Written by

Tara Farmer

June 10, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

What can't cats eat

If you're a cat owner, you know how curious and sometimes mischievous our feline friends can be, especially when it comes to food. While it's tempting to share your snacks, many foods are dangerous or even deadly for cats. In this guide, we'll cover what cats cannot eat, the risks involved, and what to do if your cat eats something toxic.

Bones & fat

Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal injuries, including punctures or blockages in your cat's digestive tract. Both cooked and raw fat trimmings are risky, too. These can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.

Chocolate & caffeine

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are both toxic to cats. While all types of chocolate can be toxic, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Even small amounts can cause serious problems for your feline friend, including vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, and seizures.

Caffeine in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications can cause similar toxic effects in cats. Keep all caffeinated products away from your curious kitty.

Citrus

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes contain citric acid and essential oils that can irritate your cat's digestive system. Even a small amount can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. In large doses, citrus can depress the central nervous system, leading to more severe health issues.

Fortunately, most cats are naturally repelled by the smell of citrus and typically avoid these fruits on their own.

Dairy

Contrary to popular belief, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Feeding them milk or dairy products can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Kittens can digest their mother's milk, but after weaning, many cats lose the enzyme needed to break down lactose.

Dog food

While an occasional nibble of dog food won't harm your cat, it's not suitable for a regular diet. Cats are natural carnivores and require higher levels of protein and certain nutrients, like taurine, that dog food lacks. Feeding your cat dog food regularly can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems.

Garlic, onions, chives, & leeks

All members of the allium family—garlic, onions, chives, and leeks—are highly toxic to cats. These foods can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia, a potentially fatal condition. Even small amounts can be harmful, with garlic being about five times more toxic than onions.

These ingredients can be hiding in many human foods, including baby food, soups, and sauces, so always check ingredients carefully.

Grapes & raisins

Grapes, raisins, tamarinds, and cream of tartar are extremely toxic to cats, though the exact substance responsible is unknown. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure, which may develop within hours or days. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

If your cat consumes any grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately as kidney failure can develop quickly and can be fatal.

Liver

While liver in moderation can be safe, feeding too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity in cats. This serious condition leads to bone problems, weight loss, and even deformities. Always consult your vet before adding liver to your cat's diet.

Raw meat, fish, & eggs

Raw meat and fish can harbor dangerous parasites and bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, posing risks for both cats and humans. Raw eggs include avidin, a substance that may hinder biotin absorption. Always thoroughly cook these foods before giving them to your cat.

Raw potatoes & tomatoes

Raw potatoes and tomatoes contain solanine, a substance that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset in cats. Cooking reduces solanine levels, but it's best to avoid feeding these foods to cats altogether. Fortunately, most cats don’t like potatoes or tomatoes. Look for cat-specific treats instead to keep them happy and healthy.

Tuna

While not technically toxic, tuna designed for human consumption can cause significant health problems for cats when fed regularly or in large amounts. It’s high in mercury, which can cause toxicity over time.

It also lacks essential nutrients like vitamin E, and overfeeding can lead to malnutrition, obesity, or even a painful condition called steatitis (inflammation of fat tissue).

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener often found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some baked goods. While the effects of xylitol on cats aren't as well-documented as they are in dogs, it's best to avoid giving your cat anything containing this sweetener.

In dogs, xylitol causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure. Until experts conduct more research, assume it's equally dangerous for cats.

Yeast dough

Unbaked bread dough containing yeast can expand in your cat's stomach, causing pain, bloating, and even life-threatening rupture of the stomach or intestines. Cooking eliminates the risk, but raw dough should never be accessible to cats.

Alcohol

A cat's small body size makes them particularly vulnerable to alcohol poisoning. Even a tiny amount of alcohol is dangerous for cats. This includes alcoholic beverages and products containing isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

Never leave alcoholic beverages unattended where your cat might access them, and be aware that certain foods contain alcohol, like rum cake or dishes cooked with wine.

Signs of food poisoning in cats

If your cat has eaten something toxic, watch for these common symptoms:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy or weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Excessive thirst or urination

• Pale or yellowish gums

• Difficulty breathing

• Tremors or seizures

• Disorientation or confusion

• Collapse

The severity and specific symptoms will depend on what your cat ate, how much they consumed, and how much time has passed since ingestion.

What to do if your cat eats toxic food

If you suspect your cat has eaten something toxic, act quickly:

• Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Some toxins can cause irreversible damage before symptoms become noticeable.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately or call an emergency vet clinic if outside of regular business hours.

• Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if needed. They have specialists available 24/7, though a consultation fee may apply.

• Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.

• If possible, bring the packaging or a sample of what your cat consumed to help the veterinarian determine the appropriate treatment.

• Follow your vet's instructions carefully for monitoring and follow-up care.

Remember that early intervention gives your cat the best chance of recovery from accidental poisoning.

Keeping your cat safe

The best way to protect your cat from food poisoning is prevention:

• Store harmful foods securely where your cat cannot access them.

• Clean up food spills promptly.

• Educate family members about foods that are dangerous to cats.

• Keep trash containers securely closed.

• Feed your cat a complete and balanced cat food recommended by your veterinarian.

By knowing what foods are dangerous for your cat and taking precautions to keep these items out of paws' reach, you can help ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy for years to come.