What is the most unhealthy food for cats

15 Human Foods That Are Poisonous & Toxic To Cats

When it comes to foods that are truly poisonous to cats, the list is thankfully quite short. However, some foods that are traditionally associated with cats can actually cause more harm than good: think of the proverbial saucer of milk.

In this article, well uncover the most common foods poisonous to cats as well as products that may seem healthy but which might actually irritate your cat.

Lets look first at the everyday human foods that can be seriously toxic to our feline friends.

Foods Truly Poisonous To Cats

While very few foods are toxic to cats, some foods, like chocolate, are truly poisonous. If your cat has ingested one of these foods, make an emergency call to your vet clinic.

The following seven foodstuffs can be seriously toxic to cats if ingested and all necessitate an emergency call to your vet clinic.

1. Onions, Garlic, & Chives

All of these foods form part of the Allium plant family and contain sulphoxides, the component that gives them their uniquely strong odour and taste.

What Happens If Your Cat Eats Onions, Garlic, Or Chives?

In cats, when these sulfur-containing compounds are broken down by the body and absorbed into the bloodstream, they cause damage to red blood cells. In severe cases, the red blood cells will rupture and release damaged haemoglobin proteins called Heinz Bodies, which can in turn lead to anaemia and even kidney damage.

Cats are more sensitive to onion toxicosis than dogs and initial clinical signs can be very vague and non-specific. Initially an affected cat may develop vomiting and/or diarrhea accompanied by loss of appetite.

Anemia can start to develop as soon as 12 hours after eating the onion/garlic/chive substrate, but normally there is a delay of 2-5 days.

It is during this time that you may notice your cat becoming quite lethargic, depressed and disinterested in normal activities. Also remember that any member of this plant family can cause toxicity to your cat regardless of whether it is in powdered, cooked, raw, or dehydrated form.

2. Xylitol

This is an artificial sweetener used in many human foods and other products, including chewing gum, sweets, nut butters, bakery goods, diabetic foods and toothpaste.

What Happens If Your Cat Eats Xylitol?

When it is eaten by cats, xylitol can cause an abnormal increase in insulin release from the pancreas, which in turn leads to a decrease in overall blood sugar levels.

Early signs of a xylitol problem are lethargy, vomiting and loss of muscle coordination, but without rapid treatment this can progress to cause liver failure and seizures.

3. Chocolate

Some foods, like chocolate, are truly poisonous to cats.

Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which is part of the methylxanthine family of compounds.

What Happens If Your Cat Eats Chocolate?

If it is eaten by your cat it can rapidly cause stomach upset; hyperactivity; adversely impact the kidneys and the nervous system, as well as trigger an abnormal heart rhythm. In the worst-case scenario it can be fatal.

Dark chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and cocoa beans are the most dangerous types of chocolate as they contain the highest levels of theobromine compared to milk or even white chocolate.

Sadly, dark chocolate is also the most likely type of chocolate to appeal to your cat, as it has a bitter taste.

4. Coffee Pods, Beans, Grounds & Caffeinated Energy Drinks

Caffeine is another member of the methylxanthine family of compounds.

What Happens If Your Cat Eats Coffee Or Another Caffeinated Drink?

In cats, caffeine ingestion affects the bowels, kidneys, nervous and cardiovascular systems and can be fatal if left untreated.

Another risk for cats is that caffeine tastes bitter, which makes it very appealing to cats. Be aware that caffeine is present in many energy drinks and colas. Additionally, the potentially lethal effect may be exponentially worsened if it is contained in cocoa and chocolate.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol should never be offered to any pet. They metabolise it similarly to us humans, but as it is dose dependent on the size of the animal, it can be rapidly fatal for cats.

What Happens If Your Cat Consumes Alcohol?

Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased coordination and a depressed central nervous system. If left untreated it can lead to breathing difficulties, tremors, change the pH of blood and induce coma or seizures, ultimately resulting in death.

Alcohol isnt always obviously presented as a beverage either, as it can be contained in many normal household items including raw yeast for baking bread and rotting/fermenting fruit.

During these unprecedented COVID times please also be especially aware of not leaving alcohol hand gels and rubs near where curious cats might try to investigate.

6. Grapes, Raisins, & Currants

Similar to the Allium plant family, grapes contain a compound as yet unidentified, which affects the kidneys and can lead to sudden renal failure.

What Happens If Your Cat Eats Grapes, Raisins, Or Currants?

Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity can be early signs of poisoning and an emergency trip to the vet is essential. Remember too that raisins and currants can be present in raisin bread and trail mix.

7. Mouldy Food

If food goes mouldy it can lead to the production of specific poisons called mycotoxins and aflatoxins.

What Happens If Your Cat Eats Mouldy Food?

Aflatoxins and mycotoxins cause different symptoms in cats, but if left untreated can be fatal. Specific care needs to be taken with blue cheese, fallen fruit, stale bread, and other decaying organic matter.

Foods To Be Handled With Care

While not necessarily toxic, some foods can irritate your cat if ingested. Avoid letting your cat consume any of these items.

Cats are really unique when it comes to choosing what food to eat. We consider them to be highly fussy and often picky, but the reality may be simply due to the way that they perceive different substances.

Cats dont actually have many taste buds when compared to either people or dogs and as mentioned earlier, they dont have a high ability to taste sweet flavours. So rather than down to taste alone, when it comes to food choices cats are highly driven by smell, mouth feel, texture, shape, and temperature.

1. Milk & Dairy

Thinking back to our saucer of milk and eagerly lapping cat, it may seem very strange that this could be potentially harmful to our feline friends. However, most cats lack, or only have small amounts of, the enzyme lactase.

This enzyme is necessary to break down the lactose component of milk and other dairy products and without it, many cats can experience stomach upset with diarrhoea after eagerly lapping up some milk

2. Raw Meat, Fish & Eggs

Raw meat, fish and eggs can all contain potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coliand Salmonella. In addition, raw eggs contain a specific enzyme (avidin) that can reduce the absorption of biotin, one of the B vitamins.

In the long term, this can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw fish also contains a different enzyme that destroys another B vitamin, thiamine. This is an essential vitamin for cats and deficiency can result in serious neurological disorders, ultimately leading to convulsions and coma.

3. Liver

Liver is generally a great source of nutrients and very rich in Vitamin A. However, this is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it gets stored in the body. Over time excess vitamin A can lead to a serious toxicity called hypervitaminosis A, which leads to bone deformity and even fusion of elements of the spine.

4. Tuna

The type of tuna you give your cat determines whether or not its a good choice. Cats should eat unseasoned tuna packed in water.

Cats love tuna! In the short term, canned tuna packed in water is a great treat to give, but its not a long-term food as it causes malnutrition. It doesnt have the specific nutrients that cats require for general health and over time it can also lead to mercury poisoning.

5. Nuts

Walnuts, pecans, almonds, and in fact all nuts, contain high levels of fats and oils. This can lead to tummy upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea. If ingested long-term, the high fat content of nuts can potentially cause pancreatitis.

6. Bones

Plain raw chicken muscle meat, organs, and bones should make up a small percentage of your cats diet.

Cats are used to hunting for their food. In the wild, this means crunching on mice and small birds including their bones. However, giving cooked bones or even small raw bones to cats is not a good idea as they splinter very easily. This in turn can cause choking, blockages, and even tears within the digestive tract.

Final Thoughts

There are many delicious and nutritious foods available to us today to choose for diets as well as tempting items to consider feeding to our cats.

Sadly, many of the foods that we think our cats actively enjoy arent actually all that healthy for them. Aside from milk and dairy products, think of fat trimmings from the Sunday roast.

Even though our cats will likely devour them at high speed, the excess fat can easily lead to vomiting and diarrhoea as their little systems simply cant handle it. Cats are also extremely curious. It is this wonderful character trait, above all else that we need to be aware of when it comes to accidental poisoning.

If youre ever in any doubt about what your cat may have eaten, dont ever hesitate to pick up the phone and call your local vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What human foods can cats eat?

Cats can eat lean cuts of cooked meat, salmon, liver and tuna, but as outlined in the article above care needs to be taken with the salmon, liver and tuna in particular. In addition, it is not generally a good idea to feed human food to your cat as it doesnt contain the right quantity or type of nutrients that you cat needs on a daily basis to both survive and thrive. Feeding people food to your cat on a regular basis will only lead to malnutrition and health problems.

What plants can kill cats?

There are a number of plants that can be quite toxic to cats. The most commonly known of these are lilies, amaryllis, azaleas / rhododendron, bird of paradise, iris, daffodils, holly, ivy, tulips and sago palm. If any parts of these plants are nibbled on by your kitty, its best to call the vet straight away. Clinical signs of illness can vary from digestive system upset to kidney failure, heart failure, liver failure and even death.

What veggies can cats eat?

As obligate carnivores, cats dont actually require any fruit or vegetables to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. However, as a fresh alternative to high calorie commercial treats, feeding some cooked veggies can be a great option. Think of steamed broccoli, green beans or asparagus all of which are packed full of healthy nutrients. Cooked winter squash and carrots are another potential choice. Remember though to avoid garlic, onions, chives, certain mushrooms, tomatoes and avocado. Aside from some of these being toxic, they can also be exceedingly difficult for cats to digest.

The 10 Best Cat Foods of 2024 We Tested Them All

Cat Food Reviews

Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we may earn a commission.

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Whether wet, dry, raw, or freshly cooked, the best cat food honors your cats needs as an obligate carnivore. Its rich in animal-sourced protein, has the right amount of fatty acids, and doesnt spike your cats blood sugar with excessive carbohydrates.

After researching feline nutrition and reviewing all kinds of cat foods, we learned which brands and products are worthy of your cats bowland which ones arent.

With taste, nutrition, and quality ingredients always top of mind, here are 10 of the best cat foods you can feel good about feeding your cat.

At a Glance: Best Cat Food to Buy in 2024

Best for Sensitive Stomachs

9.4

Picked by 31 people today!

• No heavy carb fillers like corn, soy, wheat, or potatoes
• Ideal for sensitive stomachs and inappetent cats who need encouragement to eat

Top Picks Explained

Why Trust Cats.com

Over the past four years, Ive tested hundreds of cat products including dozens of cat food brands. Informed by my personal experience and countless hours of research on feline nutrition, I selected the best cat foods on the market to test at home with my two cats, Wessie and Forest.

In choosing products to test, I prioritized meat-centric formulas for cats in various life stages with different needs and preferences. All products were purchased at full retail price and evaluated in-depth. My cats provided input on the foods flavor and general appeal while I analyzed the product information to determine its nutritional adequacy. I also researched the brands to assess their trustworthiness and rate of customer satisfaction.

Our team of veterinary experts provides additional informative support as well as their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food product. Heres the full methodology behind our cat food ratings.

Finally, we consulted seven veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food.

Our Veterinary Advisors:

The Best Cat Food on the Market: Our Top 10 Picks

At the top of the list is Smalls Cat Food. Its hard to beat this wet foods combination of outstanding protein content, emphasis on animal-sourced ingredients, and the exclusion of additives that might harm your cat over time.

Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors, including quality of ingredients, price, and popularity, among others. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Smalls is our top choice, it may not be ideal for your unique cat.

• Made In: Thailand
• Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
• Age Range: All Life Stages
• Calories Per Ounce: 37
• Typical Cost Per Day:$2.90 per day

RAWZ Wet Cat Food is made in a human-grade food facility, with zero meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Another factor that sets this line apart from other wet food brands is that it isnt thickened with carrageenan (linked to intestinal inflammation) or gum thickeners like guar gum and xanthan gum (known to cause loose stools).

The RAWZ Chicken and Chicken Liver Pt is made with 96% chicken and chicken liver. The recipes single protein makes RAWZ a good choice for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. And the high moisture content and short ingredient list make it easily digestible as well.

This recipe also contains fenugreek seeds and dandelion greens, but given the low carbohydrate content of the food overall, they dont appear to contribute significantly in terms of the products composition.

Some cat owners may also appreciate that RAWZ donates 100% of their profits to benefit individuals who have experienced spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries. A portion of the proceeds goes toward providing these individuals with service dogs.

Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver

Ingredients We Didnt Like: None

Crude Protein: 9%

Crude Fat: 8%

Crude Fiber: 1%

Moisture: 78%

Protein: 40.91%

Fat: 36.36%

Fiber: 4.55%

Carbs: 18.18%

Protein: 27.75%

Fat: 59.91%

Carbs: 12.33%

What We Liked:

• Made with a single source of animal protein
• Negligible carbohydrate content
• Rich in moisture and animal-sourced fat
• Contains 96% turkey and turkey liver

What We Didnt Like:

• Fairly expensive, over$3.25 per day
• Some reviewers dont like the foods consistency

Crude Protein: 47%

Crude Fat: 37%

Crude Fiber: 5%

Moisture: 5%

Protein: 49.47%

Fat: 38.95%

Fiber: 5.26%

Carbs: 6.32%

Protein: 32.9%

Fat: 62.9%

Carbs: 4.2%

What We Liked:

• Gently freeze-dried
• Grain-free, legume-free
• 100% traceable ingredients
• Rich in animal-derived protein
• Organic fruits & vegetables are always 100% non-GMO

What We Didnt Like:

• Low moisture content before rehydration
• Expensive

Crude Protein: 16%

Crude Fat: 2.6%

Moisture: 80%

Ash: 1.6%

What We Liked:

• Rich in nourishing animal protein
• High moisture content helps to flush the urinary tract
• Low ash shouldnt contribute to crystal formation
• Species-appropriate pH helps keep things in balance

What We Didnt Like:

• Contains sunflower oil instead of species-appropriate animal fat
• Low fat content isnt right for every cat
• Very low in fiber

Crude Protein: 10%

Crude Fat: 1.3%

Crude Fiber: 0.5%

Moisture: 86%

Protein: 71.43%

Fat: 9.29%

Fiber: 3.57%

Carbs: 15.71%

Protein: 65.12%

Fat: 20.56%

Carbs: 14.33%

What We Liked:

• Offers a blend of vitamins, minerals, and taurine: essential for your older kittys vision and heart health
• Made with grass-fed beef
• 100% grain-free
• Carrageenan-free
• Free from artificial ingredients and meat by-products

What We Didnt Like:

• Made In: United States
• Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
• Age Range: Kitten
• Calories Per Ounce: 36
• Typical Cost Per Day:$3.5 per day

Wellness COREs Chicken, Turkey, and Chicken Liver Recipe has everything we look for in kitten food. Its loaded with nourishing animal protein from turkey, chicken liver, chicken muscle meat, and chicken meal. The dry matter carbohydrate content is below 10%, and its a hydrating source of moisture.

While fish oil is the primary added fat in this recipe, herring also supplies animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids. Both are strong sources of DHA, which contributes to brain and eye development in kittens. Omega-3s also play an important role in supporting healthy skin and coats in cats.

This recipe doesnt contain any grains or starchy beans, peas, or legumes.

At over 50% crude protein measured as dry matter, this recipe is formulated to support the development of lean mass. Its also calorie-dense enough to fuel your kittens growth at about 36 calories per ounce.

Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Herring, Chicken Hearts, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Herring, Fish Oil

Ingredients We Didnt Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum

Crude Protein: 12%

Crude Fat: 7.5%

Crude Fiber: 1%

Moisture: 78%

Protein: 54.55%

Fat: 34.09%

Fiber: 4.55%

Carbs: 6.82%

Protein: 37.84%

Fat: 57.43%

Carbs: 4.73%

What We Liked:

• Ultra-soft pt texture is easy for kittens to eat
• Rich in protein and calories
• Hydrating canned food
• Supplemented with fish oil as a species-appropriate source of DHA

What We Didnt Like:

• Can be quite expensive when feeding a hungry kitten

What to Consider When Buying Cat Food

Choosing great cat food starts with an understanding of your cats unique nutritional needs as an obligate carnivore. Veterinarian Dr. Lizzie Youens, BVSc, MRCVS explains, Our domestic pet cats have not altered their physiology much from their wildcat ancestor. In other words, they crave meat.

According to Dr. Youens, cats gain most of their energy from protein, rather than carbohydrates; they use fats to process certain vitamins and nutrients.

An extra point to consider for our feline friends is that they cannot make certain amino acids, such as taurine, and so they must be provided as part of their balanced diet.

When weighing your options, Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, a veterinarian practicing at VCA Centreville Animal Hospital, recommends asking yourself the following:

• What life stage is my cat in (kitten, adult, or senior)?
• If a senior, does my cat have any specific nutritional needs that a diet can address, such as muscle loss or arthritis?
• Does my cat have any medical conditions that can be addressed with a particular diet?
• Is this cat food nutritionally balanced? (Does it carry an AAFCO statement, and is it meeting at least the minimum nutritional requirements for my cats life stage?)
• Does this cat food have a moderate caloric density (especially important for indoor cats)?
• Is this a food that my cat loves and will gladly eat?

Keeping these parameters in mind, heres what to look for when choosing the best cat food for your cat.

Look for Low Carbohydrate Content

Cats primarily utilize protein and fat as energy sources. While they can metabolize carbohydrates, high carbohydrate content is not a part of the natural feline diet. Theres little evidence that high-carb foods are harmful, but theyre also not necessary. We prefer foods that model a cats ancestral diet.

Choose High-Quality Protein

It helps to understand the difference between crude protein and digestible protein. Digestibility values, not percentages in the guaranteed analysis, are key to measuring nutritional value. For example, an egg and a feather may share the same protein values on a labels guaranteed analysis. But an egg (unsurprisingly) is far more digestible and nourishing than a feather. For that reason, we prefer foods that incorporate high-quality, clearly-named protein sources.

Avoid Animal By-Products

Animal by-products are one of the most misunderstood ingredients in cat food. While many common by-products are highly nourishing and delectable to cats, digestibility and quality control are major concerns.

Vaguely-specified ingredients may be produced from any number of animal parts. Besides not knowing what type of animals contributed to the by-product stew, you dont know if it contains more wholesome liver or nutritionally weak chicken feet. To ensure maximum protein digestibility, avoid purchasing cat foods with meat by-products and other vaguely-named ingredients like meat, poultry, and meat and bone meal.

Choose Minimal Plant Protein

While its unclear exactly where each source of plant protein lies on the digestibility spectrum, we do know that protein from peas, potatoes, and other plants is less efficient than that from animal ingredients. While a single prey animal offers all the amino acids a cat needs, plant ingredients need to be combined with animal protein and synthetic additives to recreate that mix of amino acids. Furthermore, many cat guardians report that their cats have less waste when theyre eating a diet composed primarily of animal-sourced protein.

Prioritize Moisture-Rich Foods

Our cats ancestors were desert dwellers. Because fresh water was scarce, early wild cats evolved to have low thirst drives and a natural inclination to get their water from the moisture-rich bodies of their prey. This means that they typically dont drink enough water to compensate for moisture-depleted dry food.

Favor Foods Free Of Harmful Ingredients

Artificial flavors and colors are unnecessary and have been tied to health consequences for both humans and animals. Some preservatives may also be of questionable safety. For example, BHA is considered safe in animal feed for all species except for cats due to inadequate safety data. Most pet foods have replaced them with natural alternatives including Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), rosemary extract, and other antioxidants.

Seek Brands With Trustworthy Reputations

While it doesnt tell us everything about the brand, a companys recall history provides key insights into its ethics, safety standards, and the quality of its products. If a company faces voluntary, or worsemandatoryrecalls every five years, purchasing from that company could subject your cat to three or more potentially harmful slip-ups during their lifetime. A communicative, transparent company isnt afraid to share this information with its customers.

Additionally, its helpful to check out what other consumers are saying about the brand. Through social media, blogging, reviews on retail platforms, and sites like Consumer Reports, pet parents can easily share their complaints or praises with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dry cat food?

The best dry cat food is rich in animal-derived protein, low in carbohydrate content, and made from high-quality ingredients. One of the best brands for dried cat food is Open Farm RawMix.

What is the best wet cat food?

The best wet cat food honors your cats needs as a carnivore. Its a meat-rich product that delivers all the protein, fat, and micronutrients your cat needs without a lot of plants and starch. A few of our favorite brands include Smalls, RAWZ, and Nulo.

What is the healthiest cat food?

The healthiest cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced, emphasizing meat over plants and protein over starch. Look for expert-formulated recipes that were made with carnivores in mind.

Is dry or wet food best for cats?

Because its more hydrating and typically lower in carbohydrates, wet food is best for cats. A dry diet is convenient, but it could increase your cats chances of health complications over time.

Is grain-free cat food best for cats?

Cats dont need to avoid grains. What they need to avoid is excessive carbohydrates. Grain-free foods often replace grain with an unhealthy dose of biologically inappropriate ingredients like potatoes and peas.