Dangerous Foods for Cats: What to Avoid

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 17 December 2024 Reading time: two min read | Last update: Friday، 08 August 2025
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Cats should avoid certain foods as they can be toxic or harmful to their health. Here is a list of foods cats should not eat:

1. Chocolate

  • Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats.
  • Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.

2. Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Shallots

  • Contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
  • Cooked, raw, or powdered forms are dangerous.

3. Grapes and Raisins

  • Can cause kidney failure in some cats.
  • Even small amounts can be harmful.

4. Alcohol

  • Even tiny amounts can cause poisoning, leading to vomiting, liver damage, and coma.

5. Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

  • Caffeine overstimulates the nervous system, causing restlessness, rapid breathing, and heart palpitations.

6. Raw Meat, Fish, and Eggs

  • Risk of bacterial infections (Salmonella, E. coli).
  • Raw fish can cause a thiamine deficiency, leading to neurological issues.

7. Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, etc.)

  • Many adult cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest lactose.
  • Can lead to upset stomachs and diarrhea.

8. Bones

  • Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking or digestive tract injuries.

9. Tuna (in excess)

  • Tuna lacks essential nutrients and contains mercury, which can be harmful in large quantities.
  • Occasional tuna is fine, but it should not replace a balanced diet.

10. Fat Trimmings and Greasy Foods

  • High-fat foods can cause pancreatitis and digestive upset.

11. Xylitol (Sugar Substitute)

  • Found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butter.
  • While primarily toxic to dogs, xylitol may harm cats as well.

12. Raw Dough with Yeast

  • Yeast can expand in the stomach, leading to bloating or alcohol poisoning.

13. Dog Food

  • Lacks the essential nutrients cats need, such as taurine, which is critical for heart and vision health.

14. Citrus Fruits

  • The citric acid and essential oils can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system depression.

15. Avocado

  • Contains persin, which can be mildly toxic to cats.
  • It can also be a choking hazard due to its pit.

Read More: Top 10 Cat Foods for a Healthy and Happy Feline

Always feed your cat a diet designed for their species. If you’re unsure whether a food is safe, consult your veterinarian. Avoid giving "human food" as treats unless it's vet-approved (e.g., plain cooked chicken).

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