, garlic, and related vegetables because they are also toxic for cats.
Garlic and onions are toxic because they contain a compound called thiosulfate.
This is an essential ingredient in the making of rat and cockroach poisons which are extremely toxic for cats as well!
The build-up of this toxin eventually leads to hemolytic anemia with jaundice, or blood cells breaking down from sheer toxicity.
Some onions produce Aflatoxins that can be absorbed through the skin as well; this can lead to erythema or skin redness.
The best thing to do is avoid them with your cat and keep an eye out for these symptoms if you have been handling them yourself. Wash your hands after handling onions!
How much onion or garlic is too much for a cat?
It is said that just one slice of onion in a cat’s food can cause enough anemia to kill them!
This level of toxicity is not seen with garlic, but it’s still best to avoid giving it to your pets.
Why would raw meat be bad for cats? Or raw eggs? Or bones? Aren’t these classic cat snacks?
I’m sure I have seen a cartoon somewhere as a child where a cat has been chewing on a bone.
And, don’t cat’s eat raw meat in the wild?
I know my cat seems to be interested in raw eggs, as well.
The reason that raw eggs, raw meat, and bones are bad for your cat is that they can contain a parasite that is toxoplasma.
This can make your cat seriously ill and may even kill them!
But, it’s not just raw eggs or meat or bones that are bad for cats this also includes any type of fish product.
Fish often has high levels of mercury.
This can also seriously harm your cat and in some cases, it may even kill them.
What about canned tuna?
I know a lot of cats love to eat this! However, while this is not as bad for your cat’s health as raw eggs or meat it does have high levels of mercury.
It’s best that you avoid feeding your cat any type of fish product.
If they’re going to eat a seafood-based diet, it should be one with low levels of mercury and in smaller quantities.
Another thing to avoid is caffeinated drinks. While this won’t cause your cat any direct harm it can lead to the animal developing a caffeine dependency and experiencing serious health consequences as a result of that addiction.
Caffeine acts on the cats body as a stimulant and can cause them to become hyperactive, have trouble sleeping and urinate more frequently.
so is caffeine actually toxic to cats?
Yes. Caffeine is toxic to cats, as it acts on their bodies as a stimulant and can cause negative side effects on the body.
Cats are naturally drawn to caffeine because they’re trying their best to get rid of the substance from their body. How does that make sense?
Cats have a natural aversion to anything harmful. This is their body’s way of trying not to ingest the substance, but it often leads them right back into a caffeine addiction as they try and get rid of the substance from their system with more exposure which only makes things worse for them in the long run.
Caffeine is found in the following foods: coffee, tea, chocolate (especially dark), sodas, and energy drinks. If in doubt, check it out! Do the research to see if there is any caffeine in there.
Milk is found in a lot of foods, so it’s important to read the label. Milk can be found in breads, whipped cream and desserts. The dairy protein is hard for cats to digest and it can cause stomach upset if a cat ingests too much.
Milk contains lactose which is not easily digested by cats due to their lack of the enzyme needed to break down this.
Dairy products can also cause stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
-Cats should never be fed milk due to the high lactose content, and even in small amounts it could be harmful because of their limited ability to digest dairy proteins.
-Some cats will have an allergic reaction after consuming milk
-Cats should also be aware that some people foods can look similar to their regular food, and they may not have the ability to tell the difference. This is why it’s important for cats to eat only cat food.
Dog food and iced tea are both harmful to cats. One common misconception is that if a human can tolerate it, the cat will be able to as well. This couldn’t be further from the truth! These items have high amounts of salt, which can lead to kidney disease in cats when ingested over time or in large quantities
In addition, dog food is composed to meet the needs of your dog and not your cat!
Your pet needs different vitamins and nutrients than a dog does, so giving them something that they can’t digest or is not intended for their species will lead to health issues
It’s also important to remember that the kibble in most cases contains wheat gluten as a binding agent. Cats are unable to process this protein, which can lead to an upset stomach
Lastly, keep in mind that while some dog foods can be given as supplemental feedings for a cat, they should never make up the main diet. Cats need protein and carbohydrates from different sources than dogs do
A cat’s digestive system is not the same as a dog’s, which means that they need different proteins than your cat does.
Ultimately, while the odd bite of dog food will not harm your cat, a steady diet of dog food will lead to malnourishment in your cat- which is itself a problem- that will lead to even more problems!
Another common people food that should never be given to your cat is raisins and grapes. Although these are considered healthy snacks for many people, they can cause renal failure in cats
These types of foods can also be harmful to your cat’s digestive system, as they contain high levels of sugar.
Moreover, scientists have found that there is an unknown substance in grapes and raisins that can cause kidney failure in cats.
The ASPCA advises for no grapes and raisins altogether until we have more information on this mystery substance. Giving your cat a grape or raisin is not worth the risk. Reach for a safe treat instead.
This one is very harmful to cats. Xylitol is a type of artificial sweetener used in some candies, chocolates, and chewing gum. This should not be given to your cat at all .
Be sure to read labels, as Xylitol can easily go unnoticed in produced goods.
Xylitol can cause insulin spikes and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Ingestion of just one stick of gum or candy can be lethal.
If you suspect your cat has consumed xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately It’s important that they are seen as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
This is an obvious one. Cats should be consuming any kind of alcohol ever. This means no wine, beer, liquor, or foods that contain alcohol- and any other kind of alcohol. No alcohol ever. Cats can’t process alcohol and even small doses will have a toxic effect on their system. Just think of how small cats are!
Check out this information from Fetch by WebMD: “That’s because alcohol has the same effect on a cat’s liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms.”
Just think about the effects of alcohol on a human, and then shrink that human from 150lbs to 15lbs. How much would it take to affect a human if it was ten times smaller? Not much, right?
There is therefore no way to give your cat alcohol in any safe amount.
Alcohol is one of the most common foods that are poisonous for cats. It is really good, for that reason, to keep that fact in mind.
Spilled some of your wine on the kitchen floor? Clean that bad guy up right away! It is not cute or funny if your cat comes over and has a lick!
Avacado
Yeast Dough
Green tomatoes
Potatoes
The best way to prevent poisoning in your cat is, of course, to do your research on the people food you offer to your friend first, before offering.
Make sure your cat is not chewing on random things, including something as innocent-sounding as a plastic bag. Keep your eyes on your kitten.
Cat-proof your house by making sure that nothing dangerous is accessible to kittens and cats and use your ‘cat-sense.’
In addition to this, keep any harmful and/or toxic foods out of reach or in locked cabinets where they can’t be reached by paws.
It is also important to know what foods are poisonous for cats so that you can keep them away from danger and save a friend’s life!
Have your vet’s number and a pet poison control number posted on your fridge and in your phone for easy and fast access.
People foods that are safe for cats are
– Fish (cooked, canned or fresh)
– Beef (cooked, lean only), Chicken (cooked), Turkey (if they are not allergic to it)
– Eggs: these can be hard boiled but should never contain runny whites. They also need to be finely chopped –
– Vegetables: these should be finely diced and only include carrot, peas, corn kernels. these can be cooked, raw or pureed and should not have sugar.
– Rice (cooked) with a pinch of salt or plain water for moisture. This is a great alternative for cats that don’t like their food as it has no flavor and can also help with digestion problems
– Dry cat food that has been approved by your vet to ensure it does not contain any harmful ingredients.
Remember that small amounts of people foods as treats are fine for your cat, but your cats main meals need to always come from food made especially for them, and food that has been approved of as safe and healthy by your vet.
If you see your pet eating something toxic, do not panic.
Remove the animal from the food if it is safe to do so without risk of getting hurt or causing injury
Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian in order to avoid aspiration into the lungs and keep airway clear.
Monitor for symptoms.
If it is something you know is especially toxic, call for help immediately and explain the situation.
If the animal is having seizures, breathing problems, or has collapsed.
If there are other symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you are in doubt- check it out!
The most important thing to remember is that if you are not sure about a food’s safety for your cat, don’t risk it. Consult with your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 888-426-4435 before giving any foods to your pet. If you suspect your cat has ingested something poisonous, call APCC immediately and take them in for treatment as soon as possible. You can find more information on toxic foods on their website. We hope these tips help keep kitty safe from dangerous people foods!
It is important to remember that even though some people foods are poisonous for cats, there are many healthy and safe options as well. If you have any questions about what your cat should be eating or if they’ve ingested something toxic, please contact a veterinarian immediately.
Remember to keep an eye out on the following signs of poisoning in case your pet has eaten one of these common human food items- vomiting, diarrhea with blood or mucus, lethargy (lethargic), loss of appetite, difficulty breathing (labored breathing) sudden drooling/foaming at the mouth; seizures; pale gums; increased heart rate; tremors and muscle contractions. These can all indicate that your cat may need veterinary help!
Cats are curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings, so it’s no surprise when they find a tasty snack. However, some of the foods you might keep in your kitchen can be toxic or even deadly for cats. Here is our list of common people foods and drinks that should never enter your cat’s mouth.
These items may not kill an adult cat outright as many pets have survived after eating something poisonous (most often by vomiting), but don’t take any chances with your beloved pet! If you suspect your kitty has eaten one of these poisons, call in for help immediately!
I hope this article wasn’t all doom and gloom. It was not meant to cause panic, but to inform cat-owners. There are great foods you can give your cat! What are some of your safe foods for your pet? Let us know below! 🙂
Further Reading/Watching:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
https://www.vets-now.com/2017/02/foods-poisonous-to-cats/
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/ss/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat (never eat!)
https://www.ovrs.com/blog/can-cats-eat-chocolate/ (what they can eat)
https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/dangerous-plants (lists of plants to avoid and plants that are safe)
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/ss/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat
https://www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com/blog/posts/chocolate-poisoning-in-cats-what-you-need-to-know.html
https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-much-chocolate-is-toxic-to-dogs-and-cats-3385506
https://rawznaturalpetfood.com/foods-your-cat-should-never-eat/
This is SO HELPFUL! I’m a cat dad and even though I’ve been one for years and years, there’s still stuff I don’t know and am still learning.
There might be sites like this all over the place, but even having this page here was incredibly helpful at least for me. So thank you!
Hi there! No problem! Glad I could help 🙂 thanks for your response 🙂
I have a senior cat that I got from the SPCA. She appears to be allergic to certain foods. I’m now only feeding her chicken-based foods that don’t contain animal byproducts. Her scratching does not appear to have subsided. How long does it take before you notice a reduction in the amount of scratching your cat as a result of the allergy? She’s been on this new diet for a few weeks now, right?
Hi Ben,
Great question! I actually don’t know a lot about cat allergies. I didn’t think that a cat could be allergic to chicken until you mentioned it. Maybe because it is rare in humans.
I found a couple of articles… I hope they help. One is on how to test your cat for allergies and the other recommends some foods for cats with allergies. They are attached below.
I had a really hard time finding information on how long it should take for the itching to go away. I saw 2-4 weeks, but your best bet would be to talk to your vet about that one 🙂 Thanks for your response!
https://vcacanada.com/know-you…
Thanks for writing a very nice articles about cat and dog foods. I learned a lot from your website regarding what food cat and dogs can eat. The most important thing is to keep pets healthy. If there is doubt on the food, you should not feed the pet. Keep it up.
Thanks Mohamed! All the best to you 🙂
This is a post that really suits me because we have cats in our house too. Thanks so much for this post. I’ve never really heard of chocolate poisoning cats. I just heard today that dog food is poisonous. I think it would be nice to send this post to my aunt as well. Because she cares more about cats than I do. Thanks again.
Hi Pasindu,
Glad I could help. Have a great weekend 🙂
Hi Beth,
Thank you so much for sharing this article. I can literally say you saved my cat’s life.
I use to give her tuna every day, even twice a day, and sometimes raw meat. Thank God nothing has happened to her so far. From now on, I will give her only cooked fish and her food or rice. She loves cucumbers. Is it toxic for cats? Now, I am afraid to give her some snacks.
I thank you again for this useful post!
Hi Daniella,
No problem at all. I’m glad your cat is safe and sound 🙂 The ASPCA has lists of all sorts of foods for cats if you are ever in doubt. It doesn’t cover all of them but it covers a lot. It looks like cucumbers are okay! Here’s the link:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care…
I have to say I am guilty of giving tuna to my cat as well. I think that cooked in small amounts, as a treat it is okay. It’s just that a lot can give the cats too much mercury in their diet.
Here’s more info on tuna:
https://now.tufts.edu/articles…
Thank you for your response! All the best to you and your cat.
Beth
