What cats can and cannot eat
Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should be meat-based complete cat food, with treats kept small. Here is how common foods stack up, from safe to genuinely dangerous.
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| Food | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain cooked chicken | Safe | Skinless, boneless, unseasoned |
| Plain cooked turkey | Safe | No skin, bones or seasoning |
| Cooked egg | Safe | Cooked, never raw |
| Cooked lean meat | Safe | Plain beef or lamb, small amounts |
| Plain pumpkin | Safe | A little helps digestion |
| Cooked fish | In moderation | Occasional treat, not a staple; no bones |
| Canned tuna | In moderation | Now and then only; not nutritionally complete |
| Small amount of cheese | In moderation | Many cats are lactose intolerant |
| Milk and dairy | In moderation | Despite the myth, most adult cats cannot digest it |
| Raw fish | Avoid | Contains thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1 |
| Raw meat or eggs | Avoid | Bacteria risk unless very carefully handled |
| Dog food | Avoid | Not toxic, but lacks the taurine cats need |
| Onion, garlic, chives | Never | Cats are very sensitive; causes anaemia |
| Chocolate | Never | Theobromine and caffeine are toxic |
| Grapes and raisins | Never | Linked to kidney damage |
| Xylitol (sweetener) | Never | Toxic; avoid all sugar-free products |
| Alcohol | Never | Highly toxic even in tiny amounts |
| Caffeine and coffee | Never | Toxic to cats |
| Raw bread dough | Never | Rises and ferments in the stomach |
| Lilies | Never | Not food. Every part is deadly, including pollen and vase water |
Frequently asked questions
What foods are toxic to cats?
Onion, garlic and chives, chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol, alcohol and caffeine are all toxic. Lilies are not food but are worth flagging: even a small nibble or the pollen can cause fatal kidney failure in cats.
Can cats drink milk?
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so milk often causes an upset stomach despite the classic image. A tiny amount is unlikely to harm them, but it is not a good regular treat and water is what they need.
What treats are safe for cats?
Small pieces of plain cooked chicken, turkey or egg are popular and safe. Because cats are obligate carnivores, treats should be meat-based, unseasoned, and kept to about 10 percent of their daily calories, with complete cat food as the staple.
Why is raw fish bad for cats?
Raw fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Over time that can cause a serious deficiency, so fish for cats should be cooked and only an occasional treat.