Back to the Interactive CheckerPrintable Reference — 1 Page
Toxic Foods for Cats: Quick-Reference Chart
Print this chart and keep it on the fridge, or share it with a new adopter. It lists common foods, plants, and household items by risk level, with the key reason each is flagged. Always confirm with your vet when in doubt.
Toxic Foods for Cats — Quick-Reference Chart
purrwise.org/tools/toxic-food-chart · Not a substitute for veterinary advice
Toxic — Never Feed22
Potentially life-threatening. Contact a vet immediately if ingested.
Lilies (All Varieties)Extremely lethal to cats. Even tiny amounts of pollen, leaves, stems, or water from a vase can cause acute renal failure.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Peace LilyContains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Peace lilies do NOT cause the acute kidney failure seen with true lilies (Lilium/Hemerocallis), but require veterinary attention for symptom relief.
Onions & Garlic (Alliums)Contains thiosulfates that break down feline red blood cells, causing severe hemolytic anemia. Garlic is 5x more potent than onion.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Chocolate & CocoaContains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate present the highest toxic risk.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Alcohol & EthanolFeline liver and kidneys cannot metabolize alcohol. Even small amounts cause severe intoxication, coma, or respiratory failure.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Acetaminophen / TylenolCats lack key liver enzymes (glucuronyl transferase) to metabolize acetaminophen. Even a fraction of a single human tablet causes methemoglobinemia and fatal liver failure.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Essential Oils & ConcentratesConcentrated plant phenols and terpenes are toxic to feline liver pathways. Severity depends on oil type, concentration, exposure route (ingestion, skin contact, active diffusion), and whether the cat can exit the room.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Citrus Essential Oils & ConcentratesConcentrated citrus oils contain high levels of d-limonene and linalool, which cats cannot metabolize. Direct contact or ingestion can cause central nervous system depression and liver damage.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Unbaked Raw Yeast DoughPresents two major life-threatening hazards: (1) expanding dough in the warm stomach causes severe gastric distension/bloat, and (2) fermenting yeast produces ethanol absorbed into the bloodstream, causing acute alcohol poisoning.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Caffeine, Coffee & TeaCats are significantly more sensitive to caffeine than humans. Methylxanthines stimulate the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
NSAIDs & Human PainkillersNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are toxic to cats even in microscopic doses. Felines lack metabolic pathways to detoxify NSAIDs, leading to rapid gastric ulceration, acute renal failure, and intestinal perforation.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Sago Palm (Cycads)Extremely toxic ornamental plant. All parts of the Sago Palm contain cycasin, but the seeds (nuts) carry the highest concentration. Ingestion causes acute liver failure, severe gastroenteritis, and high mortality rates in cats.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Tulips & DaffodilsContains toxic alkaloid lycorine (daffodils) and tulipalin A/B (tulips). Toxic compounds are concentrated primarily in the underground bulbs. Chewing or digging up bulbs causes intense gastrointestinal distress, drooling, and potentially cardiac arrhythmias.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Cannabis & THC EdiblesTetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affects feline cannabinoid receptors significantly more intensely than human receptors. Ingestion of plant material, smoke exposure, or THC edibles causes severe neurological depression, ataxia, and urinary incontinence.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Excess Salt & Soy SauceLarge amounts of sodium chloride disrupt feline electrolyte balance, pulling fluid from brain cells and causing cellular dehydration. Heavy intake of soy sauce, salty snacks, or rock salt causes sodium ion poisoning.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Rat Poison & RodenticidesExtremely lethal feline emergency. Rodenticides work via anticoagulation (causing severe internal hemorrhage), bromethalin (causing fatal cerebral edema), or cholecalciferol (causing acute renal calcium intoxication). Secondary poisoning can also occur if a cat eats a poisoned rodent.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Antifreeze & Ethylene GlycolOne of the most rapidly fatal toxins for cats. Ethylene glycol tastes sweet to animals, but as little as a single teaspoon (4 mL) metabolized by the feline liver produces toxic oxalic acid, causing irreversible acute renal failure and death within 12 to 24 hours.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Poinsettia, Holly & MistletoePopular holiday plants carry varying levels of toxicity. Poinsettia sap causes mild oral irritation and drooling. Holly leaves and berries contain saponins causing severe gastroenteritis. Mistletoe contains lectins and phoratoxins that cause gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure, and cardiovascular collapse.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Wild Toxic MushroomsWild mushrooms found in yards or forests contain toxins like amatoxins, muscarine, or ibotenic acid. Amatoxins cause fulminant hepatic necrosis and kidney failure, while muscarinic species trigger severe SLUDGE syndrome (salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI distress).⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Human ADHD & Antidepressant MedsPrescription stimulant (ADHD) and antidepressant (SSRI/SNRI) medications are extremely toxic to cats. Ingestion causes serotonin syndrome, severe hypertension, tachycardia, tremors, hyperthermia, and fatal seizures.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Permethrin & Dog Flea Spot-OnsConcentrated permethrin found in dog spot-on flea products is toxic to cats because felines lack the glucuronidation enzymes needed to break down pyrethroids. Applying dog flea medicine to cats or grooming a treated dog causes severe neurotoxicity.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Moldy Foods & MycotoxinsMoldy foods, spoiled cheese, nuts, or garbage contain tremorgenic mycotoxins (such as Penitrem A and Roquefortine C) produced by Penicillium fungi. Ingestion triggers severe central nervous system stimulation and violent tremors.⚠ Emergency — contact a vet immediately.
Avoid8
Not immediately fatal but can cause serious illness or discomfort. Keep away.
Xylitol & Artificial SweetenersXylitol causes severe hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs; documented cases in cats are extremely rare, but cats should still avoid sugar-free products containing xylitol as a precaution.
Citrus Fruit, Peel & Plant MaterialCitrus fruit flesh and peels contain citric acid and trace essential oils. While not as lethal as concentrated oils, peels and seeds can cause digestive upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Avocado Plant, Pit & Large AmountsAvocado leaves, bark, and pits contain persin. While persin is primarily toxic to birds and livestock, avocado pits present a severe choking/intestinal obstruction hazard for cats, and high-fat flesh can cause gastroenteritis. A minor lick of plain flesh is not an acute poisoning emergency.
Grapes & RaisinsToxicity mechanism remains under investigation (tartaric acid), but ingestion is linked to acute renal injury in felines.
Raw Eggs & Raw MeatRisk of Salmonella or E. coli contamination. Raw egg whites also contain avidin, which inhibits biotin absorption.
Cooked BonesCooked bones splinter easily, posing high risk of esophageal blockage, stomach perforation, or intestinal tears.
Macadamia Nuts & Tree NutsMacadamia nuts contain an unidentified toxin that causes weakness, depression, and hyperthermia in companion animals. High fat content in all tree nuts also triggers acute gastroenteritis and pancreatitis in cats.
Rhubarb Leaves & StarfruitRhubarb leaves and starfruit contain high concentrations of soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion binds systemic blood calcium, causing acute hypocalcemia and precipitation of oxalate crystals in kidney tubules, leading to acute renal injury.
Limited — Occasional Only2
Safe in small, infrequent amounts with preparation; not a staple.
Cow's Milk & DairyMost adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk does not cause toxicity, but frequently causes digestive upset.
Canned Tuna (In Oil/Human Grade)Human canned tuna lacks essential feline nutrients (taurine, vitamin E). Heavy consumption can lead to steatitis (yellow fat disease) or mercury accumulation.
Generally Safe5
No known toxicity, but treats should still be plain, small, and occasional.
Plain Unseasoned Cooked ChickenNot known to be toxic. Plain cooked chicken breast (skinless, boneless, without onion/garlic seasoning) is frequently recommended for bland digestive recovery diets.
Plain Unseasoned Cooked SalmonNot known to be toxic. Plain cooked salmon (boneless, skinless, unseasoned without garlic or onion) provides high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for cats.
Plain Canned Pumpkin PureeNot known to be toxic. 100% plain canned pumpkin puree (without added sugar or pie spices) is rich in soluble fiber and frequently recommended by veterinarians to assist with mild constipation or hairballs.
Plain Fresh & Cooked BlueberriesNot known to be toxic. Fresh or plain cooked blueberries are safe for cats in moderation, providing antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
Plain Steamed CarrotsNot known to be toxic. Plain soft-steamed carrots (unseasoned, cut into small bite-sized pieces) provide beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium for cats without causing choking hazards.
If your cat ate something on this chart
Contact your local emergency veterinarian immediately — do not wait for symptoms. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is available at (888) 426-4435 (consultation fee may apply). International owners should contact their local vet or national pet poison helpline.