Human Foods that are Unsafe for Cats

Human Foods that are Unsafe for Cats

While not nearly as common as sharing table scraps with their dogs, there are plenty of people who spend snack time with their cat companions and could benefit from knowing more about the do’s and don’ts of sharing human foods with kitty. In general, you should try to refrain from feeding your cat from the table because it can promote begging and can lead to feline obesity and/or feline diabetes. You should also be aware that certain foods cannot be digested by cats at all and can lead to digestive upset, cat toxicity, and even death.

Here are some foods you should NEVER share with your cat:

1. Alcohol
Even a tiny amount of alcohol can prove toxic to cats, alcohol consumption can lead to liver and brain damage and should never be shared with cats—sounds like you better find someone else to spend Happy Hour with.

2. Chocolate
You’ve probably heard that chocolate can be extremely toxic to dogs, but did you know that it can also be fatal to cats? Chocolate, especially the dark, unsweetened stuff, contains caffeine as well as theobromine, a potentially harmful stimulant which can lead to seizures, heart problems, and muscle tremors.

3. Dairy products
Dairy products such as cheese and milk are some of the more surprising entries on our list. While many cartoon cats love to lap down saucers of the stuff, in reality many cats are lactose intolerant and cannot easily or fully digest dairy.

4. Raw meat and fat trimmings
While it would seem to make sense that cats can gnaw on just about any protein they might encounter in the wild, it’s actually not a good idea to serve your cat any raw meat or fish. These uncooked proteins can cause pancreatitis and/or harbor E. Coli and salmonella and they should always be prepared properly and cooked thoroughly before serving to your pet.

5. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in gum and many sugar-free foods and it is extremely toxic to dogs, xylitol can cause a drop in blood pressure which can lead to liver failure, so it’s advised to you refrain from feeding anything containing it to your cat.

6. Onions and garlic
Also extremely toxic to dogs, onions and garlic should be kept out of reach of your cat. A small amount stirred into a sauce consumed on accident is no huge cause for concern, but excessive or regular consumption can lead to digestive upset and even anemia.

7. Coffee, tea, and energy drinks
Because of their high concentration of caffeine, these pick-me-ups should never be shared with your cat. Caffeine can lead to muscle tremors, rapid breathing, and heart palpitations. Plus, cats are already crazy enough as it is!

Cats and humans have vastly different digestive systems and, as a general rule, if you have any doubt about feeding a food to your pet, don’t do it! If it’s something you wouldn’t eat, or wouldn’t eat raw, it’s highly likely that it’s not a good idea for your pet to consume it either. “Human foods” should only be given on occasion, as a treat and have no place in your furbaby’s daily diet.

If you know or suspect your cat has ingested something they shouldn’t have that could prove toxic or fatal, you should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest animal clinic or veterinary office.