Toxic foods for cats: what can they eat and what not?

Your cat's sense of exploration is one of the things that makes it so valuable to you. But this sometimes also means that you also have to be on the lookout for things that can harm her. Their natural curiosity makes your cat want to explore non-stop, whether it's roaming the great outdoors or climbing into every nook and cranny of your house. She doesn't know what she'll find on her next adventure. But in the house and garden, there are foods and substances that are foreign to cats, including plants, that can be potentially dangerous for your cat. Some of them are obvious, others look completely harmless.

For example, your cat likes the look of the snack you just ate or the medication you're taking. But these things, while they don't harm us, can be toxic to cats, and in some cases, even life-threatening. Many chemicals that are routinely used around the house, such as bathroom cleaners, can also be harmful if your curious cat gets their paws on a bottle.

Toxins for cats in the house

Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal and highly toxic to cats, even in small doses:

Painkiller
Cold medicines
Vitamins
Diet pills

Your cat should only take medication on the advice of a veterinarian – they know best what is good for a sick cat. Many medications that humans are safe to use are toxic to cats. So don't be tempted to try them. Also, keep in mind that some medications are safe to give to dogs, but will have serious side effects if your cat takes them instead. Only give your cat medication that is intended for cats and has been prescribed by your veterinarian.

Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications out of your cat's reach, preferably in closed cabinets.

If your cat has fleas, consult your veterinarian before buying or using flea products to discuss which medications are best for your feline paw. Permethrin is a flea-killing substance that is harmful to cats. Therefore, never apply a dog flea product to a cat. Read all the information before using any product on your cat or at home, and always follow the instructions on the label to make sure your cat is safe and sprightly. If you are using a house spray, make sure to remove all pets from the area for the period of time indicated on the container. If you are unsure about using a product, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian for clarification.

Don't let your cat into areas where cleaning products are used or stored. Some of these things can only cause an upset stomach in your cat, while others act as cat venom and cause severe burns to the tongue, mouth, and stomach and can be fatal in some cases.

Many common household items are toxic to cats, even if they don't look dangerous. But they can be very toxic even in small quantities. You don't have to ban them from your home entirely, but keep an eye on things so your cat doesn't play with them! These include:

Pennies (due to their high zinc concentration)
Mothballs
Potpourri Oils
Fabric Softener Sheets
Dishwashing detergents (which contain cationic detergents that can cause corrosive lesions)
Batteries (which contain acids or alkalis, which can also cause corrosive lesions)
Homemade putty (which contains a lot of salt)
Winter heat sources such as hand or foot warmers (which contain high iron content)
Cigarettes
Ground coffee
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate
Grapes/raisins
Garlic or onions

Because of the ingredient called theobromine, chocolate is toxic to cats. Although they are not very likely to storm the chocolate cabinet, milk-based chocolate drinks can be very tempting for a cat. You can learn more about why cats can't eat chocolate in our article

Caution is also advised when using potentially harmful substances in the household, as your cat can run into them at any time.

These pollutants include fumes from household products that are toxic to cats:

Detergent
Pesticides
Colours
Puddle

Microbial and anti-mold agents in air conditioners, air ducts, filters and humidifiers

When removing lead paint, be extremely careful and clean everything quickly and thoroughly if possible. Other lead-based items that could tempt your cat include lead-based paint, linoleum, and sealant.

Your cat loves to play in the "jungle" (better known as your garden!). However, if you treat your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always keep your cat away from the area until the products are completely dry.

If in doubt, you can discuss the use of these products with the product manufacturer, who will be able to tell you how safe they are for pets. Always store these products in a place where they are safe from your cat, as they are often toxic to cats.

If you're using rat or mouse bait, ant or cockroach traps, or snail bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your cat – you don't want them to get caught in them with a paw or try anything dangerous for them.

In addition, car products such as oil, gasoline and antifreeze should be stored correctly. Lots of antifreeze (which contains ethylene glycol) can be not only toxic to cats, but also deadly.

In addition to common household and garden products that might look tempting to your cat, there are also poisonous plants for cats that can often be found in the garden. Keep an eye on your cat if these plants are nearby. If you think your cat is in particular danger, consider removing these plants. These poisonous plants for cats include:

Aloe vera
Apple (seed)
Apricot (pit)
Autumn crocus
Cherry (seeds and wilted leaves)
Narcissus
Easter Lily
Elephant Ears
English ivy, poisonous ivy, ivy and other ivy species
Thimble
Geranium
Narcissus
Oleander
Oriental Lily
Peach (wilted leaves and seeds)
Primrose
Rhododendron
Tomato plant (green fruits, stems and leaves)
Yew
Amaryllis
Azalea
Bird of paradise
Clematis
Cyclamen
Eucalyptus
Indian rubber plant
Lily of the valley
Mistletoe
Nightshade
Onion
Single-leaf
Poinsettia (low toxicity)
Delicious window leaf
Leopard lily
Weeping fig

What are the symptoms of cat poisoning?

Symptoms of cat venom and signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite or loss of muscle coordination, blindness, and seizures. If you're not sure, it's best to always consult your veterinarian.

Preventing cat poisoning

Home and garden safety is all about common sense – not leaving things open and easily accessible, for example, if they are likely to be mistaken for a tasty treat.

Of course, prevention is always better than cure – and with a little attention to the things in your home, your cat can live a happy and healthy life away from pollutants and toxic cat food.

If you have concerns about potential toxins or toxic cat food that your pet may have eaten, you should always speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice and instructions.