What can cats not eat? A quick safety reference
Cats are curious, and kitchens are full of things that aren't safe for them. Some items are fine in tiny amounts; others are genuinely dangerous. Here's a quick reference for the next time your cat is staring at your plate.
If your cat ate something toxic (especially onion, lily, or medication) — don't wait for symptoms, call a vet or clinic right away.
🚦 Quick table
| Food | OK? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken/turkey, unsalted | ✅ Yes | A great treat — no bones, skin, or seasoning |
| Cooked egg | ✅ Yes | In moderation; never raw |
| Tuna (occasional) | ⚠️ Caution | OK as a treat — not as a diet |
| Cheese / dairy | ⚠️ Caution | Most cats are lactose-intolerant |
| Dog food | ⚠️ Caution | Not toxic but lacks taurine — one-off is fine, not as a diet |
| Onion, garlic | ⛔ Toxic | Damages red blood cells; eliminate completely |
| Chocolate | ⛔ Toxic | Theobromine is toxic to cats; darker is worse |
| Grapes / raisins | ⛔ Toxic | Kidney damage risk |
| Raw bread dough | ⛔ Toxic | Expands and ferments in the stomach |
| Alcohol / caffeine | ⛔ Toxic | Dangerous even in small doses |
| Xylitol (sweetener) | ⛔ Toxic | In gum, baked goods, some toothpastes |
Always avoid
If you remember only one thing — keep these away: onion and garlic (any form), chocolate, grapes/raisins, alcohol, caffeine, xylitol, and raw bread dough.
Also: many houseplants — especially lilies — are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small bite or licked pollen is dangerous.
"They only had a tiny bit — should I worry?"
It depends on the food, the amount, and the cat's weight. Licking cheese is not the same as eating a clove of garlic. Honestly, computing a toxic dose under pressure is hard — and that's when people search for it.
Habit instead of panic
PlanMyPet keeps your cat's profile, reminders, and a full safety database in one place.
Get early access →