18 Common Human Foods Cats Cannot Eat

We all know how irresistibly cute those furry whiskers can be, and it’s natural to want to share our favorite foods with our beloved feline companions.

But did you know that some seemingly harmless human foods can spell disaster for our purr-fect pals?

In this blog post, we’ll uncover the hidden dangers lurking in your pantry and learn which human foods cats cannot eat to keep our whiskered wonders safe and sound.

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Human Foods Cats Cannot Eat

The following are some common human foods cats cannot eat:

1. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are common human foods that cats cannot eat due to their toxic properties.

Both onions and garlic contain compounds called thiosulphates, which can cause a condition called Heinz body anemia in cats.

This condition results in the destruction of red blood cells, leading to anemia and potentially life-threatening complications.

Even small amounts of onions or garlic can harm cats, so it is best to avoid feeding them these foods to ensure their safety and well-being.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are common human foods that pose a significant risk to cats. These fruits contain a toxic substance that can cause kidney failure in cats.

Even a tiny amount of grapes or raisins can be harmful to cats, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

The exact cause of the toxicity is unknown, but it is recommended to keep grapes and raisins away from cats to ensure their safety.

3. Chocolate

Chocolate is a common human treat that cats cannot eat due to its toxic effects on them. Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, is difficult for cats to metabolize, leading to a buildup of toxic levels in their system.

Consumption of chocolate can cause various symptoms in cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and even seizures or death.

It is crucial for cat owners to be aware of the potential dangers of chocolate and ensure that their feline companions are kept away from it.

4. Baby Food

Human baby food is not safe for cats to eat due to several reasons. Firstly, most baby foods are formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of human infants, which differ significantly from those of cats.

Secondly, baby foods often contain ingredients that are harmful or toxic to cats, such as onions, garlic, and certain spices. Additionally, baby foods may contain additives or preservatives that can cause digestive issues or allergic reactions in cats.

Lastly, the texture and consistency of baby foods may not be suitable for cats, potentially leading to choking or other physical discomfort.

5. Salt and Salty Snacks

Salt and salty snacks are common human foods that cats cannot safely consume. Cats have a unique dietary requirement where they need a specific balance of nutrients, including sodium.

Excessive salt intake can lead to electrolyte imbalances in cats, causing dehydration, increased thirst, and potential kidney damage.

Salty snacks, such as potato chips or pretzels, are high in sodium and can easily exceed a cat’s daily sodium intake. It is important to avoid feeding cats salty foods to ensure their overall health and well-being.

6. Fatty Foods

Fatty foods, such as fried or greasy foods, are not safe for cats to consume due to their unique physiology. Cats lack certain enzymes needed to properly metabolize and digest high-fat diets, which can lead to digestive upset, pancreatitis, and obesity.

Additionally, fatty foods can cause a condition called steatitis, or “yellow fat disease,” which is characterized by inflammation and pain in the adipose tissue.

To ensure the health and well-being of cats, it is important to avoid feeding them fatty foods and stick to a balanced, species-appropriate diet.

7. Raw Eggs

Raw eggs are a common part of human foods that are unsafe for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are not designed to handle certain foods, such as raw eggs. Raw eggs can contain Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause severe gastrointestinal issues in cats.

Additionally, raw egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme that can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin essential for a cat’s overall health. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding raw eggs to cats to prevent potential health risks.

8. Tuna for Humans

Canned tuna is a common part of human food that cats should not consume due to several reasons. Firstly, canned tuna often contains high levels of mercury, which can be toxic to cats and can lead to mercury poisoning.

Secondly, most canned tuna is packed in oil or brine, which can cause digestive issues and upset stomachs in cats. Thirdly, tuna is not nutritionally balanced for cats as it lacks essential nutrients like taurine, which is crucial for their overall health.

Lastly, feeding cats canned tuna regularly can lead to thiamine deficiency, which can result in neurological problems. Overall, it is best to avoid feeding cats canned tuna to ensure their well-being and health.

9. Sugary Foods

Sugary foods, such as chocolate, candy, and desserts, are parts of human foods that cats cannot eat. Cats lack the necessary enzymes to efficiently metabolize sugar, making it difficult for their bodies to process these types of foods.

Consuming sugary foods can lead to various health issues in cats, including obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Additionally, some sugary foods may contain ingredients like xylitol, which is toxic to cats and can cause liver damage or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to keep sugary foods out of reach of cats to ensure their safety and well-being.

10. Caffeine Products

Caffeine products are a common part of human food that cats cannot safely consume due to its stimulant effects. Cats lack the necessary enzymes to metabolize caffeine, leading to its accumulation in their bodies.

This can result in various toxic effects, such as increased heart rate, tremors, restlessness, and even seizures. In severe cases, ingestion of caffeine can be fatal for cats.

Therefore, it is important to keep caffeine-containing products, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate, out of a cat’s reach to ensure their safety.

11. Alcohol Products

Alcohol products are not safe for cats to consume due to their toxic effects on feline physiology. Cats lack the necessary enzymes to metabolize alcohol, leading to rapid absorption and potential poisoning.

Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious health issues for cats, including liver damage, seizures, and respiratory distress.

Additionally, alcohol can impair a cat’s coordination and judgment, leading to accidents and injuries. It is crucial to keep all alcohol products out of reach of cats to ensure their safety and well-being.

12. Yeast dough

Yeast dough is a common ingredient used in various human food items such as bread, pizza, and pastries. However, it is not safe for cats to consume.

Firstly, yeast dough can expand in a cat’s stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. Secondly, the fermentation process in the dough produces alcohol, which can be toxic to cats.

Additionally, the high carbohydrate content in yeast dough can disrupt a cat’s digestive system and lead to gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it is best to keep yeast dough away from cats to ensure their safety and well-being.

13. Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a common spice found in many human foods, but it is not safe for cats to consume. Cats lack the necessary enzymes to metabolize certain compounds found in nutmeg, such as myristicin.

Ingesting even small amounts of nutmeg can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, in cats. Furthermore, nutmeg contains essential oils that can cause neurological symptoms in cats, such as tremors, disorientation, and seizures.

To ensure the well-being of our feline companions, it is best to keep nutmeg and other potentially harmful spices out of their reach.

14. Spices and Seasonings

Spices and seasonings are a common part of human food that cats cannot eat due to their potential adverse effects on feline health. Firstly, many spices and seasonings contain ingredients that are toxic to cats, such as onions and garlic, which can cause damage to their red blood cells.

Additionally, the strong flavors and aromas of spices can overwhelm a cat’s sensitive palate and cause digestive upset or even lead to gastrointestinal irritation.

Moreover, some spices may contain high levels of sodium or other additives that can be harmful to a cat’s kidneys and overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to keep cats away from spices and seasonings to ensure their safety and health.

15. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, saccharin, and aspartame, are a common part of human food but can be toxic to cats. Cats lack a specific enzyme called glucokinase, which is responsible for metabolizing these sweeteners.

As a result, these sweeteners can accumulate in a cat’s bloodstream, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Additionally, some artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, can cause liver damage and even be fatal to cats.

Therefore, it is crucial to avoid feeding cats any foods or products containing artificial sweeteners to ensure their safety.

16. Citrus Fruits

Cats should not consume citrus fruits due to their high levels of citric acid. Citric acid can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

Additionally, certain compounds found in citrus fruits, such as essential oils, can be toxic to cats. It is best to avoid feeding citrus fruits to cats to prevent any potential health issues and ensure their well-being.

17. Raw Tomatoes

Raw tomatoes are not safe for cats to eat due to their high levels of solanine, a toxic substance found in the leaves and stems of the plant. Cats lack the necessary enzymes to metabolize solanine, making it harmful to their digestive system.

Ingesting raw tomatoes can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, as well as potential damage to the liver and kidneys.

It is important to avoid feeding raw tomatoes to cats and ensure they are kept out of their reach to prevent potential health risks.

18. Raw Potatoes

Raw potatoes are not safe for cats to eat due to their high levels of solanine, a toxic substance found in green or sprouted potatoes. When consumed, solanine can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, in cats.

Additionally, uncooked potatoes contain starches that are difficult for cats to digest, potentially leading to digestive issues. To ensure the safety and well-being of cats, it is best to avoid feeding them uncooked potatoes and opt for cat-friendly food options instead.

Learn more about things cats hate.

Potential Risks of Feeding Human Foods to Cats

Feeding human foods to cats can pose several potential risks. Here are some of them:

1. Nutritional Imbalance: Cats have specific dietary requirements that differ from those of humans. Human foods may not provide the necessary nutrients cats need for their overall health and well-being. Feeding an imbalanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses, which can result in various health issues.

2. Toxicity: Some human foods can be toxic to cats. For example, certain fruits like grapes and raisins, chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, and alcohol can be harmful and even life-threatening to cats if ingested. Feeding these foods to cats can cause gastrointestinal problems, organ damage, or even poisoning.

3. Obesity and Weight Gain: Human foods, especially those high in fat and calories, can contribute to obesity and weight gain in cats. Cats have specific dietary requirements, and overfeeding them with high-calorie human foods can lead to excessive weight gain, which increases the risk of various health problems such as diabetes, joint issues, and heart disease.

4. Digestive Upset: Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden dietary changes or the introduction of unfamiliar foods can cause digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Feeding human foods that are rich in spices, fats, or additives can particularly upset a cat’s digestive system.

5. Behavioral Issues: Feeding cats human foods can contribute to the development of undesirable behaviors. Cats may become demanding or beg for human food, leading to excessive meowing, scratching, or other attention-seeking behaviors. This can create a negative dynamic and disrupt the cat’s normal feeding routine.

It’s important to note that while occasional small amounts of certain human foods may be safe for cats, it’s generally best to stick to a nutritionally balanced diet specifically formulated for cats.

If you have concerns or questions about your cat’s diet, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian who can provide appropriate dietary guidance for your feline companion.

Learn more about identifying a sick cat.