My cat means the world to me, so I’m always careful about what I let her eat. Some human foods can seem harmless or even like a fun treat to share with a pet.
Certain foods we enjoy can actually hurt our cats, even if they look safe.
Learning about these foods helps me keep my furry friend healthy and happy. By understanding what to avoid, I can make better choices and prevent problems before they start.
Onions and garlic
I never realized how dangerous onions and garlic could be for cats until I started learning about pet safety. These two foods are actually toxic for cats, no matter if they’re raw, cooked, or powdered.
If a cat eats onion or garlic, these foods can damage their red blood cells and lead to anemia. Even a small amount can harm their health.
Symptoms may include weakness, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Garlic is especially risky because it’s even more potent than onion when it comes to toxicity.
I always keep foods with garlic or onion far away from my cat’s reach—this includes table scraps and leftovers that may have seasonings. For anyone who has a cat at home, it’s important to avoid sharing foods with these ingredients.
Chocolate
I know chocolate is a tasty treat for people, but it can be very dangerous for cats. Even a small amount can cause problems.
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine. These chemicals can make cats very sick.
The darker the chocolate, the higher the risk. If my cat ever ate chocolate, I would watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, fast breathing, or muscle tremors.
Even a tiny bite is enough to worry me. If this happened, I’d call my vet right away, because chocolate can be toxic to cats.
I make sure to keep all chocolate out of reach.
Alcohol
I never let my cat near alcohol. Even a small amount can quickly make cats sick.
Their bodies can’t break down alcohol like humans can. If a cat drinks alcohol, it can cause vomiting, confusion, or trouble moving.
Sometimes, alcohol leads to a dangerous drop in blood sugar or body temperature. This can happen from just a few sips of any alcoholic drink.
I always keep my drinks out of reach during parties or mealtime. Alcohol is much more toxic to cats than it is to people.
If I think my cat has tasted alcohol, I call my vet right away.
Raw bones
I used to think giving my cat a raw bone would be a fun treat. After learning more, I realized it can be very risky.
Raw bones can easily splinter. If my cat tries to chew or swallow a piece, she could choke.
Splintered pieces could block or damage her intestines. A bone can even poke holes in a cat’s digestive tract, which is very dangerous and would need surgery.
Vets warn about these problems all the time—giving cats bones just isn’t safe. I avoid bones completely now.
There are better treats out there, and my cat doesn’t miss out on anything important by not having them. If you want to know more about the risks, you can check out more info on bones and cats at Vetstreet’s guide to foods you should never feed your cat.
Tuna (in excess)
Many cats love tuna, and sometimes it’s hard to say no when they beg for a taste. Tuna smells and tastes great to most cats, so it’s easy to forget it can cause problems if given too often.
Feeding my cat too much tuna isn’t safe. Tuna doesn’t give a cat all the vitamins and minerals they need for good health.
If a cat eats mostly tuna, it can lead to poor nutrition. Another risk is mercury poisoning.
Tuna can contain small amounts of mercury from the ocean, and eating too much increases the risk of harmful effects, such as trouble walking or acting strangely. Even mild mercury poisoning can cause shaky movements, blindness, or odd behavior.
Once in a while, I might let my cat have a tiny bit of tuna as a treat. But I always remember to keep tuna as a rare snack, not part of her regular meals.
For more details on why it’s best to limit tuna for cats, you can also check out this helpful list of foods to avoid.
Citrus fruits
I always keep citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits far from my cat. These fruits contain chemicals that can upset a cat’s stomach.
Even a small bite can cause vomiting or diarrhea. The essential oils and acids in citrus are toxic to cats.
Their bodies can’t handle these substances the way humans can. Some cats are even bothered by the strong smell of citrus.
My cat turns away when I peel an orange. The scent alone can sometimes be overwhelming for them, so I make sure not to leave citrus peels where my cat can reach them.
Citrus isn’t just a bad treat; it can actually cause more serious problems if a cat eats too much. Cats can get very sick and may need a trip to the vet if they eat citrus fruits or peels.
To keep my cat safe, I never let them have any citrus of any kind. You can read more about the dangers of citrus for cats at this helpful cat health article.
Grapes and raisins
I used to think grapes and raisins were harmless snacks, but I learned they can be very dangerous for cats. Even a small amount can make a cat sick.
When cats eat grapes or raisins, these foods can cause vomiting and make them feel weak or sleepy. In some cases, their kidneys might stop working right, which is very serious.
I always keep grapes and raisins far away from my cat. No matter how curious my cat gets, I never let them taste these foods.
If you want to know more about why grapes and raisins are unsafe, you can read about it at this helpful guide on dangerous fruits for cats. I remind everyone in my home not to drop grapes or leave them where my cat can find them.
It’s important to stay careful, since even small snacks like these can quickly become a problem for pets.
Understanding Feline Nutrition
I want to make sure my cat gets the best food for her health and happiness. Knowing how cats process food and what nutrients they need helps me keep her safe and strong.
How Cats Digest Food Differently From Humans
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are built for eating and digesting animal meat. Their digestive systems can’t break down plants, grains, or dairy the same way I can.
Cats miss certain enzymes, so common human foods like milk or bread can upset their stomachs. A cat’s stomach is also more acidic than mine.
This makes it easier for her to process raw proteins, but fatty foods or processed snacks can cause problems. Foods with seasoning, high sugar, or caffeine are especially risky for her and can even be toxic, as explained in this guide to dangerous foods for cats.
Essential Nutrients Cats Need
My cat depends on specific nutrients that don’t always show up in human foods. For example, she needs taurine, an amino acid only found in animal tissues.
Without taurine, she can develop heart or vision issues. She also needs a steady supply of protein, certain vitamins like vitamin A, and fatty acids such as arachidonic acid.
Unlike me, cats can’t make some vitamins and nutrients on their own, so they must eat them as part of a balanced diet. Feeding my cat food specially made for felines is the best way to cover all her needs.
According to Purina, regular cat food gives her everything she requires for daily energy and good health.
Common Myths About Cat Diets
I’ve noticed that many cat owners, including myself, believe things about what cats can and cannot eat that just aren’t true. These myths can put our cats’ health at risk if we don’t separate fact from fiction.
Misconceptions About Human Food Safety
One of the biggest myths people believe is that if a food is safe for humans, it’s safe for cats. That’s not always true.
For instance, many people think milk is healthy for cats. Most adult cats can’t digest it and it often causes upset stomach or diarrhea, as veterinarians have explained.
People also make the mistake of giving raw eggs or raw meat to cats. These foods can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella and may cause nutrient problems in cats.
While it might seem natural to give a cat raw foods, store-bought meats and eggs don’t match what wild cats find.
Here’s a quick list of people foods that are not safe for cats:
- Raw eggs
- Milk (for adult cats)
- Raw meat and fish
- Chocolate and caffeinated foods
- Onions and garlic
Always check before letting your cat try anything from your plate. Even small amounts of some foods can lead to serious health problems.
