What Not to Feed Your Cat: 12 Toxic Foods to Avoid

Look, we all know that moment when your cat gives you those big eyes while you’re eating dinner, and suddenly you’re questioning whether that bite of chicken is safe or a one-way ticket to the vet emergency room. The truth is, what not to feed your cat is just as important as knowing what you should feed them. Your feline friend has a digestive system that’s pickier than a toddler at a fancy restaurant, and some human foods can range from mildly upsetting to genuinely dangerous.

As a vet tech who’s seen way too many cases of accidental poisoning, I’m here to give you the real talk about foods that should never make it into your cat’s bowl. Some of these might surprise you, and a few are probably sitting in your kitchen right now.

Why Cats Are Different: Understanding Feline Metabolism

Before we dive into the toxic food list, let’s talk about why cats are basically tiny, furry aliens compared to dogs or humans. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to process meat and meat alone. Unlike dogs who evolved alongside humans and learned to digest a wider variety of foods, cats never got that memo.

This metabolic difference means cats lack certain enzymes that help break down plant-based compounds and some human foods. Their livers also process things differently, making them vulnerable to toxins that might barely bother a dog. It’s not that your cat is being dramatic—their body genuinely can’t handle a lot of what we eat.

The Chocolate Conspiracy: Why Kitties Can’t Have Cocoa

Here’s the deal with chocolate: it contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats. Dark chocolate is the worst offender, followed by milk chocolate, with white chocolate being the least dangerous (though still not recommended). Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and tremors.

The tricky part? Some cats are more sensitive than others. A single chocolate chip might not hurt your 15-pound fluffball, but it could seriously mess with a tiny kitten. The safest rule: assume all chocolate is off-limits. Your cat doesn’t need it, and the risk simply isn’t worth it.

Onions and Garlic: The Sneaky Destroyers of Red Blood Cells

This is where things get serious. Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks all contain compounds called thiosulfates that damage your cat’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. What’s particularly sneaky is that these ingredients hide in tons of human foods—soups, stews, baby food, and even some commercial pet treats.

Cooked onions and garlic are just as dangerous as raw ones, so don’t assume cooking makes them safe. Symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning include lethargy, weakness, reduced appetite, and pale gums. If your cat gets into something with these ingredients, head straight to your vet and bring the packaging so they know exactly what you’re dealing with.

Grapes and Raisins: The Mysterious Kidney Killers

Here’s something wild: we still don’t fully understand why grapes and raisins are toxic to cats, but they absolutely are. These fruits can cause acute kidney failure, and even small amounts are risky. The worst part? The toxicity isn’t dose-dependent in a predictable way—some cats might be fine after one grape, while others could have serious reactions.

Because we can’t predict how your individual cat will react, the only safe approach is complete avoidance. Keep grapes and raisins away from your cat, and be careful with foods that contain them. If your cat does ingest these fruits, contact your vet or poison control immediately.

Alcohol and Raw Dough: A Recipe for Disaster

Let’s start with the obvious: alcohol is toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause intoxication, which looks like your cat is drunk (uncoordinated, confused, depressed). Larger amounts can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and body temperature.

Raw dough is equally problematic because it contains yeast, which ferments in your cat’s stomach and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide gas. This can cause bloating, disorientation, and—you guessed it—alcohol poisoning. If you’re baking at home, keep your dough locked up and your cat locked out of the kitchen.

Xylitol: The Sugar-Free Sweetener Nightmare

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters. While it’s less of a concern for cats than for dogs (cats are less likely to eat these products), it’s still incredibly dangerous. Xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin, leading to severe hypoglycemia and potential liver failure.

Always check labels on products before sharing any human food with your cat. That sugar-free peanut butter you’re about to give them as a treat could contain xylitol. When in doubt, check the ingredient list or skip it entirely.

Caffeine: More Than Just Coffee Jitters

Cats are even more sensitive to caffeine than humans, and it can cause serious problems including rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, and restlessness. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even some medications contain caffeine. While your cat probably won’t voluntarily drink your morning coffee, they might be tempted by an unattended cup.

Keep your caffeinated beverages in secure locations, and be aware that some over-the-counter medications contain caffeine. If your cat accidentally ingests caffeine, monitor them closely and contact your vet if you notice any unusual behavior.

Avocado: The Trendy Toxin

Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially myocarditis (heart inflammation) in cats. While cats are generally less sensitive to persin than horses or birds, it’s still not safe. The pit is especially dangerous because it’s a choking hazard and contains higher concentrations of the toxin.

Even though avocado is super trendy right now, keep it completely away from your feline friend. That Instagram-worthy avocado toast is not worth a trip to the emergency vet.

Bones and Fish: Not Always the “Natural” Choice

While raw or cooked meat is generally safe for cats, bones are a different story. Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, causing choking, blockages, or perforations in the digestive tract. Raw bones are safer than cooked ones, but they still carry risks and can harbor bacteria.

As for fish, many people assume it’s the perfect cat food because, well, cats and fish, right? The problem is that too much fish—especially certain types like tuna—can cause thiamine deficiency and potentially lead to mercury poisoning. Fish should be an occasional treat, not a dietary staple. Check out our guide on homemade pet food schedule to learn proper portions if you’re making food at home.

Dairy Products: The Lactose Intolerance Reality

Despite the iconic image of a cat lapping up a saucer of milk, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Their bodies stop producing lactase (the enzyme needed to digest lactose) after they’re weaned. While a tiny bit of milk might not cause serious harm, it can lead to digestive upset including diarrhea and vomiting.

Some cats can handle small amounts of lactose-free dairy products, but regular milk, cream, cheese, and ice cream should be avoided. If you want to give your cat a special treat, stick to cat-safe options or lactose-free alternatives specifically formulated for felines.

Fatty Foods and Excessive Salt: The Sneaky Troublemakers

High-fat foods can cause pancreatitis in cats, which is painful and potentially life-threatening. Fatty meats, bacon, and rich gravies might smell amazing to your cat, but they’re genuinely dangerous. Similarly, excessive salt can cause sodium ion poisoning, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

This is why sharing your human meals with your cat is such a bad idea—restaurant food and home-cooked meals are often loaded with salt and fat. Your cat’s nutritional needs are completely different from yours, so what tastes good to you might be toxic to them.

Medications and Supplements: Not All Human Meds Are Cat-Safe

Here’s something that surprises a lot of people: some medications and supplements that are safe for humans can be deadly for cats. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen are particularly dangerous. Even a single tablet can cause liver damage or kidney failure.

Never give your cat any medication without explicit veterinary approval, and be careful with supplements. If you’re interested in supplements specifically formulated for cats, check out our resource on pet supplement interactions to understand how they might interact with your cat’s diet or other medications.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Something Toxic

If your cat accidentally eats something from the forbidden list, don’t panic—but do act fast. First, try to determine what they ate and how much. Then, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Have the product packaging or ingredient list ready.

Don’t try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a vet, as this can sometimes cause more harm. Get your cat to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible, and bring any packaging from the toxic food. Use our pet symptom checker online to track any symptoms while you’re waiting to see the vet, but remember this is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Creating a Cat-Safe Kitchen Environment

The best way to prevent accidental poisoning is to make your kitchen a cat-safe zone. Store toxic foods in secure cabinets, never leave human meals unattended, and be mindful of what’s in your trash. Many cats will dig through garbage for interesting smells, so use a secure trash can.

Educate everyone in your household about toxic foods, especially kids who might want to share their snacks with the family cat. Make it a house rule that human food is off-limits unless it’s specifically approved by the vet.

Safe Treat Alternatives for Your Feline Friend

Just because your cat can’t eat human food doesn’t mean they have to miss out on treats. There are plenty of cat-safe options including cooked chicken breast, small amounts of cooked turkey, and commercial cat treats formulated for their nutritional needs. Some cats also enjoy small amounts of cooked pumpkin or melon.

If you’re interested in more creative feeding options, explore our guide on food enrichment for cats to keep your kitty mentally stimulated while keeping them safe. Proper nutrition and enrichment also help prevent obesity—learn more in our article on pet obesity prevention.

The Bottom Line: Prevention Over Treatment

Understanding what not to feed your cat is one of the most important responsibilities of cat ownership. While it might seem like there’s a long list of forbidden foods, the reality is simple: stick to high-quality cat food, avoid human table scraps, and keep toxic foods completely out of reach.

Your cat depends on you to make safe choices, and the effort you put into preventing accidental poisoning is infinitely easier than dealing with a veterinary emergency. When in doubt about whether something is safe, ask your vet. They’d much rather answer a “is this okay?” question than treat a poisoning case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats eat chicken?

Yes, cooked chicken breast is safe for cats and actually a great source of protein. Just make sure it’s plain (no seasoning, salt, or skin) and boneless. Avoid any chicken that’s been prepared with garlic, onions, or excessive salt.

What should I do if my cat eats a small amount of chocolate?

Contact your vet or poison control immediately with details about the type of chocolate (dark is worst), the amount, and your cat’s weight. They’ll help you determine if emergency treatment is needed. Don’t wait to see if symptoms develop—it’s better to get professional guidance right away.

Is tuna safe for cats?

Plain, cooked tuna in small amounts is okay as an occasional treat, but it shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet. Tuna can cause thiamine deficiency and contains high levels of mercury. Commercial cat foods with tuna are formulated to be safe, but fresh tuna should be limited.

Can cats have peanut butter?

Some peanut butter is safe for cats in very small amounts, but always check the ingredient list first. Many peanut butters contain xylitol, which is toxic to cats. Even xylitol-free versions should only be given in tiny quantities as an occasional treat.

What are the signs of food poisoning in cats?

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, drooling, difficulty breathing, tremors, or seizures. Some toxins take time to show symptoms, so if you know your cat ate something toxic, contact your vet even if they seem fine.

Is it okay to give my cat homemade food?

Homemade cat food can be okay if it’s formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to meet your cat’s complete nutritional needs. Never guess at recipes—cats require specific nutrients in specific ratios. Consult with your vet before switching to homemade food, and check our homemade pet food schedule for guidance on proper preparation.