What can cats eat — and what not?

Cats are obligate carnivores. Much of what lands on our plates as a matter of course is unnecessary for them, poorly tolerated or outright toxic. This overview uses a traffic-light system to show which foods are safe, which only work in small amounts and which you absolutely have to keep out of reach.

The basics of feline nutrition

As obligate carnivores, cats meet their need for protein and essential nutrients from animal tissue. Certain substances — the amino acid derivative taurine, arachidonic acid and the active form of vitamin A — they cannot produce themselves and must take in through meat. Taurine deficiency can lead to heart failure and blindness, which is why a vegetarian or vegan diet is dangerous for cats and a welfare issue. A high-quality complete food covers all of this; human foods are at best an occasional extra and never a substitute.

A second point is often underestimated: cats originally come from desert regions and have a weak sense of thirst. In the wild they cover much of their fluid needs through prey. On a dry-food-only diet many cats drink too little, which strains kidneys and urinary tract. Wet food and several water stations away from the food bowl help keep them healthy. You can read more in our guide Cat nutrition — the basics.

Why are dairy products, of all things, so often a problem? Because most adult cats produce hardly any lactase after weaning and can no longer digest the lactose in milk, cream or cheese — the result is diarrhoea. The familiar image of a cat with a saucer of milk is outdated. As a rule of thumb, the more processed, salted or seasoned a food is, the less suitable it is for a cat.

Why these foods are toxic to cats

Behind the red ratings are concrete substances and effects. Onions and garlic — and all alliums — destroy red blood cells with their sulphur compounds and trigger anaemia; cats react particularly sensitively, and even small amounts are dangerous whether raw, cooked or dried. Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, which acts on the heart and nervous system, much like the caffeine in coffee, tea and energy drinks. Avocado contains persin and a lot of fat, while grapes and raisins are suspected of damaging the kidneys. Xylitol, a sweetener found in sugar-free products, can crash blood sugar and damage the liver. Alcohol — including hidden in raw yeast dough, where the yeast produces alcohol — is life-threatening even in small amounts. What they all share is that there is no safe dose, and in an emergency every hour counts.

Fine in moderation and safe

Not everything from the table is off limits. As an occasional, unseasoned extra, lean and well-cooked meat such as chicken or a boiled egg works best — the closest thing to a cat’s natural prey. Cheese, milk and yoghurt, by contrast, are only suitable in very small amounts, because many cats cannot digest lactose. Tuna and fish are at most a rare treat, not a staple. Vegetables such as cucumber or a little banana are harmless but offer a carnivore little benefit. What matters is preparation — unseasoned, without salt, onions or garlic — and quantity: such extras should make up only a small part of the daily ration. The foods below are rated safe or only in small amounts.

How to read the traffic light

• ✓Safe

  Safe — suitable in normal small amounts as an occasional extra or treat.

• !Small amounts

  Only in small amounts — with caution and only in very small amounts; not suitable for every cat.

• ✕Toxic

  Toxic – do not feed — poisonous or dangerous, never feed and keep out of reach.

Can cats eat dog food?

An occasional bite from the dog’s bowl will not harm a healthy cat — but as a permanent solution dog food is unsuitable for cats and dangerous over time. It is formulated for the metabolism of an omnivore and, above all, contains too little taurine, which is vital for cats. If a cat mainly eats dog food for weeks and months, taurine deficiency with heart failure and eye damage looms, along with a shortfall of animal protein, vitamin A and arachidonic acid. Cats need their own complete food — more on the page Can cats eat dog food?.

What to do if you suspect poisoning

If your cat has eaten something toxic or suddenly shows symptoms, fast and calm action is required. Contact your vet or the emergency veterinary service immediately. Do not wait until the cat is visibly unwell, because many poisonings act with a delay. Never induce vomiting on your own and give no home remedies without speaking to professionals first.

To get help quickly on the phone, have these details ready:

• What and how much the cat has eaten — bring the packaging or leftovers if possible.
• When it happened.
• Weight, age and known pre-existing conditions of the cat.
• Which symptoms you observe.

Typical warning signs of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy drooling, trembling, weakness, cramps, pale or discoloured gums and changed breathing. In case of doubt, call once too early rather than too late — a quick call to the practice costs nothing and can save a life in an emergency.