What can cats not eat? A quick safety reference
Cats are curious, and kitchens are full of things that aren't safe for them. Some items are fine in tiny amounts; others are genuinely dangerous. Here's a quick reference for the next time your cat is staring at your plate.
If your cat ate something toxic (especially onion, lily, or medication) β don't wait for symptoms, call a vet or clinic right away.
π¦ Quick table
| Food | OK? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken/turkey, unsalted | β Yes | A great treat β no bones, skin, or seasoning |
| Cooked egg | β Yes | In moderation; never raw |
| Tuna (occasional) | β οΈ Caution | OK as a treat β not as a diet |
| Cheese / dairy | β οΈ Caution | Most cats are lactose-intolerant |
| Dog food | β οΈ Caution | Not toxic but lacks taurine β one-off is fine, not as a diet |
| Onion, garlic | β Toxic | Damages red blood cells; eliminate completely |
| Chocolate | β Toxic | Theobromine is toxic to cats; darker is worse |
| Grapes / raisins | β Toxic | Kidney damage risk |
| Raw bread dough | β Toxic | Expands and ferments in the stomach |
| Alcohol / caffeine | β Toxic | Dangerous even in small doses |
| Xylitol (sweetener) | β Toxic | In gum, baked goods, some toothpastes |
Always avoid
If you remember only one thing β keep these away: onion and garlic (any form), chocolate, grapes/raisins, alcohol, caffeine, xylitol, and raw bread dough.
Also: many houseplants β especially lilies β are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small bite or licked pollen is dangerous.
"They only had a tiny bit β should I worry?"
It depends on the food, the amount, and the cat's weight. Licking cheese is not the same as eating a clove of garlic. Honestly, computing a toxic dose under pressure is hard β and that's when people search for it.
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