Felines are known to be naturally inquisitive and speculative.
They’ll eat anything and everything that falls from the tabletop.
But of course, they don’t know any better.
However, you do!!
Some foods that are safe and healthy for us can be deadly for our cats.
This article contains a list of a few common kitchen ingredients that can be absolutely lethal to our cats.
1. Onions, Garlic & Chives
Why It’s Deadly: These common kitchen staples contain thiosulfates and disulfides, which can destroy red blood cells and lead to a fatal condition called hemolytic anemia.
Even small amounts—whether raw, cooked, powdered, or in sauces—can cause serious harm.
🚨 Symptoms of Onion & Garlic Toxicity:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Pale gums (sign of anemia)
- Rapid breathing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
2. Chocolate
Why It’s Deadly: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats and can lead to heart issues, seizures, and death. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially lethal due to their high theobromine content.
🚨 Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning:
- Restlessness & hyperactivity
- Rapid heart rate
- Tremors or seizures
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- High body temperature
See Also:
3. Grapes & Raisins
Why It’s Deadly: Even one or two grapes or raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in cats. The exact toxin remains unknown, but the effects are severe and potentially irreversible.
🚨 Symptoms of Grape/Raisin Poisoning:
- Vomiting (often within hours)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Dehydration
- Decreased or no urination (sign of kidney failure)
4. Alcohol & Caffeine
Why It’s Deadly: Even small amounts of alcohol or caffeine can lead to severe central nervous system damage, seizures, and coma in cats. Alcohol affects cats much more than humans, and caffeine overstimulates their heart.
🚨 Symptoms of Alcohol or Caffeine Poisoning:
- Disorientation and drooling
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- High heart rate
- Tremors, seizures, or collapse
5. Raw Eggs
Why It’s Harmful: Raw eggs pose a high risk of Salmonella and E. coli infection, leading to severe food poisoning. They also contain avidin, which prevents cats from absorbing biotin (Vitamin B7), causing skin and coat problems.
🚨 Dangers of Raw Eggs:
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Bacterial infections
- Weak immune system
- Poor coat health and hair loss
6. Raw Meat & Fish
Why It’s Dangerous: Raw meat and fish can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites, including Salmonella and Listeria, which can cause food poisoning, vomiting, and severe infections.
Raw fish also contains thiaminase, which breaks down Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), leading to neurological problems.
🚨 Symptoms of Thiamine Deficiency:
- Muscle tremors and weakness
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
7. Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Ice Cream)
Why It’s Harmful: Many cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme (lactase) needed to digest milk sugars. Giving dairy can cause digestive distress.
🚨 Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Gas and bloating
8. Nuts (Macadamia, Walnuts, Almonds)
Why It’s Dangerous: Nuts are high in fats and oils, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis in cats. Macadamia nuts, in particular, are toxic and can lead to tremors, weakness, and overheating.
🚨 Symptoms of Nut Toxicity:
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Increased body temperature
9. Bones & Fat Trimmings
Why It’s Dangerous: Cooked bones can splinter and cause intestinal blockages, choking, or internal bleeding. Fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and life-threatening condition.
🚨 Symptoms of Bone or Fat Toxicity:
- Choking & gagging
- Lethargy
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea
10. Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners (Xylitol)
Why It’s Deadly: Xylitol, a common sweetener found in gum, candy, and peanut butter, causes rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure.
🚨 Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning:
- Weakness & tremors
- Seizures
- Liver failure
11. Tomatoes & Green Potatoes
Why It’s Dangerous: Tomatoes (especially unripe ones) and raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxin that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and nervous system issues in cats. Even the leaves and stems of tomato plants are toxic.
🚨 Symptoms of Solanine Poisoning:
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Confusion & lethargy
- Weakness & tremors
12. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Limes)
Why It’s Harmful: Citrus fruits contain citric acid and essential oils that can irritate a cat’s digestive system and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system depression in high doses.
🚨 Symptoms of Citrus Poisoning:
- Drooling
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Weakness & shaking
13. Mushrooms
Why It’s Dangerous: Some mushrooms contain mycotoxins that can cause hallucinations, liver failure, and death in cats. Wild mushrooms are especially risky as many varieties are highly toxic.
🚨 Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning:
- Vomiting & drooling
- Lethargy
- Seizures & tremors
- Liver damage (if ingested in high amounts)
14. Avocado
Why It’s Harmful: Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties in cats. The pit is also a choking hazard.
🚨 Symptoms of Avocado Poisoning:
- Upset stomach
- Breathing issues
- Fluid buildup in chest (in severe cases)
15. Salt & Salty Snacks (Chips, Pretzels, Popcorn)
Why It’s Dangerous: Too much salt can cause sodium ion poisoning, leading to severe dehydration, seizures, and kidney failure. Salty snacks are also high in unhealthy fats.
🚨 Symptoms of Salt Poisoning:
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Lethargy & seizures
The tiniest of amount of these foods can have serious effects on your feline.
Thus it is your responsibility to double and triple check the ingredients in your pre made pet food or even the food that you prepare for them.
Keep your cats safe!!
