Safe and Toxic Foods for Cats

Plain, cooked chicken without seasoning, skin, or bones is safe and healthy for cats. It's a good source of protein and is often used in commercial cat foods.

Carrots are safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need vegetables in their diet. Some cats may enjoy small amounts of cooked carrots.

Small pieces of apple (without seeds) are safe for cats, though many cats show little interest in fruit.

Cooked eggs are safe and nutritious for cats. They're an excellent source of protein and amino acids.

Properly cooked salmon is safe and beneficial for cats. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids which support skin, coat, and immune health.

Plain, cooked pumpkin (not pie filling) is safe for cats and can help with hairballs and digestive issues.

Watermelon flesh (without seeds or rind) is safe for cats, though many cats show little interest in fruit.

Blueberries are safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in fruit.

Bananas are safe for cats, though most cats show little interest in sweet fruits.

Cooked sweet potatoes (without seasoning) are safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need vegetables in their diet.

Plain, cooked turkey without skin, bones, or seasonings is safe and healthy for cats. It's a good source of lean protein.

Green beans are safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need vegetables in their diet.

Lean, cooked beef without seasoning is safe and nutritious for cats. It's an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Strawberries are safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in fruit.

Cantaloupe flesh (without seeds or rind) is safe for cats. Some cats are attracted to the smell of melon.

Properly cooked fish without bones is safe and nutritious for cats. It's a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids which support skin, coat, and immune health.

Lean, cooked lamb without seasoning is safe and nutritious for cats. It's an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Mango flesh (without the pit) is safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in fruit.

Fresh pineapple (not canned in syrup) is safe for cats in very small amounts, though most cats won't be interested due to its acidity and texture.

Celery is safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in vegetables.

Cucumber is safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in vegetables.

Kiwi fruit (without skin and seeds) is safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in fruit.

Zucchini is safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in vegetables.

Lean, cooked venison without seasoning is safe and nutritious for cats. It's an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, and is often used in hypoallergenic cat foods.

Sardines packed in water (not oil or sauce) are safe and nutritious for cats. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.

Fresh parsley in very small amounts is safe for cats and can help freshen breath. It contains vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial.

Pears are safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in fruit.

Cooked shrimp (without shell, tail, and vein) is safe for cats and is a good source of protein, phosphorus, and antioxidants.

Cooked squash is safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, many cats won't be interested in vegetables.

Cooked white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia is safe and nutritious for cats. It's a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Bell peppers are safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in vegetables.

Papaya flesh (without seeds) is safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, most cats show little interest in fruit.

Plain, thoroughly cooked lean pork without seasoning is safe for cats in moderation. It's a source of protein and several vitamins and minerals.

Green peas are safe for cats, though as obligate carnivores, many cats won't be interested in vegetables.

Cooked rabbit meat without bones or seasoning is safe and nutritious for cats. It's lean, high in protein, and often used in hypoallergenic cat foods.

Kale is safe for cats in very small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, most cats won't be interested in leafy greens.

Unlike dogs, macadamia nuts are not known to be highly toxic to cats. However, they are high in fat and can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis if consumed in large amounts.

Plain, unsalted peanut butter without xylitol is technically safe for cats in very small amounts, but it's not recommended as a regular treat.

Small amounts of cheese can be given to cats as an occasional treat. Some cats enjoy cheese and it can be useful for hiding medications.

Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be given to cats in very small amounts occasionally. Some cats may enjoy it and it contains probiotics that can benefit digestive health.

Plain, cooked oatmeal (without sugar or flavorings) is technically safe for cats in very small amounts, but it's not a necessary part of their diet.

Plain, unsalted peanuts (not in the shell) are technically safe for cats in very small amounts, but they're not recommended as a regular treat.

Plain, cooked white or brown rice is safe for cats in small amounts. It can sometimes help with digestive issues.

Broccoli is safe for cats in very small amounts, though most cats won't be interested in vegetables.

Raw, unprocessed honey is technically safe for adult cats in very small amounts, but it's not recommended as cats cannot taste sweetness and don't benefit from it.

Plain, thoroughly cooked pork without seasoning is safe for cats in moderation. It's a source of protein and several vitamins and minerals.

Cooked quinoa is safe for cats in small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need grains in their diet.

Spinach is generally safe for healthy cats in very small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need vegetables in their diet.

Small amounts of coconut meat or coconut oil are generally safe for cats, though many cats won't be interested.

Fresh or dried cranberries (without added sugar) are safe for cats in very small amounts. They may help support urinary tract health.

Plain, low-fat cottage cheese is safe for most cats in small amounts. It's a source of protein and calcium, and is often easier to digest than other dairy products.

Plain, baked bread without added ingredients is generally safe for cats in small amounts, though it provides little nutritional value for them.

Plain, cooked corn kernels are safe for cats in small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need vegetables in their diet.

Plain, air-popped popcorn without butter, salt, or seasonings is technically safe for cats in very small amounts, though most cats won't be interested.

Plain, store-bought mushrooms like button, cremini, and portobello are generally safe for cats in very small amounts when cooked, though most cats won't be interested.

Plain, firm tofu is generally safe for cats in very small amounts, though it's not a natural part of their diet.

Dates (with pits removed) are technically safe for cats in very small amounts, though most cats won't be interested due to their inability to taste sweetness.

Unsalted, shelled pistachios are technically safe for cats in very small amounts, but they're not recommended as a regular treat.

Small amounts of lean, cooked ham can be given to cats occasionally. It contains protein and some B vitamins.

Plain, unseasoned tomato sauce in very small amounts may be okay for cats occasionally. Ripe tomatoes themselves are not toxic, but many commercial tomato sauces contain onions, garlic, salt, and other ingredients that are harmful to cats.

Brown rice is safe for cats in small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need grains in their diet.

Plain, cooked pasta is safe for cats in small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need carbohydrates in their diet.

Plain, cooked potatoes (not raw or green) are safe for cats in small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need carbohydrates in their diet.

Plain, unsalted cashews are technically safe for cats in very small amounts, but they're not recommended as a regular treat.

Cooked beets are safe for cats in very small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, most cats won't be interested in vegetables.

Cooked asparagus is safe for cats in very small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, most cats won't be interested in vegetables.

Cooked turnips are safe for cats in very small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, most cats won't be interested in vegetables.

Shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds are technically safe for cats in very small amounts, but they're not recommended as a regular treat.

Cooked barley is safe for cats in small amounts, though as obligate carnivores, cats don't need grains in their diet.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which are toxic to cats. While cats are less likely to eat chocolate than dogs, even small amounts can be dangerous.

Grapes and raisins are toxic to cats, just as they are to dogs. They can cause sudden kidney failure, though cats are less likely to eat them than dogs.

Onions contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulfates which can damage a cat's red blood cells and cause anemia. All forms of onions are toxic: raw, cooked, dehydrated, or powdered.

Garlic is highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. It contains compounds that can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more sensitive to garlic toxicity than dogs.

While cats appear less sensitive to xylitol than dogs, it's still considered potentially toxic and should be avoided. Xylitol is found in many sugar-free products.

Alcohol is highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause serious health problems including liver and brain damage.

Citrus fruits contain essential oils and psoralens that are toxic to cats. The stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds all contain varying amounts of these compounds.

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, similar to dogs. While cats are less likely to eat these fruits, they should be kept away from them.

Oranges and other citrus fruits contain essential oils and psoralens that are toxic to cats. The stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds all contain varying amounts of these compounds.

Coffee contains caffeine, which is toxic to cats. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures.

Raw bread dough containing yeast can expand in a cat's stomach, causing pain and potentially rupturing the stomach. The fermentation process also produces alcohol, which is toxic to cats.

Hops, used in beer brewing, can cause malignant hyperthermia in cats, leading to organ damage and death.

Moldy foods can contain mycotoxins, which are toxic to cats and can cause tremors, seizures, and death.

Tobacco contains nicotine, which is toxic to cats and can cause tremors, seizures, and death.

Excessive salt intake can cause sodium ion poisoning in cats, leading to dehydration, tremors, seizures, and death.

Marijuana contains THC, which is toxic to cats and can cause incoordination, tremors, and seizures.

Blue cheese contains roquefortine C, which can be toxic to cats and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.

Many fruit pits and seeds contain cyanide compounds that are toxic to cats. They can also cause intestinal blockages.

Mustard seeds contain compounds that can be toxic to cats in large amounts, causing gastrointestinal irritation.

Many human vitamins and supplements can be toxic to cats, especially those containing xylitol or high doses of certain vitamins.

While cats appear less sensitive to xylitol than dogs, artificial sweeteners should still be avoided as they can cause digestive upset.

Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal damage to cats, including choking, cuts in the digestive tract, and intestinal blockages.

Raw fish can contain parasites and thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), which can lead to thiamine deficiency in cats who consume raw fish regularly.

Garlic powder is more concentrated than fresh garlic and is highly toxic to cats. It contains compounds that can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.

Persimmon seeds and pits contain cyanide and can cause intestinal blockage and inflammation of the small intestine in cats.

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, some sodas, chocolate, and some medications. It stimulates the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, which can be dangerous for cats.

Wild mushrooms can be extremely toxic to cats. Many varieties contain toxins that can cause severe liver and kidney damage, neurological problems, or death.

Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. The pit also presents a serious choking and intestinal blockage hazard.

Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is toxic to cats and can cause hallucinations, disorientation, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and seizures.

Rhubarb leaves contain soluble oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. The stalks contain less of these compounds but are still not recommended.

Walnuts, especially black walnuts, can be toxic to cats. They can contain a toxin called juglone and are also susceptible to mold that produces tremorgenic mycotoxins. Additionally, their size and hardness present choking and intestinal blockage risks.

Raw yeast dough is toxic to cats. The yeast continues to rise in the warm, moist environment of the stomach, causing painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating. As the yeast ferments, it produces alcohol which can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Poppy seeds contain opiates that can be toxic to cats, even in small amounts. They can cause central nervous system depression, sedation, and in severe cases, respiratory depression.

Star fruit (carambola) contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause acute kidney failure in cats with existing kidney problems. Even in healthy cats, it can cause stomach upset and neurological symptoms.

Tamarind is not recommended for cats due to its high acidity and sugar content. It can cause severe digestive upset and is not a natural part of a cat's diet.

Raw elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when metabolized. The leaves, stems, and unripe berries are particularly toxic to cats.

Sorrel contains soluble oxalates which can cause kidney damage in cats. It's particularly dangerous for cats with existing kidney issues.

Juniper berries can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney damage in cats. They contain volatile oils that can irritate the digestive system and potentially harm the kidneys.

Chives belong to the Allium family (along with onions and garlic) and contain compounds that can damage red blood cells in cats, leading to hemolytic anemia. Cats are even more sensitive to these compounds than dogs.

Horseradish contains volatile oils that can irritate a cat's digestive system and potentially cause gastric upset or inflammation. The strong, pungent flavor can also cause oral irritation.

Chamomile contains compounds that can be toxic to cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and potential bleeding tendencies with long-term use. It can also cause contact dermatitis.