The toxin guide

Alcohol (ethanol) is highly toxic to cats, far more so than to humans, because cats lack robust alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme activity in the liver — meaning they cannot…

Apples are widely consumed fleshy fruits that contain a central core housing several seeds (often referred to as pips or kernels).

Persin is highest in leaves; flesh has only traces but enough fat to inflame the pancreas. The pit poses choking and blockage risks.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is the most common table spice. It is not poisonous to cats, but it is a strong irritant and cats should not eat it.

Bones are not toxic to cats, but they pose serious physical hazards that make them unsafe to offer as food or chews.

Butter is not toxic to cats, but it is not a food they should eat. It is almost pure fat, and a cat's digestive system is not built to handle a sudden load of fat.

Caffeinated beverages — including sodas, energy drinks, tea, and coffee-based drinks — are toxic to cats because of their methylxanthine content (primarily caffeine…

Commercially produced candies are not directly toxic to cats, but they carry multiple indirect hazards that make them consistently unsafe.

The safety of cherries for cats depends on the part of the cherry.

Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods for cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, two compounds that can overstimulate a cat’s nervous system and heart.

Citrus plants, including oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and related species, can be harmful to cats in many forms. This includes the fruit, peel, leaves, and stems.

Cocoa is the main ingredient used to make chocolate and is produced from processed cacao beans.

Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system, even in small amounts, and can disrupt heart rhythm. Coffee grounds are highly concentrated.

Corn kernels themselves are not toxic to cats — plain, cooked corn is generally considered safe in very small amounts.

Sulfur compounds damage red blood cells, causing anemia. Even small amounts are toxic in any form, including cooked garlic and concentrated powder.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a common cooking spice and the root is also used as a home remedy for nausea. It is not toxic to cats.

Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes from the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum).

Chewing gum is not chemically toxic to cats, but a swallowed piece can still cause problems.

Jelly and jam are not appropriate cat food, but they are generally not acutely toxic to cats.

Leeks (Allium ampeloprasum) belong to the same vegetable family as onions, garlic, and chives.

Liver from chicken, beef, or pork can be a healthy treat for cats in very small amounts. However, feeding your cat too much liver over a long period can be dangerous.

Macadamia nuts are toxic to cats, although scientists are still trying to figure out exactly which chemical causes the reaction.

Matcha is finely ground green tea leaf powder from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is toxic to cats.

Not poisonous, but most adult cats cannot digest lactose, so milk ferments in the gut. Cream, cheese and ice cream pile on fat the pancreas handles badly.

Onions (Allium cepa) are severely toxic and extremely dangerous for cats.

Peach (Prunus persica) flesh is safe for cats in small amounts, but the rest of the fruit can be dangerous.

Plain, unsalted peanuts do not contain any specific poisons that are toxic to cats, but they are still not a good snack choice.

Persimmons are not highly toxic to cats, but they come with several health and safety risks.

Pistachios do not contain a specific poison that targets cats, but they are still an unhealthy and potentially unsafe snack.

Plums (Prunus domestica) are a sweet fruit, and the fleshy part is generally safe for cats in very small amounts.

Potato chips are a common human snack, but they are not a good treat for cats.

Pretzels are a baked human snack usually covered in large grains of salt.

Pudding is a creamy, sweet dessert that is popular with humans but can be quite risky for cats.

Raw yeast dough is extremely dangerous for cats because their warm, moist stomach acts like an incubator.

Raw whole eggs and raw egg whites are not acutely toxic to cats, but they carry specific risks that make them inappropriate as regular food.

Feeding raw fish to cats can be dangerous because many species contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine (Vitamin B1).

While cats are natural carnivores, raw meat from grocery stores often carries dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

While a small amount of sodium is essential for a cat's health, too much salt is toxic.

Scallions, also known as green onions, are part of the Allium family along with onions, garlic, and chives. They are highly toxic to cats.

Shallots are a member of the Allium family, which also includes onions and garlic, and they are severely toxic to cats.

Plain sugar (sucrose) is not directly poisonous to cats, but it offers no nutritional value and can lead to significant long-term health issues.

Plain, hulled, and unsalted sunflower seeds are not directly poisonous to cats, but they are not a recommended treat.

Tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, which are used to make black, green, and oolong tea, are toxic to cats.

Fine as a rare flake, risky as a diet: raw tuna destroys vitamin B1, a tuna-heavy diet builds up mercury, and its fat without vitamin E can inflame body fat.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is the yellow spice used in curry and increasingly sold as a supplement for its active compound, curcumin.

While a small amount of plain, cooked potato is generally safe for cats, raw, unripe, or sprouted potatoes are toxic.

Ripe pineapple flesh is not toxic to cats in very small amounts, but it is high in sugar and not a recommended treat.

Walnuts (Juglans spp.) are not classified as chemically toxic to cats — the ASPCA lists black walnut as non-toxic to cats and its toxic principle as unknown — but they…