If your cat may have eaten a toxic food, contact a veterinarian or animal poison service without waiting for symptoms. Remove access, keep the packaging and note what was eaten, when and how much may be missing. Do not induce vomiting or give medication on your own.
Common kitchen hazards
Onion, garlic and chives, whether raw, cooked or mixed into sauces, can damage a cat’s red blood cells. Chocolate, coffee, tea and other sources of caffeine are dangerous too. Keep alcohol and raw yeast dough out of reach. Removing visible onion pieces from a cooked meal is not enough: powdered or mixed ingredients may remain.
The ASPCA also lists other human foods that can cause problems. Risk differs by species, product, amount and the individual animal. A short list should never be read as proof that everything else is safe. Read labels and ask before offering leftovers, supplements or snacks meant for people.
What to tell the veterinarian
Have the brand, ingredient list, concentration if listed, approximate time and amount available. Give the cat’s weight if you know it. Describe vomiting, drooling, tremors, lethargy or breathing changes. If you do not know how much was eaten, say so; an honest estimate is more useful than an invented number.
Do not wait for a web search to confirm a “safe dose”. Signs may develop later and concerning amounts depend on several factors. A professional will decide whether your cat needs immediate treatment and which measures are appropriate.
Reduce the chance of exposure
Store food and medicines in closed cupboards, clear plates from tables and ask visitors and children not to feed leftovers to the cat. Take particular care with dishes containing onion or garlic, chocolate desserts and alcoholic drinks. If you also have a dog, do not assume that every food risk is identical across species.
The foundation of the cat’s diet should be complete cat food. Treats are optional; if you are uncertain about one, wait until its ingredients have been checked with a reliable veterinary source. For everyday feeding after an exposure has been addressed, return to what cats can eat.
Sources consulted
This guide provides general information. If your pet has symptoms, pain or a sudden change in behaviour, speak to a veterinarian. Read our editorial policy.