19 Common Foods That Are Harmful To Cats

Many owners like to enrich their cat's diet with the occasional treat, often a piece of food prepared for the human residents of the house.

However, there are common foods that are harmful to cats and it's up to owners to know what they are and avoid them whenever possible.

Seemingly innocuous treats could pose a major threat to your cat's health and well-being.

With some types of food, a very small amount may be tolerated, but a larger dose or regular consumption can be harmful. Others are toxic enough to cause severe symptoms if ingested, even in small amounts.

Never give your cat any of these foods

You should never give any of the foods on this list to your cat.

While there's no proof of high toxicity for each item on this list, these foods do not belong on the feline menu, to begin with, so avoiding them just makes sense.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can break down a cat's red blood cells. Ingesting even small amounts can lead to anemia and other health issues.

Alcohol

Alcohol is very toxic for cats. It only takes a few spoonfuls to cause severe damage or even kill a cat. Keep all alcoholic beverages out of your cat's reach.

Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate

Coffee, tea, and chocolate are dangerous to cats. Caffeine, as well as some ingredients found in chocolate, are toxic to cats even in small amounts. Keep these items away from your feline friend.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a common sweetener contained in gum, candy, and toothpaste. It can cause liver failure in cats. Make sure your cat doesn't have access to products containing xylitol.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough could ferment and expand after ingestion, causing severe stomach pain. The yeast also produces alcohol, which is toxic to cats. Keep raw dough away from your cat.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins don't seem to affect cats adversely but they are known to be harmful to dogs. Without established contradicting evidence pertaining to cats, avoid feeding them grapes or raisins in any amount.

Avocados

Avocados attract some cats due to their high-fat content. However, they can be harmful to cats and upset their stomach. Keep avocados out of your cat's reach.

Nuts, Especially Macadamia Nuts

Nuts in general, and Macadamia nuts specifically, may pose a health risk for cats. While there is no concrete evidence for this, it's best to avoid feeding them nuts altogether.

Almonds and Other Fruit Kernels

Almonds and other fruit kernels are toxic to cats due to their high content of cyanide. Keep these items away from your cat to avoid potential poisoning.

Potatoes and Tomatoes

Potatoes and tomatoes both contain toxic compounds which are dangerous to cats, especially when they are still green. Ripe tomatoes should be safe, as are any cooked tomatoes or potatoes. However, it's best to avoid feeding your cat raw potatoes and tomatoes.

The foods in the above list are usually not very attractive to cats.

Unless you feed your cat leftovers of human meals, they are unlikely to come across nuts, tomatoes, onions, or avocados in their menu.

However, there are common foods that are harmful to cats which may seem like "classic" ingredients of cat food.

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Best to avoid these foods (or feed Kitty in moderation)

The following list contains several items which seem innocuous enough but can be dangerous when ingested in large quantities.

What's more, they are indeed appealing to cats, so the risk of increased consumption is higher.

Tuna

Tuna prevents the absorption of certain nutrients. Do not offer tuna to your cat very often. Most cats love the taste of tuna, but feeding exclusively on tuna can cause a cat to develop a painful disease called Steatitis, or "Yellow Fat Disease".

Raw Eggs and Raw Fish

Raw eggs and raw fish can prevent the absorption of certain forms of vitamin B. Feed in moderation, if at all. Any raw food also poses some risk of bacterial contamination, depending on the source and preparation. Be cautious when offering these items to your cat.

Read more:
Can I Feed My Cat A Fish Based Or Fish Flavored Diet
Salmonella In Cats - 9 Things Every Cat Owner Needs To Know

Liver

Liver contains high levels of vitamin A. The cat's body cannot get rid of excess vitamin A, and in high doses, this can be toxic and even fatal. Limit the amount of liver you feed your cat to prevent vitamin A toxicity.

Dairy Products

Dairy products can cause diarrhea and an upset stomach. Most cats, especially adult cats, are lactose intolerant. You can feed yogurt and kefir in small quantities as they have reduced levels of lactose. Avoid giving your cat large amounts of dairy products to prevent digestive issues.

Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon, can be harmful to cats. These products often contain high levels of salt, preservatives, and artificial additives that are not suitable for feline consumption.

Additionally, some processed meats may contain spices and flavorings that could be toxic to cats. It's best to avoid feeding your cat processed meats and opt for healthier, cat-appropriate alternatives instead.

Salty People's Snacks

The main concern with human snacks is their high salt content. Snacks with strong flavors like bacon or cheese can attract cats, but excessive salt is harmful to their health.

Consuming too much salt can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications. Stick to cat-specific treats to keep your furry friend safe and healthy.

Cake and Baked Goods

Cats should not be fed cake or other baked goods. These items often contain high levels of sugar and may include other harmful ingredients such as chocolate or xylitol. Feeding your cat cake can lead to obesity and other health issues. Stick to cat-specific treats for a safer option.

In addition, use common sense and avoid giving your cat treats that contain too much sugar, fat and salt. If your cat is overweight, underweight, or if they are seniors or suffer from a chronic illness, it's best to consult your veterinarian regarding both their overall nutrition and what treats should be given.

How to Prevent Ingestion of common foods that are harmful to cats

Fortunately, some of these foods are not appealing to cats, at least not in their natural form. With most cats, you don't have to worry about them binging on candy or chocolate, sipping your tea, or biting into raw onions.

There are exceptions to this rule, though, so watch your cat carefully and if you know them to be attracted to any of these foods, take extra care to keep it out of reach.

With all cats, be on the alert for the consumption of stuff they do like, be it tuna, dairy products or alluring, yet dangerous, combos such as coffee and cream.

• Avoid trouble by following these rules -
• Do not offer any of the foods mentioned here as treats.
• Store these foods in a safe place, inside closed containers and out of the cat's reach.
• Before serving any "human food" to your cat, stop to read labels and consider the ingredients carefully.
• Even with safe foods, always serve them fresh and unspoiled. Check for signs of mold and never serve anything that's past its expiry date.
• Don't leave wet food out for too long without refrigeration (read more here)

Avoiding common foods that are harmful to cats will keep your cat healthier both in the short and long run. It is worth the effort!

Read more:
Is Your Cat Addicted To Treats?

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