24 Everyday Foods That You Didn’t Know Were Toxic to Your Cat
Cats are curious creatures, often tempted to try the foods their humans enjoy. However, many everyday human foods can be dangerous or even toxic to them.
Even well-intentioned feeding can lead to serious health issues or emergencies. As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to know which foods to keep away from our feline friends.
Here are 24 common human foods that are harmful to cats and should always be avoided to keep your cat healthy and safe.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.
Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous due to their higher concentrations of these toxic substances.
2. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and related vegetables like shallots and leeks can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, can be harmful.
Symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning include lethargy, weakness, reduced appetite, and pale gums.
3. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts. The exact toxic compound is unknown, but symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain.
Immediate veterinary care is needed if ingestion is suspected.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol, even in small amounts, is extremely toxic to cats. It affects their liver and brain much like it does in humans, but cats are far more sensitive.
Ingesting alcohol can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, difficulty breathing, coma, and even death.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas and is highly toxic to cats. It can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures.
There is no antidote for caffeine poisoning, making prevention crucial.
6. Xylitol
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in gum, candies, and some peanut butters, can cause a rapid insulin release in cats, leading to hypoglycemia. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures.
Xylitol ingestion can also lead to liver failure and death.
7. Raw Eggs
Feeding cats raw eggs can lead to two potential health problems: salmonella infection and biotin deficiency. Raw eggs may contain bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, and raw egg whites contain avidin, which can inhibit the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin.
8. Raw Fish
While it may seem natural to feed fish to cats, raw fish can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Raw fish also contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), which is essential for cats.
A deficiency can lead to neurological problems, including convulsions.
9. Dairy Products
Many cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose in milk and dairy products. Consuming dairy can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Opt for lactose-free alternatives if you want to give your cat a milky treat.
10. Bones and Fat Trimmings
Bones and fat trimmings can pose several risks to cats. Bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter and cause choking or intestinal blockages. Fat trimmings, whether cooked or raw, can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
11. Raw Dough
Raw dough containing yeast can expand in a cat's stomach, leading to bloating and potentially causing the stomach to twist—a life-threatening condition. The fermentation process also produces alcohol, which can cause alcohol poisoning in cats.
12. Avocado
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. While persin is more toxic to birds and some other animals, it’s still best to avoid giving avocado to your cat, as the pits and skin can also be choking hazards.
13. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to cats, causing lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, tremors, and loss of coordination. Even small amounts can lead to severe symptoms, and immediate veterinary attention is required if ingestion is suspected.
14. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges contain citric acid and essential oils that can irritate a cat’s stomach and cause central nervous system depression in large amounts. Even small amounts can cause stomach upset, so it’s best to keep all citrus fruits away from cats.
15. Salty Foods
Foods high in salt, such as chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn, can cause excessive thirst, urination, and even sodium poisoning in cats. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures, requiring immediate veterinary care.
16. Chocolate Chip Cookies and Sweets
Cookies, especially those containing chocolate chips, xylitol, or raisins, are a triple threat to cats. Even if they do not contain these specific toxic ingredients, the high sugar and fat content can lead to obesity and diabetes in the long term.
17. Canned Tuna
While cats often enjoy tuna, too much can be harmful. Canned tuna, especially those not made specifically for cats, can lead to mercury poisoning, nutritional imbalances, and dependency. Moderation is key if you choose to give tuna as an occasional treat.
18. Fatty Meats
High-fat meats like bacon, sausage, and fatty cuts of pork can lead to obesity and pancreatitis in cats. Pancreatitis is a severe condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas, leading to digestive issues and requiring urgent veterinary care.
19. Mushrooms
Some types of mushrooms contain toxins that can affect multiple organ systems in cats, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and liver damage. Wild mushrooms are particularly dangerous, so keep cats away from any form of fungi, especially outdoors.
20. Nightshade Vegetables
Vegetables from the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, contain solanine, which is toxic to cats. Consuming these vegetables can cause gastrointestinal issues, confusion, lethargy, and even central nervous system depression.
21. Baby Food Containing Onion Powder
While plain meat baby food can sometimes be safe for cats, avoid any baby food that contains onion powder. Even small amounts of onion powder can lead to toxicity in cats, damaging their red blood cells and leading to anemia.
22. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods containing chili, peppers, or hot sauce can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and discomfort in cats. The capsaicin found in spicy foods can irritate a cat’s digestive tract and should be strictly avoided.
23. Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is toxic to cats and can cause hallucinations, increased heart rate, disorientation, and even seizures. It is found in many baked goods and holiday recipes, so be cautious during the festive season.
24. Rhubarb
Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid and soluble oxalates that are highly toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to drooling, lethargy, tremors, and kidney failure. Ensure that all rhubarb is kept away from pets to prevent accidental poisoning.
