Care · food
What can cats eat?
Which foods are toxic, risky or fine for cats — sorted by risk, explained simply, with every source linked.
Toxic: never give it
(13)- AlcoholEven a tiny amount of alcohol can be extremely toxic to cats, and cats are especially sensitive to it.
- ChivesChives belong to the onion family and are poisonous to cats, fresh, cooked or dried.
- ChocolateChocolate is toxic to cats.
- CoffeeCoffee contains caffeine, and cats are more sensitive to caffeine than people.
- Energy drinksEnergy drinks often contain a lot of caffeine, and cats are more sensitive to caffeine than people.
- GarlicGarlic is toxic to cats and is the most toxic member of the onion family for them.
- GrapesGrapes are on the list of foods toxic to cats, and eating them can cause kidney failure.
- LeekLeek is in the same family as onion and garlic and is poisonous to cats, raw or cooked.
- Macadamia nutsMacadamia nuts are very fatty, and VCA says they are also toxic and can cause illness in cats.
- OnionOnion is toxic to cats in every form — raw, cooked, dried or powdered.
- RaisinsRaisins, like grapes and currants, are on the list of foods toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.
- Raw yeast doughRaw yeast dough is dangerous for cats in two ways: it can keep expanding in the stomach and cause a blockage, and the yeast makes alcohol, which is toxic to cats.
- TeaMany teas contain caffeine, and cats are more sensitive to caffeine than people.
Dangerous
(7)Better not
(16)- AlmondsNo, almonds are best kept away from cats.
- AvocadoIt's best not to.
- ButterNo, butter is best avoided.
- CheeseNo, cheese is best avoided.
- Fatty meatIt's best not to.
- HamIt's best not to.
- Ice creamNo, ice cream is not a good treat for cats.
- LiverNot as a home treat.
- MilkIt's best not to.
- Peanut butterIt's best not to make it a habit.
- Raw eggsNo, don't give cats raw eggs.
- Raw fishNo, raw fish is not a good idea for cats.
- Raw meatNo, raw meat is not recommended for cats.
- TunaA small amount of tuna may not cause harm, but tinned tuna for people lacks nutrients cats need, can be high in salt and mercury, and some vets advise against it even as a treat.
- WalnutsNo, walnuts are best kept away from cats.
- YogurtNo, yogurt is best avoided.
OK as an occasional treat
(8)- BeefYes, a little plain, well-cooked beef is fine as an occasional treat.
- Cooked chickenYes, plain cooked chicken is fine as an occasional treat for cats.
- Cooked eggsYes, in small amounts.
- LambYes, a little plain, well-cooked lamb is fine as an occasional treat.
- PorkYes, a little plain, well-cooked pork is fine as an occasional treat.
- SalmonYes, a little cooked salmon is fine as an occasional treat.
- SardinesYes, as an occasional treat.
- TurkeyYes, a little plain cooked turkey is fine as an occasional treat.
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.