5 Things You Should NEVER Feed Your Cat

A Clear, Owner-Focused Guide to Dangerous Foods That Put Cats at Risk

If you love your cat, you probably enjoy sharing parts of your daily life with them—including food. But what feels like a harmless bite or a curious lick can actually cause serious harm. Cats have very different nutritional needs than humans, and many everyday foods are toxic to their bodies.

This guide walks you through five things you should never feed your cat, explains why they’re dangerous, outlines symptoms to watch for, and tells you what to do if exposure happens. Everything here is written directly for you as a cat owner—clear, practical, and backed by widely accepted veterinary guidance.

1. Onions, Garlic, and All Allium Vegetables

If you cook with onions or garlic, you need to be especially careful around your cat. These ingredients—along with leeks, chives, and shallots—are toxic to cats in every form, including raw, cooked, powdered, or mixed into other foods.

When your cat eats any allium vegetable, it damages their red blood cells. This leads to hemolytic anemia, a dangerous condition that prevents oxygen from being carried properly through the body. Even small amounts can build up over time and cause serious illness.

Why this matters for your cat

• Cats cannot safely process sulfur compounds found in alliums

• Toxic effects may be delayed for several days

• Repeated small exposures are just as dangerous as one large dose

Foods you might not realize contain alliums

• Baby food

• Broths and soups

• Sauces and gravies

• Seasoned meats

• Table scraps

Warning signs to watch for

• Lethargy or sudden weakness

• Pale gums

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting or diarrhea

If you suspect your cat ate food containing onions or garlic, contact your veterinarian or consult guidance from the ASPCA immediately.

2. Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeinated Products

Chocolate and caffeine are extremely dangerous for cats. While cats usually aren’t drawn to sweets, they can still ingest these substances by licking wrappers, tasting baked goods, or chewing items left within reach.

Chocolate and caffeine contain methylxanthines, which overstimulate your cat’s nervous system and heart. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially toxic because they contain higher concentrations.

Why stimulants are so dangerous

• Increase heart rate and blood pressure

• Overstimulate the nervous system

• Can cause seizures and collapse

Common sources your cat may encounter

• Chocolate bars and brownies

• Coffee grounds or cups

• Tea bags

• Energy drinks

• Caffeinated supplements

Symptoms of toxicity

• Restlessness or agitation

• Muscle tremors

• Rapid breathing

• Vomiting

• Seizures

This type of poisoning progresses quickly and requires emergency veterinary care.

3. Grapes, Raisins, and Foods Containing Them

You may think fruit is harmless, but grapes and raisins are among the most dangerous foods you can give a cat. Even though the exact toxin hasn’t been identified, these fruits are known to cause acute kidney failure in animals.

There is no known safe amount. One cat may show symptoms after eating a single raisin, while another may become sick from repeated exposure.

Why grapes and raisins are risky

• Can trigger sudden kidney failure

• Toxic dose varies and cannot be predicted

• Damage may be irreversible

Hidden sources to watch out for

• Baked goods

• Trail mix

• Granola bars

• Salads with dried fruit

Warning signs

• Vomiting within hours

• Lethargy

• Decreased or absent urination

• Loss of appetite

If your cat consumes grapes or raisins, seek veterinary care immediately—even if they seem fine at first.

4. Milk, Cheese, and Other Dairy Products

Despite popular imagery, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. After kittenhood, cats lose the enzyme needed to digest lactose properly. When you give your cat milk or dairy products, it often results in digestive upset rather than enjoyment.

Dairy does not provide nutritional benefits and can disrupt your cat’s digestive system.

Why dairy causes problems

• Cats cannot digest lactose effectively

• Causes inflammation in the gut

• Leads to dehydration if diarrhea occurs

Dairy products to avoid

• Cow’s milk

• Cheese

• Ice cream

• Yogurt

• Cream sauces

Signs of lactose intolerance

• Diarrhea

• Gas and bloating

• Vomiting

• Abdominal discomfort

If you want to offer a treat, choose cat-specific products designed for feline digestion instead.

5. Alcohol, Raw Dough, and Fermented Foods

Alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances your cat can ingest.
Even tiny amounts can cause serious poisoning. Raw bread dough is equally dangerous because it ferments in your cat’s stomach,
producing alcohol internally while expanding and causing pain.

Cats are most often exposed accidentally—through spills, food prep, or curiosity.

Why these foods are life-threatening

• Alcohol depresses the central nervous system

• Causes low blood sugar and body temperature

• Can lead to respiratory failure

Unexpected sources

• Beer or wine spills

• Raw yeast dough

• Fermented fruits

• Flavoring extracts

• Mouthwash or liquid medications

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning

• Disorientation

• Vomiting

• Low body temperature

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapse or coma

This is a true medical emergency. Immediate veterinary treatment is critical.

Why Your Cat Is More Vulnerable Than You Are

Your cat’s liver works very differently from yours. Cats lack key enzymes that humans use to safely process many foods.
Their bodies are built to digest animal protein—not plant toxins, sugars, or stimulants.

That’s why foods that seem harmless to you can be devastating to your cat.

What You Should Do
If Your Cat Eats Something Unsafe

If your cat gets into a dangerous food:

1. Remove access to the substance immediately

2. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to

3. Contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic

4. Watch closely for symptoms

Acting quickly can prevent permanent damage or save your cat’s life.

Safe Feeding Starts With You

Keeping your cat healthy isn’t just about buying quality cat food—it’s about knowing what never belongs in their bowl. By avoiding these five dangerous food categories, you protect your cat’s organs, digestion, and long-term well-being.

When you’re unsure, remember this simple rule:
If it’s made for humans, assume it’s unsafe for cats unless proven otherwise.

Cats should never be fed onions or garlic, chocolate or caffeine, grapes or raisins, dairy products, or alcohol and raw dough, as these foods can cause poisoning, organ failure, and life-threatening complications.

BACK TO THE CAT NUTRITION AND FEEDING INFORMATION PAGE