Foods Cats Can and Cannot Eat
Cats are obligate carnivores: they need nutrients found in animal tissue, such as taurine, and a complete cat food covers those needs. Treats and human foods should be occasional extras. Here is what to know. You can also check specific foods with our food safety checker.
Foods that are dangerous for cats
- Onions, garlic, chives and leeks: damage red blood cells, and cats are very sensitive.
- Chocolate and caffeine.
- Grapes and raisins.
- Alcohol and raw dough.
- Xylitol-sweetened products.
- Raw fish or eggs in large amounts, which can cause nutritional or bacterial problems.
- Milk: many adult cats are lactose intolerant, which can cause diarrhoea.
Lilies are not food, but they are extremely toxic to cats, including pollen and vase water. Keep them out of your home.
Foods that are generally safe in small amounts
- Plain cooked chicken, turkey or lean meat.
- Cooked fish such as salmon or tuna (occasionally, not as a main diet).
- Plain cooked eggs.
- Small amounts of cooked pumpkin or carrot.
Feeding tips
Choose a complete and balanced food labelled for your cat’s life stage, offer fresh water (many cats like a fountain), and keep treats under about 10 percent of daily calories. If your cat stops eating for more than a day, call your vet, since cats can develop serious liver problems when they fast.
Suspect poisoning? Contact your vet or animal poison control immediately.