Foods toxic to cats
Every food we've flagged as unsafe for cats — with the reason, and a cited source for each.
🚨 If your cat already ate something on this list
Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 / Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.
Never feed these to cats (18)
These are unsafe at any amount, or dangerous enough that they're not worth the risk.
Why each one is a problem
Alcohol. Even small amounts cause vomiting, incoordination, breathing trouble, coma and death; never give cats alcohol. Full details →
Bones. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, mouth injuries or gut blockages; don't feed them to cats. Full details →
Caffeine / coffee. Overstimulates the heart and nervous system, causing tremors, rapid heartbeat and seizures; keep away. Full details →
Chives. An allium like onion and garlic; damages red blood cells and can cause anemia, so never feed. Full details →
Chocolate. Contains theobromine and caffeine that cause vomiting, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures; darker is worse. Full details →
Garlic. Even more potent than onion; damages red blood cells and can cause life-threatening anemia in any form. Full details →
Grapes. Can cause sudden kidney failure in cats; avoid entirely as even small amounts may be dangerous. Full details →
Leeks. An allium vegetable that damages cats' red blood cells and can cause anemia; toxic cooked or raw. Full details →
Macadamia nuts. Can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting and overheating, and are very fatty; keep them away. Full details →
Mushrooms. Avoid all mushrooms; wild types can cause liver, kidney or neurological failure and are hard to tell apart. Full details →
Onion. Damages cats' red blood cells causing anemia; toxic in any form and cats are very sensitive. Full details →
Orange (citrus). Citrus fruit, peel and oils can cause stomach upset and, in larger amounts, nervous-system depression. Full details →
Raisins. Dried grapes carry the same risk of kidney failure; never feed, including in cakes or cereal. Full details →
Raw dough. Yeast dough rises in the warm stomach causing bloat and ferments into alcohol — both potentially life-threatening. Full details →
Raw egg. Raw egg white contains avidin that blocks biotin, and may carry Salmonella; feed eggs only when cooked. Full details →
Raw fish. Contains thiaminase that destroys vitamin B1, risking neurological disease, plus bacteria; always cook it. Full details →
Salt / salty snacks. Can cause excessive thirst, vomiting, tremors and seizures from sodium poisoning; don't feed them. Full details →
Xylitol. This sweetener in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butter can cause dangerous low blood sugar and liver damage. Full details →
Safe only in moderation (22)
Not toxic, but these should be occasional or small-portion foods for cats — the reason is on each page.
What cats should actually be eating
Cats are obligate carnivores — a complete, balanced cat food should be the core of the diet, with any extras kept small and occasional.
Frequently asked questions
What foods are toxic to cats?
The most common unsafe foods for cats include alcohol, bones, caffeine / coffee, chives, chocolate, garlic. Each is listed below with the reason why.
What should I do if my cat ate something toxic?
Contact your vet or a pet poison line immediately — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
How much of a toxic food is dangerous for cats?
It varies by food and by the size of the animal — some are dangerous in tiny amounts. Treat any amount as worth a call to your vet.
See the full list of what cats can and can't eat →