5 known danger foods for cats
We all give our pets a treat from the table now and then, but do you know which foods for humans are
dangerous for cats? Here’s a guide to the food and drink that vets agree your cat should never have.
Why it’s dangerous
Signs and symptoms
How to take action
Drowsiness
Lack of coordination
Urination problems
and diarrhoea
Stomach pain
Dehydration
Seizures
In severe cases:
Trouble breathing
Heart attack
Coma that can lead to brain
damage or even death
Get treatment immediately:
the longer the wait, the more
likely it is that your cat will lose
consciousness. Your vet will
do a blood test and may wash
your cat’s stomach or give
intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent
dehydration. In severe cases,
if a cat is having respiratory
problems, artificial ventilation to
aid breathing, such as with an
oxygen mask, may be needed.
1
Alcohol
Alcohol (in medicines and
mouthwash as well as alcoholic
beverages) contains ethanol,
which is toxic for cats because it
depresses their central nervous
system and can lead to cellular
damage. Depending on the
amount, it can be fatal.
2
Caffeine
Ingesting moderate amounts
of coffee grounds, tea bags
or even energy drinks can raise
a cat’s heart rate and body
temperature to unhealthy
levels, and may also cause
an abnormal heart rhythm.
Hyperactivity or restlessness
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Irregular heart rate
Fever
Tremors or seizures
Collapse and, in untreated
cases, death
Call your vet straight away.
They can advise you on the
amount your cat has had and
the severity of her symptoms.
Treatment may include IV fluids
or medicines to stabilise your
cat’s heart rate.
3
Chocolate
Chocolate contains both caffeine
and theobromine, which can
affect your cat’s nervous system.
As a general rule, the darker and
more bitter the chocolate, the
greater the danger to your cat.
4
Onions, leeks,
garlic or chives
Cats are highly susceptible to
poisoning from plants in the Allium
family, such as onions, leeks,
garlic and chives. The sulphurs
in the plant react with the cell
membranes in cats’ red blood
cells, causing them damage
that can lead to anaemia (low
levels of red blood cells) and
a resulting lack of oxygen.
Stomach pain
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Lethargy
Increased heart rate and
fast breathing
Pale gums and/or drooling
Red or brown discoloured urine
In severe cases, anaemia may
lead to internal organ damage,
organ failure or even death
Get treatment straight away.
If caught early, your vet may
induce vomiting in your cat
(but never try to do so yourself).
In severe cases, IV fluids
and oxygen therapy are used.
Some cats may require a blood
transfusion. The outlook is good
with early treatment, but less so
in cats that aren’t seen by a vet.
5
Mushrooms
and mouldy food
Fungi, or foods contaminated
with fungi such as mould,
release chemicals called
mycotoxins, which are
poisonous to cats. While cats
will instinctively avoid most
spoiled foods, they may
willingly eat mouldy cheese
or sour cream.
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Hyperactivity
Vomiting
Uncoordinated movements
Weakness
Increased heart rate
Fever
Dehydration
Lack of appetite
A cat suffering from mycotoxin
poisoning will need immediate
treatment. Your vet will pump
your cat’s stomach and, if
she isn’t convulsing, will give
activated charcoal to absorb the
toxic material in her stomach
and intestines. The outlook is
good if treatment begins soon
after ingestion of the fungi.
When in doubt: call your vet immediately, who will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
This list covers some of the more dangerous foods, but there are many that are unhealthy in other ways or over the long term. For example, foods
high in salt and fat, like processed meats, could lead to an upset stomach and obesity. Ask your vet for dietary advice.