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Foods cats can't eat

Foods that are toxic to cats or risky enough to skip. Toxic foods are listed first. If your cat ate one, call your vet or a poison hotline now.

AlcoholDo not give alcohol. Exposure can cause serious poisoning.Toxic
CaffeineDo not give coffee or other caffeine products. They can cause poisoning.Toxic
ChocolateDo not feed chocolate. Its caffeine and theobromine can cause poisoning; risk depends on the product and amount.Toxic
GarlicDo not feed garlic. It can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats.Toxic
Grapes & RaisinsDo not feed grapes or raisins. Kidney injury is documented especially in dogs; cat evidence is more limited.Toxic
OnionsDo not feed onions. They can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats.Toxic
Raw Yeast DoughDo not feed raw yeast dough. It can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.Toxic
AlmondsSkip whole nuts as treats.Avoid
AvocadoAvocado is not a recommended treat. The pit and other plant parts pose additional risks.Avoid
BaconSkip fatty, salty bacon as a treat.Avoid
CashewsDogs may tolerate a little plain cashew; cats should skip nuts.Avoid
CherriesSkip whole cherries. Seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic compounds.Avoid
CinnamonSkip cinnamon as a treat. Powder can irritate; concentrated oil poses greater risk.Avoid
Cottage CheeseDairy tolerance varies. Cats should skip cottage cheese.Avoid
HamProcessed ham can be salty or seasoned; choose a plain meat treat instead.Avoid
HoneyHoney is mostly sugar, not an allergy remedy.Avoid
Macadamia NutsMacadamia poisoning has been reported in dogs, not cats. This does not make mixed nuts or nut products a suitable cat treat.Avoid
MarshmallowsSugary sweets are not appropriate regular treats.Avoid
MilkMilk can cause digestive upset; water is the everyday drink.Avoid
MushroomsNever offer unidentified mushrooms. Some wild species cause severe poisoning; identification needs an expert.Avoid
OrangesDogs may have a little flesh; cats should skip citrus. Keep peel and oils away.Avoid
Peanut ButterHigh-fat spread; check ingredients before offering any to a dog. Cats should skip it.Avoid
PeanutsDogs may tolerate plain peanuts; cats should skip them.Avoid
PicklesSkip pickles: recipes can contain excess salt, garlic or onion.Avoid
PistachiosSkip nuts as treats; shells and mould add risks.Avoid
PopcornPlain air-popped popcorn is not a necessary treat.Avoid
WalnutsSkip nuts as treats; shells and mould add risks.Avoid
XylitolCats do not share the documented canine risk of low blood sugar or liver injury from xylitol. Do not offer sweetened products; other ingredients may be harmful.Avoid
YogurtDogs that tolerate dairy may have plain yogurt. Cats should skip it.Avoid