It’s normal to want to share your food with your cat. But some human foods are very dangerous for cats — even in small amounts. So, what foods should cats never eat?

Here are the most common toxic foods for cats, the problems they can cause, and what to do if your cat eats them.

👉 Always check with your veterinarian before giving your cat any human food, especially if your cat has health problems, takes medicine, or is on a special diet.

1. Chocolate
Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are poisonous to cats. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.

2. Caffeinated Drinks
Coffee, tea, and energy drinks have caffeine, which is toxic and can cause serious health problems.

3. Alcohol
Even tiny amounts can make cats very sick. Alcohol affects the nervous system, upsets the stomach, and changes body chemistry.

4. Onions, Garlic, and Related Foods
Onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots contain sulfur compounds that damage red blood cells and can cause deadly anemia.

5. Raw Dough
Yeast in raw dough produces gas and alcohol inside the stomach. This is painful and dangerous. (Baked bread is safe, raw dough is not.)

6. Grapes, Raisins, Tamarinds, and Cream of Tartar
Can cause kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts. This can happen quickly and may be fatal.

7. Raw Meat, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, and Dairy
May contain harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, or viruses like bird flu.

8. Citrus Fruits
The fruit flesh is not toxic, but the peels contain oils and compounds that can irritate cats.

(Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits, Mandarins, Tangerines, Pomelos)

What To Do if Your Cat Eats Toxic Foods

If you think your cat has eaten something dangerous, call your veterinarian right away. You can also contact an emergency vet hospital or a pet poison control center.

Act fast — treatment works best when started early.