7 Everyday Foods You Didn’t Know Were Dangerous for Cats

Cats are curious creatures, and their tendency to investigate everything—including your food—can sometimes get them into trouble. While sharing your meal with your cat may be tempting, some everyday foods that are perfectly safe for humans can be harmful or even toxic to cats. Knowing what foods to avoid can help keep your cat safe and healthy. Here are seven common foods that could be dangerous for your cat.

1. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or in any other form, are highly toxic to cats. These ingredients contain compounds that can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Even small amounts can cause lethargy, weakness, pale gums, and digestive issues.

Since onions and garlic are commonly found in sauces, soups, and seasonings, be cautious about feeding your cat any human food that may contain them. Even baby food, which is sometimes given to sick cats, can have onion powder as an ingredient. If your cat ingests onions or garlic, contact your vet immediately.

2. Chocolate and Caffeine

Chocolate is well known for being toxic to dogs, but many people don’t realise it’s also dangerous for cats. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can cause serious health problems in cats, including increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death.

Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest concentrations of theobromine and are particularly hazardous. Similarly, caffeine in coffee, tea, and energy drinks can lead to hyperactivity, rapid breathing, and heart palpitations in cats. Store all chocolate and caffeinated products out of reach to keep your pet safe.

3. Dairy Products

The image of a cat happily lapping up a bowl of milk is common, but in reality, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. While kittens can digest their mother’s milk, most cats lose the enzyme needed to break down lactose as they grow older. This means consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese, or ice cream can lead to stomach upset, diarrhoea, and bloating.

If you want to treat your cat to a creamy snack, opt for specially formulated lactose-free cat milk, which is safe for their digestive systems.

4. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. While the exact reason they are poisonous isn’t fully understood, they have been known to cause kidney failure in both cats and dogs. Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, which can progress to severe kidney damage if left untreated.

Since some foods, such as cereals and baked goods, contain raisins, keeping grape-related foods away from your cat is best. If your cat accidentally consumes grapes or raisins, seek veterinary attention immediately.

5. Raw Eggs, Meat, and Fish

Feeding cats raw diets has gained popularity, but raw eggs, meat, and fish come with risks. Raw eggs can contain Salmonella or E. coli, which may cause severe cat food poisoning. Additionally, raw egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme that interferes with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin essential for healthy skin and fur.

Raw fish can also lead to a deficiency in thiamine (Vitamin B1), crucial for a cat’s neurological health. Thiamine deficiency can result in severe symptoms such as seizures and even coma. If you want to boost your cat’s protein, always cook meat and fish thoroughly before feeding them.

6. Alcohol and Yeast Dough

Alcohol, even in tiny amounts, is highly toxic to cats. It can cause severe central nervous system depression, leading to symptoms such as disorientation, vomiting, seizures, and respiratory failure. Even small sips of alcoholic beverages or foods cooked with alcohol can be dangerous.

Similarly, raw yeast dough poses a significant risk. When a cat ingests raw dough, the yeast continues to rise in their stomach, producing gas and causing painful bloating. Even more concerning, yeast fermentation creates alcohol, which can result in alcohol poisoning. To avoid these dangers, keep all alcoholic beverages and unbaked dough away from curious paws.

7. Xylitol and Artificial Sweeteners

Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, sweets, and even some peanut butter brands, is highly toxic to dogs. While its effects on cats are less well-documented, it is best to assume it could be harmful. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to lethargy, vomiting, and seizures.

Other artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin, are not necessarily toxic to cats but can still cause stomach upset. Since many sugar-free products contain xylitol or other artificial sweeteners, always check ingredient labels before sharing human food with your cat.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Something Dangerous

If you suspect your cat has ingested any of these toxic foods, act quickly:

1. Identify what they ate – Determine how much and what specific food they consumed.
2. Watch for symptoms – Symptoms of food poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, tremors, or difficulty breathing.
3. Call your vet immediately – Even if your cat seems OK initially, some toxins take time to show their effects. The sooner you seek help, the better.
4. Avoid home remedies – Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet, as some substances can cause more harm if regurgitated.

Safe Alternatives for Treating Your Cat

Opt for safer alternatives instead of giving your cat potentially dangerous human foods. Here are a few healthy and cat-friendly treats:

• Cooked lean meats (chicken, turkey, or beef with no seasoning)
• Unseasoned scambled eggs
• Small amounts of plain cooked fish (such as salmon)
• Lactose-free cat milk
• Catnip or cat grass for enrichment
• Commercial cat treats formulated for their dietary needs

Keep Your Cat Safe and Healthy

It’s easy to assume that if a food is safe for humans, it must be safe for cats, too—but that’s not always the case. Many everyday foods can pose serious health risks to your cat, so it’s essential to be aware of what they eat. You can help your cat stay happy, healthy, and secure for years by keeping toxic foods out of reach and providing safe, nutritious alternatives. If you’re unsure about a particular food, always check with your vet before sharing it with your cat. Their health and well-being depend on it!