What Foods Are Toxic to Cats?
It's tempting to share a little treat with your cat, especially when they watch every bite you eat with curious eyes.
However, many everyday foods that are perfectly safe for people can be harmful—or even life-threatening—for cats. Because cats process certain substances very differently from humans, even small amounts of some foods can cause serious health problems.
Here's a guide to the foods you should always keep out of your cat's bowl.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the best-known foods that are toxic to pets.
It contains theobromine, a compound that cats cannot metabolise efficiently. Even small amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, an increased heart rate, tremors, or seizures.
Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain the highest levels of theobromine and are the most dangerous, but milk and white chocolate should also be avoided.
Grapes and raisins
Although the exact reason isn't fully understood, grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney injury in both cats and dogs.
Even a small amount may be enough to make a cat seriously ill, so it's safest to keep all grapes, raisins, and foods containing them well out of reach.
Onions, garlic, shallots and chives
These members of the allium family are highly toxic to cats.
Whether raw, cooked, dried, or powdered, they can damage red blood cells and lead to haemolytic anaemia.
They're commonly found in soups, sauces, gravies, and many prepared meals, so avoid sharing seasoned human food with your cat.
Alcohol
Cats are extremely sensitive to alcohol.
Even tiny amounts can affect the nervous system and cause vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulties, low body temperature, or, in severe cases, coma.
Alcoholic drinks should never be left where a curious cat can investigate them.
Coffee, tea and caffeine
Caffeine is another substance that cats cannot tolerate well.
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and caffeine-containing products can overstimulate the heart and nervous system, leading to restlessness, rapid heartbeat, tremors, seizures, and other serious symptoms.
Raw potatoes
Cooked, plain potatoes aren't toxic, although they provide little nutritional benefit for cats.
Raw potatoes, however, contain solanine, a naturally occurring compound that can be toxic if consumed in sufficient quantities.
Keep raw potatoes and potato peelings safely out of your cat's reach while cooking.
Raw egg whites
Cooked eggs can occasionally be offered in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Raw egg whites, however, contain avidin, a protein that interferes with the absorption of biotin (vitamin B7). They may also carry bacteria such as Salmonella.
If you choose to offer your cat egg, it should always be thoroughly cooked and served plain.
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are well known for being toxic to dogs, and while reports in cats are less common, they should still be avoided.
More generally, nuts are not an appropriate food for cats. Some may contain moulds that produce harmful toxins, while others are simply too high in fat and difficult to digest.
What should you do if your cat eats a toxic food?
If you know—or even suspect—that your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Do not try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional, as this can sometimes make the situation worse.
If possible, note:
- what your cat ate;
- approximately how much they ate;
- when it happened.
This information will help your veterinarian recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Acting quickly can make a significant difference to your cat's recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods should cats never eat?
Cats should never eat chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, shallots, chives, alcohol, caffeine, raw potatoes, or raw egg whites. These foods can cause serious health problems, even in small amounts.
What are the most dangerous foods for cats?
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and alcohol are among the most dangerous foods because they can cause severe poisoning, kidney damage, or destruction of red blood cells.
Can cats eat cooked potatoes?
Plain cooked potatoes aren't toxic, but they offer little nutritional value for cats, which are obligate carnivores. Raw potatoes should always be avoided.
My cat ate chocolate. What should I do?
Contact your veterinarian immediately, even if your cat seems normal. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning may not appear straight away, and prompt treatment gives the best chance of a full recovery.
Can I give my cat table scraps?
It's generally best to avoid feeding table scraps. Many human foods are too rich, highly seasoned, or contain ingredients that are unsafe for cats. A complete, balanced cat food remains the safest choice for meeting your cat's nutritional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foods are toxic to dogs?
My cat vomits kibble: is it ill?
Read more
My Dog Eats Too Fast: How Can I Help Him Slow Down?
My Dog Eats Too Fast: How Can I Help Him Slow Down? Does your dog finish their entire meal in seconds? Some dogs seem to inhale their food before you've even put the bowl down. While a healthy appe...
Where Should You Put Your Cat's Food Bowl?
Where Should You Put Your Cat's Food Bowl? Setting up your cat's feeding area may seem like a small detail, but it can make a real difference to their comfort and wellbeing. Cats like to eat where ...