Is your cat a consummate beggar for people foods? Or, worse, do they steal anything left out (like some cats I know who will remain nameless)? While some human foods are okay for most cats in small portions, other human foods are truly toxic for cats. Make sure your cat never gets ahold of any of these toxic human foods in any quantity.
1. Allium Species: Including Onions, Chives, and Green Onions
Allium species are dangerous to both dogs and cats. Onions and their relatives can break down your cat's red blood cells. Although small quantities of allium are unlikely to be harmful, no allium species should be fed raw, dehydrated, or in food.
Dangers
- Lethargic behavior
- Shortness of breath
- Anemia
- Abdominal discomfort
- Reduced heart rate
- Labored breathing
According to Merck, symptoms of toxicity may not appear until several days after they consume foods containing allium.
2. Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
It's now well recognized that vine fruits, such as grapes and their dried relatives, raisins and currants, are toxic to our cats. According to the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, "Not every dog and cat is affected, but when a grape toxicity does occur, it can be very severe and life-threatening."
Dangers
- Restlessness
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Kidney failure
3. Grapefruit
Cats should never have grapefruit — as in never. Grapefruit contains a substance called psoralen, which is toxic to cats. Every part of the grapefruit, from the flesh to the peel and seeds, can cause adverse effects.
Dangers
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Depression
- Liver or renal failure
3. Mycotoxins and Contaminated Foods
The ASPCA cautions owners against the danger to pets who find and eat moldy foods. This is highlighted in dogs because of their tendency to scavenge, but the risk is the same for their fussier cousin, the cat, especially when it comes to contaminated foods. This risk is linked to certain molds that produce mycotoxins, which affect the nervous system. Many pet owners have voiced concerns over potential mycotoxins in commercial pet food. "Since relatively little information exists regarding the toxicological effects of mycotoxins on dogs and cats, further studies are indicated to determine both the identity and sources of mycotoxins that could contaminate pet foods, as well as the effects of mycotoxins on pets," notes Chase Animal Hospital. "In the meantime, pet food manufacturers must continue to ensure that their mycotoxin management programs are stringently maintained."
Dangers
- High body temperature
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Seizures
4. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in a huge number of low-sugar human products, from cookies and candies to mouthwashes and gum. Unfortunately, as outlined by the Sunnyview Animal Center, xylitol has deadly consequences for cats. This compound stimulates a surge in insulin release, which sends the average cat's blood sugar level plummeting. Complete avoidance of xylitol is essential for both cats and dogs.
Dangers
- Extreme weakness
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Liver failure
- Coma
- Death
5. Chocolate
As delicious as chocolate is to people, this is another dangerous substance for cats (and dogs). Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical related to caffeine with stimulatory effects. Even the smallest amount of chocolate is dangerous for your kitty (and your dog if they have a canine companion).
Saleema Lookman, RVT, referred us to this helpful calculator from Merck which allows you to check the levels of toxicity with chocolate type, your cat's weight, and also asks how much your cat got ahold of.
Dangers
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- High temperature
- Rapid breathing
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
Dark chocolate with a high cocoa solids content is the most toxic, with milk and white chocolates being less so.
6. Alcohol
Did you know that the same stuff in beer, liquor, and wine that gets people tipsy is bad for cats, too? Cats are so small that even a little bit can get them drunk. And while the thought of a cat wobbling around might seem silly, it's actually pretty serious and not good for their health at all.
Dangers
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Low body temperature
- Brain damage
- Liver failure
- Coma
If your cat has more than a taste, keep them indoors to stop her wandering off, and call the veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
7. Caffeine
From cups of tea to coffee beans, caffeine is a no-no for cats. Your cat is unlikely to hunt down the local Starbucks, but they could get access to caffeine through thrown-out coffee grounds, cocoa mulch, tea bags, or energy drinks. While a cat should be OK after a couple of laps of tea, the same can't be said if they chew on cocoa mulch or coffee grinds. If you suspect the cat has consumed caffeine, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dangers
- Restlessness
- Hyperactivity
- Abnormal heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
What to Do if Your Cat Eats an Unsafe Food
Keep your cat confined to one room so they don't disappear if a vet trip is required. Toxicity may depend on how much of the substance was eaten, so if it's part of a pack (like a portion of chocolate), make a rough estimate of how much your cat consumed. Then, immediately call the veterinarian for advice.
Do not try to make your cat vomit yourself unless told to do so by the veterinarian.
Prevention Is Best
Preventing the consumption of toxic foods is key to keeping your cat happy and healthy. By being vigilant about what your cat eats and ensuring they don't have access to toxic substances, you can safeguard their well-being. This involves not only keeping dangerous foods out of their reach but also being aware of what ingredients are in the foods you might be tempted to share with them.
