What are cats not allowed to eat? ➤ A practical list

Cats are known for their curiosity in everyday life. They like to explore their environment and often come into contact with various substances and foods.

You can find out which foods, plants and substances are poisonous for your cat in this article.

Although in most cases they are very picky with their food, as responsible cat owners it is important to know which human foods are unsuitable or even poisonous for our cats.

Here is a handy list of the most common human foods, poisonous plants and other toxic substances that can be fatal to our cats: *

1. Toxic foods for cats (including fruit and vegetables)*

⊗ Chocolate: the theobromine it contains can lead to severe symptoms of poisoning (including heart problems and seizures)

⊗ Onions & garlic: neither raw nor cooked, as they can damage the blood cells

⊗ Sultanas & grapes: can lead to kidney failure

⊗ Avocado: the persin it contains can cause severe gastrointestinal problems

⊗ Alcohol & caffeine: small amounts can cause severe poisoning symptoms and can even be fatal

⊗ Raw pork: danger due to the Aujeszky's virus (disease is usually fatal)

⊗ Raw potatoes & unripe tomatoes: the solanine they contain can cause diarrhoea, cramps and respiratory paralysis

⊗ Sweeteners: xylitol, birch sugar (often found in sugar-free chewing gum, sweets, baked goods, medicines and food supplements) - can lead to liver damage and hypoglycaemia

2. Poisonous plants: Garden & house plants

In addition to human food, there are also a large number of poisonous plants for our cats. Here is a list of the most well-known poisonous plants:*

⊗ Boxwood

⊗ Dragon tree

⊗ Ivy

⊗ Aconite

⊗ Elderberry

⊗ Tree of life

⊗ Lilies

⊗ Lily of the valley

⊗ Mistletoe

⊗ Oleander

⊗ Rhododendron

⊗ Poinsettia

3. List of other toxic substances: *

In addition to human food, there are also a large number of poisonous plants for our cats. Here is a list of the most well-known poisonous plants:*

⊗ Poison bait (laced with poisonous substances)

⊗ Rat poison / slug pellets

⊗ Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides - take particular care after working agricultural fields

⊗ Carrion and waste

⊗ Poisoned small animals, such as mice

⊗ Medicines (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.)

4. Poisoning: Symptoms cat

Diarrhoea and vomiting (can also be bloody)
Nausea and salivation
shortness of breath
Seizures, muscle tremors, signs of paralysis
restlessness
apathy
Pale mucous membranes
Loss of appetite
Unsteady gait

5. Poisoning: Go to the vet IMMEDIATELY

If poisoning is suspected, contact a vet IMMEDIATELY, on weekends and public holidays contact the emergency veterinary service. If in doubt, the poison control centre can also help you. You can find a list of poison control centre numbers here.

6. Poisoning: How can I take precautions?

Poison bait alarm app for the phone
There are already apps that trigger an alarm if poisoned bait or toxic substances are found in your area. The 'Dogorama' app is recommended here, for example.
Save the telephone numbers of vets and veterinary clinics in your region so that you can contact them immediately in an emergency.
Remove leftover food from the table and kitchen, alternatively cover it

* Please note that these lists are not guaranteed to be complete.