Keep risky foods out of reach
Some everyday foods and ingredients can cause serious problems in pets. Cats are particularly susceptible to the effects of onion, garlic and related allium plants, while alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and raw yeast dough can also be hazardous.
Common things to keep away from cats
- Onion, garlic, chives and foods heavily seasoned with them.
- Alcohol and raw yeast dough.
- Chocolate, coffee and other concentrated caffeine sources.
- Very salty foods and large amounts of rich or fatty human food.
- Raw bones, which can injure or obstruct the digestive tract.
Treat packaging as evidence
If your cat may have eaten something unsafe, keep the packet or ingredient list and note the estimated amount and time. That information can help a veterinarian or animal poison service assess the risk.
Prevent accidents before they happen
A short exercise you can use at home. These are observations and low-risk changes, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan.
Secure the food and the packaging
Store foods, medicines and sweeteners out of reach. Cats may reach counters or bins, so a closed cupboard and a lidded bin can be safer than a high shelf. String from meat packaging can also be a dangerous swallowed object.
If something has been eaten
Keep the packaging or ingredient list, estimate the time and amount if known, and call your veterinarian or an animal poison service promptly. Do not induce vomiting or offer home remedies unless instructed by a professional.
Make it easier for visitors
Tell guests not to share table scraps and provide a clearly labelled safe place for your cat’s food. Never assume a human portion is safe for a smaller animal.
Do not wait for symptoms after a suspected poisoning. Contact a veterinarian or an animal poison-control service promptly, and do not induce vomiting unless a qualified professional specifically instructs you to.
Further reading
This page uses ASPCA Animal Poison Control as a reference starting point. External organisations do not endorse this site.