The complete list of foods toxic to cats
| Food | Why it's dangerous | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Onions, garlic, chives, leeks | Damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are very sensitive — all forms, including powders and baby food, are toxic. | Weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, dark urine |
| Chocolate | Theobromine and caffeine are toxic to cats. Dark and baking chocolate are worst. | Vomiting, racing heart, tremors, seizures |
| Caffeine | Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and pills overstimulate the heart and nervous system. | Restlessness, racing heart, tremors |
| Alcohol | Even tiny amounts are dangerous; also found in raw dough. | Disorientation, vomiting, slowed breathing |
| Grapes & raisins | Linked to kidney injury in cats as well as dogs; best treated as toxic. | Vomiting, lethargy, reduced urination |
| Xylitol | A sweetener in sugar-free gum and candy. Less studied in cats but considered unsafe. | Weakness, vomiting, collapse |
| Raw yeast bread dough | Expands in the stomach and ferments into alcohol. | Swollen belly, retching, weakness |
| Raw fish (regularly) | Contains thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine) and can cause a deficiency. | Poor appetite, wobbliness, seizures over time |
| Too much tuna | Human tuna isn't balanced for cats; a steady diet can cause nutritional problems and mercury exposure. | Weight/coat issues over time — an occasional treat is fine |
| Raw eggs | Risk of Salmonella, and avidin in raw whites blocks biotin absorption. | GI upset; skin/coat problems long-term |
| Excess liver | Too much liver causes vitamin A toxicity affecting the bones. | Stiffness, bone pain over time |
| Dog food | Not toxic, but lacks taurine and other nutrients cats must get from food. | Long-term deficiency — don't use as a staple |
| Milk & dairy | Most adult cats are lactose intolerant despite loving it. | Diarrhea, stomach upset |
| Cooked bones | Splinter and can choke or perforate the gut. | Gagging, drooling, straining |
| Moldy food & excess salt | Mold toxins cause tremors; very salty food can cause sodium poisoning. | Tremors, vomiting, excessive thirst, seizures |
⚠️ Note: lilies aren't a food but are among the deadliest household dangers for cats — even pollen or vase water can cause fatal kidney failure. Keep all lilies out of homes with cats.
What to do if your cat eats something toxic
- Act fast. Note what was eaten, how much, and when.
- Call a professional — your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (US).
- Don't induce vomiting unless a vet instructs you to.
- Bring packaging or a sample to the vet.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat a little chocolate?
No. Chocolate is toxic to cats just as it is to dogs. Cats rarely seek it out, but keep all chocolate out of reach.
Is tuna bad for cats?
An occasional small amount is fine, but tuna made for humans isn't nutritionally complete. A tuna-heavy diet can cause deficiencies, so it shouldn't be a staple.
What's the deadliest thing for cats?
Lilies are one of the most lethal — all parts are toxic and cause kidney failure. Among foods, onions, garlic, and chocolate top the list.
Related: Can my cat eat this? (food checker) · foods toxic to dogs · all tools.