Can My Cat Eat This?

What can cats not eat?

Cats are obligate carnivores with a digestive system built for prey animals, not for our menu. As a result, there are surprisingly many “ordinary” foods that are harmful or even toxic to a cat. The best-known culprits: chocolate, onion, garlic and leek, grapes and raisins, alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, and raw bread dough. Seemingly harmless things deserve attention too: many adult cats can’t tolerate lactose, and a diet of nothing but canned tuna leads to nutritional deficiencies over time.

Onion, garlic, leek and chives (the onion family) damage your cat’s red blood cells and can cause anaemia — including when processed into stock, sauce or baby food. Grapes and raisins are linked to kidney damage; a safe amount is not known, so never give them. Because the dose, your cat’s weight and the product itself make a big difference, it pays to look up every food in the checker above before you give anything.

Is chocolate toxic to cats?

Yes. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, substances cats can barely break down. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous: dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most toxic. Symptoms include vomiting, restlessness, tremors, a fast heart rate and, in severe cases, seizures. Has your cat eaten chocolate? Call your vet and mention the type of chocolate and the amount.

Can cats drink milk?

Better not. Most adult cats produce little or no lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar. Cow’s milk therefore often causes diarrhoea and stomach ache. If you still want to give your cat something extra, choose special (lactose-free) cat milk as a treat — and make sure fresh water is always available.

Is tuna bad for cats?

A little tuna in water is fine now and then as a treat, but it isn’t complete cat food: it contains too little taurine, vitamins and minerals for a full diet, and large predatory fish contain relatively high levels of mercury. Keep it to a small amount per week, and no tuna in oil or with salt. Curious how much your cat actually needs each day? Work it out with the feeding planner.

What should I do if my cat has eaten something toxic?

Call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic right away — don’t wait for symptoms to appear, because with many poisonings every minute counts. Never make your cat vomit without consulting first, and note what, how much and when your cat ingested something. Think about other dangers in the home too — check whether your houseplants and cut flowers are cat-safe, and use the feeding planner to put together a healthy, balanced cat menu.

This information is general and educational and does not replace veterinary advice. In doubt, or is your cat unwell? Always contact your vet.