Cats are fascinating creatures with unique nutritional needs. As obligate carnivores, their diet is nothing like ours—or even a dog’s. Unlike dogs, who need 37 essential nutrients, cats require 41 to thrive. But their specialized digestive system also means some everyday human foods can be incredibly dangerous for them.
Even a tiny amount of certain ingredients can harm your cat, causing serious health issues—or worse. To keep your feline friend safe, here’s a list of 16 foods you should always keep out of their reach.
1. Chocolate
Dark chocolate and baking chocolate pose the greatest risk to cats due to theobromine and caffeine content. Even a small amount of 0.2 ounces of baking chocolate can be dangerous for an 8-pound cat. (ref)
Chocolate ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythms in cats. While most cats won’t naturally gravitate toward chocolate, it’s crucial to keep all forms of it, including white chocolate, safely stored away.
2. Alcohol
Even tiny amounts of alcohol can be devastating to cats, with just two teaspoons of whiskey potentially causing a coma in a 5-pound cat. One additional teaspoon could prove fatal.
Alcohol poisoning in cats manifests through vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, disorientation, and breathing problems. This includes not just alcoholic beverages but also foods containing alcohol and even rubbing alcohol.
3. Onions & Garlic
All members of the Allium family, including onions, garlic, chives, and leeks, can cause severe damage to cats’ red blood cells. Garlic is particularly dangerous, being five times more toxic than onions.
These foods can trigger anemia in cats whether they’re raw, cooked, powdered, or dried. Even small amounts consumed over time can lead to poisoning, causing lethargy, pale gums, weakness, and potentially death.
4. Caffeine
Coffee, tea, and energy drinks contain dangerous levels of caffeine that can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors in cats. The toxic dose can vary based on the concentration.
Concentrated forms like coffee grounds, tea bags, and caffeine pills pose the highest risk. Signs of caffeine poisoning can appear within 30 minutes of consumption and may require immediate veterinary attention.
5. Raw Dough
Unbaked bread dough can expand in a cat’s warm stomach, causing severe pain and potential blockage. The fermentation process also produces alcohol as a byproduct.
The combination of stomach expansion and alcohol production makes raw dough particularly dangerous. Even small amounts can cause life-threatening complications requiring emergency surgery.
6. Grapes & Raisins
While the exact toxic substance remains unknown, both grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in cats. Even a small amount can make a cat seriously ill.
Symptoms typically appear within 12-24 hours and include repeated vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal pain. The severity of the reaction can vary, but it’s best to avoid these fruits entirely.
7. Dairy Products
Despite popular belief, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Their bodies stop producing sufficient lactase after weaning from their mother’s milk.
Regular consumption of milk and dairy products can lead to digestive issues, including diarrhea and vomiting. Even small amounts of cheese or cream can cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive cats.
8. Raw Meat & Fish
Uncooked meat and fish may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Raw fish also contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine, an essential B vitamin for cats.
Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious neurological problems, including convulsions and coma. (ref) While cats are natural carnivores, their food should be properly prepared to avoid these risks.
9. Tuna (Human Grade)
Regular consumption of human-grade tuna can lead to malnutrition and mercury poisoning in cats. The high levels of unsaturated fatty acids without sufficient vitamin E can cause painful inflammation of body fat.
While cats may love the taste, tuna meant for humans lacks the proper nutrient balance found in commercial cat food. It should only be given as an occasional treat, if at all.
10. Dog Food
While not immediately toxic, dog food lacks essential nutrients that cats need for survival. Cats require higher levels of protein, vitamin A, taurine, and arachidonic acid than dogs.
Long-term consumption of dog food can lead to severe malnutrition in cats. Even occasional feeding can disrupt their dietary balance and should be avoided.
11. Avocado
The skin, pit, and leaves of avocados contain persin, which can be toxic to cats. While the flesh contains lower levels, it’s still high in fat and calories.
Avocado oil should be completely avoided as it can trigger inflammation in the pancreas, even in small amounts. The pit also presents a serious choking hazard.
12. Macadamia Nuts
These nuts can cause lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, and weakness in cats. Both raw and roasted varieties, including their oils, are dangerous.
The high fat content can also trigger severe digestive issues and pancreatitis. Keep all tree nuts away from your feline companion to prevent potential complications.
13. Coconut
Coconut and its byproducts can cause stomach upset and electrolyte imbalances in cats. The high potassium content can be particularly problematic.
The flesh and milk are also high in fat, which can lead to digestive issues and potential pancreatitis in sensitive cats.
14. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs pose a dual threat: potential bacterial contamination and interference with biotin absorption. An enzyme in raw egg whites can prevent proper absorption of this essential B vitamin.
Biotin deficiency can lead to serious skin and coat problems in cats. While cooked eggs can be safe in moderation, raw eggs should always be avoided.
15. Baby Food
Many commercial baby foods contain onion or garlic powder as flavoring agents. These ingredients can be toxic to cats even in small amounts.
The concentrated nature of these seasonings makes them particularly dangerous. Always check ingredients carefully if considering baby food as a temporary feeding solution.
16. Green Potatoes & Tomatoes
Raw or green potatoes contain solanine, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological problems in cats. Even small amounts can lead to serious complications.
While ripe tomatoes are less concerning, green tomatoes and tomato plants contain similar toxic compounds. These can cause hallucinations, cardiac issues, and even paralysis in severe cases.
Protecting your cat’s health requires vigilance and knowledge about their dietary needs. While this list covers many common hazards, it’s not exhaustive. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat’s diet.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.