10 Foods and Drinks Harmful to Cats You Should Avoid

Sometimes, cats eat food not intended for them — whether its a holiday emergency substitute, an occasional treat, or from raiding the fridge. While most foods in small amounts wont cause serious harm, some are toxic and can threaten your cats health. Understanding which common foods and drinks to avoid is essential for responsible pet owners.

1. Alcohol and Alcohol-Containing Products

Alcohol is highly toxic to cats. Even a small amount, such as a tablespoon, can cause severe symptoms including vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulties, coma, or even death. Items like mouthwash or fermented foods containing alcohol should also be kept out of reach. If you suspect your cat has ingested alcohol, seek immediate veterinary care.

2. Chocolate and Caffeine

Chocolate contains theobromine, which cats cannot metabolise. This toxin can cause vomiting, increased heart rate, seizures, and muscle tremors. While cats often avoid sweets, any chocolate ingestion should be treated as an emergency by contacting your vet. Similarly, caffeine in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some soft drinks can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations, and tremors. Always keep caffeinated products secured from your cat.

3. Grapes and Raisins

Though more thoroughly documented as toxic to dogs, grapes and raisins may also pose a risk to cats by potentially causing kidney damage. Its best to store these foods safely away from your cat to prevent accidental consumption, especially since they might play with grapes but usually dont eat them.

4. Onions, Garlic, and Related Foods

Foods in the allium family, including onions, garlic, shallots, and chives, contain compounds that can damage cats red blood cells, leading to anaemia. While small traces in cooked food are unlikely to cause harm, avoid allowing your cat to consume whole cloves or large amounts. If they do, veterinary advice is warranted promptly.

5. Dairy Products

Contrary to popular belief, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products can cause digestive upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea. If your cat enjoys milk, choose specially formulated lactose-free "cat milk" available in supermarkets for treats that are safer for their digestive systems.

6. Raw Meat, Eggs, Fish, and Fat Trimmings

Raw foods carry risks of harmful bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious illness in cats. Excess fat trimmings may induce digestive upset or pancreatitis. If interested in raw feeding, choose high-quality commercial raw cat foods and handle them hygienically.

7. Tuna (Human Grade)

Tuna prepared for humans, not formulated for cats, can upset digestion and lead to health problems if fed frequently. Commercial cat foods that include tuna are balanced for your cats needs, so avoid sharing your table-grade tuna as a regular treat.

8. Salty Foods

Small amounts of salty snacks like crisps may not harm cats, but large quantities can cause salt poisoning, which leads to neurological symptoms and can be life-threatening. Keep salty foods out of your cats reach to avoid accidental ingestion.

9. Foods Containing Sugar-Free Sweeteners

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in gum, sweets, medicines, and some condiments, is very dangerous, particularly to dogs but also a potential risk for cats. While no confirmed cases in cats exist yet, its safest to keep any xylitol-containing products away from your cat entirely.

10. Citrus Fruits and Raw Dough

Large ingestion of citrus fruits (peels, seeds, stems) may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or skin irritation. Raw dough can expand in the stomach and ferment to produce alcohol, risking obstruction and intoxication. Avoid giving these to your cat or allowing them access.

Conclusion

This list covers the most common foods and drinks harmful to cats, but other items like rhubarb, nutmeg, cherries, certain mushrooms, and yeast can also be dangerous. Most cats are discerning eaters, yet accidents can happen. Being informed and vigilant helps keep your feline companion safe and healthy. Responsible feeding and prompt veterinary attention when needed can make all the difference.