What food can’t cats eat? 

When it comes to your furry feline, the temptation to feed them your favourite meals might be high. And, when your cat is looking at you with their kitten-like eyes, it can be hard to say no. However, before you feed your cat human food, do your research into what can’t cats eat. 

In this blog, we’ll dive into the foods that are harmful and toxic to cats, as well as give you information on what to feed your cat for a proper cat diet. Here at Burgess Pet Care, we genuinely care about the health and happiness of your beloved cat - try our dry cat food and see how your cat will love it! 

What foods can’t cats eat? 

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diet, and they can eat some types of vegetables and fruits too. However, there are plenty of misconceptions about a cat’s diet - that’s why it’s important to pay attention to any foods that might be a danger. 

You should never offer your cat the following foods: 

• Chocolate - As well as being really harmful for dogs, you should also never give your cat chocolate. Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, which is naturally metabolised in humans but not in animals. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains - but all forms of chocolate should be kept off-limits. 

What harm can it cause? → Liver failure, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and breathing, seizures, or muscle rigidity. 

• Caffeine - Caffeine is extremely toxic to cats, and even if they ingest a small amount, it can be harmful. This includes caffeine in coffee, tea, and soft drinks. 

What harm can it cause? → Restlessness, tremors, increased heart rate, or seizures. 

• Onions and garlic - Don’t give your cats onion or garlic, even in very small amounts or via foods that have been seasoned with them. They contain compounds that can damage their red blood cells, and this applies to chives and leeks also. 

What harm can it cause? → Vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, dehydration, or a decrease in appetite. 

• Grapes and raisins - Both are considered toxic to cats, even in small dosages. Be extra wary around grapes and raisins, particularly during the festive periods where there might be access to puddings and desserts. Find out exactly how to pet proof your Christmas! 

What harm can it cause? → Vomiting, lethargy, a decrease in appetite, or even kidney failure. 

• Alcohol - Including foods that contain alcohol. Alcohol contains ethanol, which can cause respiratory issues and sometimes even death. While you’re probably not ever going to give your cat alcohol, your cat might accidentally ingest it by drinking an unattended drink or spillage. 

What harm can it cause? → Excessive sleepiness, disoriented behaviour, vomiting, low body temperature, low blood sugar, or increased urination. 

Other foods to avoid include: 

• Dairy products, like cheese, milk, yoghurt, or ice cream 
• Raw meat 
• Raw fish
• Raw eggs
• Bones 
• Yeast dough 
• Xylitol - an artificial sweetener that’s found in sugar-free gum and food 

If your cat has eaten any of the above or might be having a reaction to something you gave them, keep calm and call the vet. Even if you’re not 100% sure, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

What can you feed your cat? 

Cats need a diet that is made up of protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats and carbohydrates, as well as plenty of fresh water daily. What cat food you choose is down to your own personal preference, and whether you choose dry, wet, or both. When it comes to how much you should be feeding your cat, you can follow our cat & kitten feeding guide - as your cat grows and matures, the amount of food they will need will differ. 

>> For more information on your cat’s food and diet, find the complete cat nutrition guide right here! <<

Browse Burgess Pet Care’s nutritious cat food 

In our opinion, the best diet starts with Burgess Pet Care. Did you know that we sell highly nutritious cat food, suitable for cats of all ages, like our dry kitten food? No matter what age your cat is, you’re sure to find a variety that’s just right for your feline friend. 

>> All of our recipes contain specialist ingredients that help to promote healthy mouths, derived from bitter orange, which helps to support healthy teeth and gums. You can even find neutered cat food, a high-protein recipe that’s been developed by vets specifically for neutered cats. 

Make sure you're feeding your cats what they deserve with Burgess Pet Care 

Hopefully, this blog has answered your burning question: ‘What can’t cats eat?’ There are plenty of foods out there that aren’t suitable for your cat, but luckily for you, we’ve got all the right nutritious and delicious food that is beneficial for your cat, and they’ll actually enjoy the taste, too! 

For nearly 50 years, we’ve been manufacturing food that caters to the UK’s most popular animals. Discover Burgess Pet Care’s dry cat food, including cat food for seniors, made up from delicious and nutritious ingredients that cats thrive on. We use high-quality proteins and ingredients that are gentle on digestion, with no additives or preservatives. 

Got a question about your cat’s diet or our cat food? Get in touch with our team, or read our cat care guides for more helpful information.