As a cat owner, you might have wondered, can cats get food poisoning? The answer is yes, and it’s more common than many realize. Certain human foods are toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues, including digestive problems and even life-threatening conditions.
7 Common Human Foods That Can Cause Food Poisoning in Cats
-
Dairy Products
You might think a little milk or cheese is a nice treat for your cat, but most cats can’t digest dairy properly. This can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea. It’s best to avoid dairy, but you can ask the vet about lactose-free options.
-
Garlic and Onions
Onions and garlic are very dangerous for cats and should never be given to them. These ingredients contain harmful chemicals that damage a cat’s red blood cells, which can cause anemia.
Cats can get sick from eating onions or garlic in any form—raw, cooked, or powdered, like in some baby foods. A very small amount is generally okay, but it’s still best to use caution and consult your vet.
-
Chocolate and Caffeine
Both chocolate and coffee contain chemicals called methylxanthines, including caffeine and theobromine, which can be harmful to pets.
Can cats get food poisoning from chocolate? Absolutely. Because cats metabolize theobromine more slowly than dogs, even a small amount of dark chocolate or cocoa powder can be very dangerous.
While cats can get food poisoning from chocolate and caffeine poisoning is rare, however, you still need to be careful. Even a small amount of dark chocolate or cocoa powder can be very risky for them due to their small size.
-
Avocado
Avocados can be toxic to cats because they contain persin, a harmful substance found in the fruit, pit, leaves, and plant. Can cats get food poisoning from avocados? Yes, and it can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
If a cat eats avocado, it can cause fluid to build up in the lungs and chest, making it hard to breathe. In extreme cases, this can be deadly. Studies in Interdisciplinary Toxicology have shown that avocado can also affect a cat’s heart, stomach, and pancreas. Since avocados are high in fat, they can lead to serious health problems like pancreatitis.
-
Alcohol
Ethanol poisoning happens when cats eat or drink something with alcohol in it. Since their bodies can't handle alcohol well, even small amounts can lead to food poisoning in cats. It can affect their brain and body, causing sleepiness, trouble breathing, or even a coma.
Once alcohol is in a cat’s body, it spreads quickly through the blood and reaches the brain. It slows down the brain, liver, kidneys, and other important functions. Cats can get alcohol poisoning from:
-
Rotten fruits that have started to ferment
-
Uncooked bread or pizza dough (which makes alcohol as it rises)
-
Alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and liquor
-
Raw meats and eggs
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns against feeding raw or undercooked meat, and eggs to your cat, because it can be dangerous. These foods can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli that make cats sick. Infected cats can spread germs to people, which is especially risky for babies, older adults, and anyone with a weak immune system.
A safe way to make homemade food for your cat is The Original CrockPet Diet. This diet uses slow cooking to keep important nutrients while killing harmful bacteria. It helps your cat get a healthy, balanced meal without the risks of raw food. To keep everything clean and safe, always wash your hands and clean surfaces after handling raw ingredients.
-
Grape and Raisins
Grapes and raisins, even in little amounts, can make your cat sick and potentially lead to kidney failure. Vomiting might happen as soon as 12 hours after consumption. Lethargy, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, decreased urine, and abdominal pain are some of the other symptoms that may appear within 24 hours.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning in Cats
Poisoning Symptoms in cats vary greatly depending on what they've consumed, breathed, or come into contact with. Some toxins have an almost immediate effect, while others take many days to show symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of food poisoning in cats, but these symptoms can also point to other health issues.
-
Vomiting
-
Diarrhea
-
Drooling
-
Breathing problems
-
Weakness or lethargy
-
Appetite loss.
-
The thirst that is excessive
-
Vomit, saliva, or stools with blood
-
Gums that are pale
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Poisonous Food
If your cat eats poisonous food, act quickly. Look for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. These symptoms can mean your cat needs urgent help. Here are the steps to follow:
-
Remove any remaining food immediately.
-
Observe symptoms and note changes in behavior.
-
Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) for urgent advice.
-
Avoid home remedies unless directed by a professional.
How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Cats?
-
Educate Your Household
Many toxic foods for cats are common in human diets. Ensure everyone in your home is aware:
-
Post a list of toxic foods in a visible spot (e.g., refrigerator).
-
Teach children and visitors not to share food with your cat.
-
Inform pet sitters about safe feeding practices.
-
Stick to Vet-Approved Meals
A balanced diet prevents poisoning and supports overall health. Experts, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), recommend:
-
High-protein, commercial cat food with minimal fillers.
-
Vet-approved home-cooked meals to ensure proper nutrients.
-
No table scraps, as common ingredients (garlic, onions, dairy) can be toxic.
-
Plenty of fresh water to aid digestion and kidney function.
Conclusion
So, can cats get food poisoning? Yes, and in order to protect your cat, you must be aware of any possible hazards. Food poisoning in cats can be caused by everyday household foods, but with proper precautions, you can protect your pet from harm. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods to your cat's diet, and if you suspect poisoning, act quickly to ensure their health and safety.
