10 Foods and Drinks Harmful to Cats You Should Avoid

Sometimes, cats eat food not intended for them — whether they steal a morsel from the kitchen counter, sneak into a sibling’s bowl, or find something unexpected outdoors. While many human foods are harmless to cats in small quantities, others can cause serious harm. This guide covers what cats can and cannot eat, and what to do if your cat eats something it should not have.

Foods That Are Toxic to Cats

The following foods are toxic to cats and should never be given to them deliberately or left within reach:

• Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks: All members of the Allium family are toxic to cats and can cause damage to red blood cells, leading to anaemia. This includes cooked, raw, and powdered forms.
• Grapes and raisins: The exact toxic mechanism is unknown, but grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in cats.
• Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, found in some sugar-free foods, chewing gum, and certain peanut butters, is toxic to cats and can cause liver failure.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause serious harm to the liver and brain.
• Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications. Caffeine poisoning can cause rapid breathing, tremors, seizures, and heart palpitations.
• Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats. Dark chocolate and cooking chocolate are more dangerous than milk chocolate.
• Raw dough: Yeast in raw dough can ferment in the stomach, producing alcohol and causing bloating.
• Macadamia nuts: Toxic to dogs, and while evidence in cats is more limited, they are best avoided.

Foods That Are Generally Safe for Cats in Small Amounts

Many plain, cooked foods are safe for cats in small quantities as occasional treats, including:

• Cooked chicken, turkey, or white fish (plain, no seasoning or bones)
• Plain cooked eggs
• Small amounts of plain cooked rice or oats
• Cucumber or courgette
• Blueberries

Always introduce new foods in very small amounts and watch for any signs of digestive upset.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Something Harmful

If you know or suspect your cat has eaten something toxic:

1. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your vet or the Animal Poison Line (in the UK: 01202 509000) immediately.
2. Tell them what your cat ate, how much, and when.
3. Do not try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a vet.
4. If possible, take the packaging of the product with you to the vet so the ingredients can be checked.

Speed matters in poisoning cases — the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome is likely to be.