What can cats not eat? There are plenty of foods that cats should not eat, including onions, garlic, chives, grapes and raisins. Other toxic foods include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, candy and gum.
As cat mom to seven cats, I’ve done some heavy research on what foods are safe and not safe for our furry friends in order to safeguard their wellbeing. Cats can’t eat everything that we humans can, so it’s important to make sure they don’t ingest food that could be dangerous for them.
Here is a list of the common foods that cats shouldn’t eat, why they’re bad for them and what to do if your kitty has accidentally ingested something toxic.
1 Grapes and Raisins
2 Chocolate
3 Caffeine
4 Alcohol
5 Onions and Garlic
6 Xylitol
7 Macadamia Nuts
8 Raw Fish and Eggs
9 Raw Meat and Bones
10 Raw Bread Dough Containing Yeast
11 Dairy Products
12 Mushrooms
13 Nutmeg
14 Fruit Pits and Seeds
15 Avocado
16 Salt
17 Hops
18 Citrus Fruits
Summary
1 Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can be deadly for felines, as they contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney failure. Cats are very sensitive to the toxin and even small amounts of grapes or raisins can lead to severe medical issues or even death.
If a cat has ingested either of these fruits, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea, and dehydration. If left untreated, cats may suffer from severe kidney damage which could result in irreversible organ failure and death.
2 Chocolate
Chocolate can be toxic for cats, as it contains theobromine and caffeine. Even a small amount can cause heart problems, kidney failure or seizures.
The amount of toxicity depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed; dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is the most dangerous.
It’s best to keep all forms of chocolate out of reach from curious cats and if your cat has ingested any seek immediate veterinary care.
3 Caffeine
Caffeine may give us a pick-me-up, but it’s definitely not something you’d want your furry friend ingesting.
Caffeine can be found in many foods such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, chocolate and some over-the-counter medications. It is toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, heart palpitations, seizures, and even death.
Even small amounts of caffeine can have serious consequences for cats so it’s important to make sure that all foods containing caffeine are kept out of reach and away from your cat.
If your cat has ingested any of these items or if they are exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned then you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
4 Alcohol
Alcohol is highly toxic to cats and even small amounts can cause serious harm. Cats can get intoxicated just like humans, but because they are so much smaller even a tablespoon can cause liver and/or brain damage.
If ingested, alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of coordination, slowed breathing, disorientation and even death in some cases.
The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount ingested and how quickly medical attention is sought.
If you think your pet has consumed any type of alcohol product, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for assistance.
5 Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic may be tasty ingredients in many savory dishes, but they’re definitely not something that should ever be given to your feline friend.
Both onions and garlic contain compounds called thiosulphates, which can damage a cat’s red blood cells and cause anaemia. Ingesting even small amounts of these compounds can lead to severe health problems for your pet, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, panting, fever, anorexia, discoloured urine or gums.
If you suspect that your cat has eaten either onion or garlic by accident – e.g. if you spilled some while cooking – make sure to seek veterinary help right away.
Your vet can provide supportive care and prescribe medication to protect the cat’s red blood cells from further damage.
6 Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many foods like gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels and severe liver damage if ingested by cats.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, weakness, seizures and even death.
It’s important for cat owners to keep all products containing xylitol out of their pet’s reach. If you think your cat has eaten anything with xylitol in it, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately for advice on what steps to take next.
Don’t wait too long as prompt action could save your cat’s life!
7 Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can be a real no-no for kitties, as they can cause vomiting, weakness, and depression.
Eating these nuts can even lead to the inability to walk in some cats, making it important for cat owners to keep them out of reach. Other symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning include lethargy, tremors, and an elevated body temperature.
If your beloved cat has eaten any macadamia nuts, contact your veterinarian immediately. It’s also important to monitor your cat closely for signs of further distress after ingestion.
8 Raw Fish and Eggs
Raw fish and eggs can be incredibly dangerous for your furry friend. They are a popular snack for humans, but not for cats. Raw fish can contain parasites that are harmful to cats, while the bacteria in raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency and anaemia.
In addition, raw eggs may also contain salmonella or other bacteria that can make cats extremely sick. Symptoms of sickness from eating these items include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
If your cat has ingested any of these items, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the situation, they may need medical treatment or dietary changes to prevent further complications and infections.
9 Raw Meat and Bones
You should never feed your feline friend raw meat or bones, as they can cause serious health issues. Raw meat contains bacteria that can make cats ill, and the bones can splinter in their digestive tract and cause damage.
Eating raw meat could result in cats developing food poisoning from harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, and infection from parasites like trichinosis or toxoplasmosis. Symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, dehydration, loss of appetite and lethargy. The bone fragments may also cause blockages in their intestines which can be fatal if not treated quickly enough.
As a cat owner, it’s important to understand that feeding them raw meat or bones is not only dangerous but also unnecessary for their diet. Cats are carnivores by nature so there are many other safe alternatives you can provide such as cooked meats with no seasonings added and high-quality canned foods specifically made for cats.
If you suspect that your cat has eaten anything potentially harmful, contact your vet immediately so they can determine the next course of action to help keep them healthy and safe.
10 Raw Bread Dough Containing Yeast
Raw bread dough is a big no-no for cats! Once it enters the stomach the yeast ferments and releases carbon dioxide and ethanol (alcohol). This can lead to severe and painful bloating, and alcohol poisoning.
The symptoms of yeast dough poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, and lethargy.
It’s important to keep your kitty away from all types of raw bread dough or anything else containing yeast.
If your cat eats a large amount of raw yeast dough or seems ill after eating any type of bread product, contact your veterinarian right away.
Treatment may involve IV fluids to flush out toxins and relieve discomfort caused by gas buildup.
Small amounts of baked bread are generally ok for cats, but not recommended as they don’t need carbohydrates.
11 Dairy Products
While dairy can be a beneficial part of your diet, it’s important to remember that cats should avoid most dairy products as they lack the necessary enzymes to digest them properly. Consuming dairy can cause upset stomachs and intestinal issues, such as diarrhoea, vomiting and bloating.
To make matters worse, cats can develop lactose intolerance over time if they consume dairy regularly. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in cats include appetite loss, lethargy and weight loss.
If your cat does happen to eat any dairy products, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian immediately for advice on how to best manage their symptoms.
12 Mushrooms
Mushrooms, while widely consumed by humans, are a huge no-no for cats due to their highly toxic nature. These fungi contain substances that can cause gastrointestinal upset and liver damage in cats if eaten.
Symptoms of mushroom toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and even death in extreme cases. It’s important for cat owners to avoid feeding mushrooms to their cats and keep them away from areas where wild mushrooms may grow.
If a cat does consume any type of mushroom, it is essential to seek veterinary attention immediately as the effects can be life-threatening.
13 Nutmeg
Nutmeg can be fatal for felines, as its consumption can lead to seizures and other serious complications. It contains a compound called myristicin which is toxic to cats and can cause an array of symptoms including vomiting, confusion, rapid heart rate, disorientation, dilated pupils, and tremors.
If your cat ingests nutmeg or any of its products like ground nutmeg or nutmeg oil you should seek medical attention immediately. Try to remember how much was ingested and call the vet with the details so they can provide the best treatment plan.
14 Fruit Pits and Seeds
Be sure to keep your cat away from any fruit pits or seeds, as they can be toxic and cause serious health issues. Many types of fruit pits and seeds contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when it’s metabolised by the body.
This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, liver damage, seizures, and even death in cats. Apricot kernels are especially dangerous due to their high amygdalin content. Even if your cat only ingests a small amount of these toxins, they can still suffer long-term health problems.
So always make sure that any fruits you give your cat are completely seedless and pit-free! If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous like fruit pits or seeds, contact your veterinarian for immediate treatment advice.
15 Avocado
Avocados may seem like a healthy treat, but their persin content can be deadly if your feline friend decides to indulge. This naturally occurring toxin is found in the skin and leaves of avocados and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even respiratory distress in cats.
If your cat has consumed any part of an avocado, take them to the vet immediately as they could have a serious reaction. Keep this fruit far away from your furry companion! Even if they don’t eat it directly, they could end up ingesting some of the toxic ingredients by grooming themselves after touching it with their paws or fur.
16 Salt
Too much salt can cause a range of serious health issues in cats, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even sodium ion poisoning.
If your cat consumes too many salty snacks like chips or popcorn, they may experience excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and seizures.
It’s important to note that cats don’t need added salt in their diet at all; some pet foods contain enough for them.
If you think your cat has eaten something with large amounts of salt in it, contact a veterinarian immediately for advice.
17 Hops
Hops are a key ingredient in beer production and can be toxic to cats if ingested. While the ethanol content of hops is usually low enough that it isn’t considered toxic, ingesting hops can cause severe gastrointestinal issues in cats due to the presence of certain oils and acids.
Symptoms of hop toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, anorexia, lethargy, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
It’s important for cat owners to be aware that hops are off limits to their pets. If your cat has eaten any kind of hop product or been exposed to hops in any way, contact your vet immediately.
18 Citrus Fruits
Although a small amount of citrus fruit flesh may be OK for your cat, the seeds, peel, stems and leaves of citrus fruits are dangerous to cats. They contain high levels of citric acid as well as essential oils which are toxic to cats. The cat would have to eat a lot of fruit to suffer severe sickness however, and this is unlikely as the strong smell puts them off.
Summary
If you think your cat has ingested a toxic food, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Signs that your cat may have eaten something poisonous include vomiting or diarrhoea, difficulty breathing or walking and seizures. It’s better to err on the side of caution, even if your cat isn’t suffering any symptoms.
If you are in doubt about whether a food is suitable for your cat, don’t risk it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Prevention is key in keeping your furry friend safe and healthy, so make sure they only eat foods that are safe for cats!
For more information about keeping your cat safe in the home, see our page Safe Plants For Cats.
