Foods That Are Toxic to Cats: What Your Feline Friend Shouldn't Eat

You know the deal as cat lovers - we often want to share everything with our furry friends. But while cats might give us those big, pleading eyes when we're munching on our snacks, not all human foods are safe for them. In fact, some common foods can be downright dangerous! Let's take a look at some of the foods that are toxic to cats so you know what to keep far away from your kitty's bowl.

8 Foods That Are Toxic to Cats

1. Chocolate

While we know that chocolate is poisonous for dogs, did you know that it's also toxic to cats? Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to felines. Ingesting theobromine can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Chocolate can also contain caffeine, which leads us onto our next category.

2. Food and Drinks Containing Caffeine

Your morning coffee might be essential for you, but it’s a hazard for your cat. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, various energy drinks, and some types of food, can cause symptoms like heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures. It’s best to keep your caffeine fix safely out of kitty’s reach to avoid any unwanted (and unsafe) energy boosts.

3. Onions and Garlic

Whether raw, cooked, or in powdered form, onions and garlic should never be fed to cats. The same goes for leeks and chives, which are also part of the allium family. These flavorful ingredients contain compounds that can damage a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms might not show up immediately but can include lethargy, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. So, when whipping up your favorite dishes in the kitchen, be sure to keep these allium family favorites out of reach of your furry friends - including dogs!

4. Grapes and Raisins

These tiny fruits may seem harmless, but grapes and raisins are both toxic to cats - they can even cause kidney failure. The exact reason for their toxicity is still a mystery, but it's clear that even a small amount can lead to serious health problems. If your kitty ingests grapes or raisins, symptoms can include lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs too, so be sure to keep them away from all your furry friends.

5. Alcohol

You'd never offer your cat a sip of your cocktail, right? But accidents happen, and curious cats might try to lick up a spilled drink. Even small amounts of alcohol can be extremely dangerous, causing everything from vomiting and diarrhea to difficulty breathing, and tremors. So ensure you keep the booze and any food containing alcohol far away from your furry friend’s paws!

6. Raw Eggs

Ever wondered if raw eggs are a good protein-packed treat for your cat? Unfortunately, it's never a good idea to feed your kitty raw eggs, as they can contain salmonella or E. coli, which can lead to food poisoning. Cooked eggs, on the other hand are a safer, occasional treat for cats.

7. Raw Dough

While we're pretty sure feeding your kitty raw bread dough hasn't been on your agenda, it's worth knowing the dangers, in case they ever decide to sneak some off your counter. Raw yeast dough will expand in a cat's stomach, leading to a painful bloated abdomen. In addition to this symptom, the alcohol released from the yeast as it ferments can cause alcohol poisoning. So if you feel like getting your bake on, make sure you keep any raw dough away from sneaky paws.

8. Milk

Cat owners can be surprised to learn that milk isn’t actually a good treat for their feline friend. Whilst milk isn't technically toxic to cats, many adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they can’t properly digest dairy products. Consuming milk can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. So it's best to steer clear.

So, now you know these foods are toxic to cats, you can keep them out of your kitty's reach to help keep them safe. If you ever suspect your cat has ingested something toxic, don’t wait! Contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately for professional advice.