A few things you may not have known are toxic to cats. If you suspect your cat has ingested any of these, take her to the emergency pet hospital immediately.
HUMAN FOOD
- Garlic, Onions, Chives. Garlic is in a LOT of sauces and premade foods. Read ingredients before letting them eat or even lick a plate.
- Raw eggs, raw meat, or any bones. If some “guru” on the internet has recommended a raw chicken diet, you must research that A LOT and speak to your vet first.
- Chocolate. Chocolate has theobromine, that stimulates humans like caffeine, but can give cats a heart attack.
- Caffeine. Cats cannot process caffeine.
- Alcohol of any kind.
- Raw dough. It creates alcohols in the stomach, and can be fatal.
- Milk or dairy. Cats digest only their cat mommy’s milk for a few weeks. After that, it will give them the runs, and can severely dehydrate them.
- Grapes or raisins. Even small amounts can lead to liver failure and death.
- Xylitol. It’s in toothpaste, candies, gum, some keto foods, etc.
- Dough of any kind. Can expand in stomach and become painful and toxic.
MEDICATIONS
- Tylenol / Acetaminophen (fatal), Ibuprofen, Aspirin
- Anti-depressants
- Cancer meds, Cold meds
- Diet Pills, caffeine pills
- Vitamins & Supplements, even “herbal” formulas. Ask your vet.
OILS & HERBS
- MANY essential oils, including: Oil of wintergreen, oil of sweet birch, citrus oil (d-limonene), pine oils, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil
- Castor oil
- Marijuana. The fresh or dried leaves, oils, extracts, edibles, smoke and even the vape, is toxic to cats.
- Chamomile. Some types are toxic, so it’s best to avoid all kinds.
- St. John’s Wort.
- Lemon grass, Mint, Tarragon, Oregano
PLANTS
If you suspect you have any of these in your home, do a google image search and find out. Consider removing the plant or put it in a hanger that the cat cannot reach. Please check ALL of your houseplants before bringing a pet home, as this list may not be complete. Both android and apple have poison plant identifier apps.
- Aloe
- Azalea
- Chrysanthemum
- Hyacinths
- Lily
- Marijuana
- Mistletoe
- Poinsettia
- Rhododendron
- Tulip
- Oleander
CHEMICALS
It’s wise to keep all chemicals in a cabinet that is locked or shuts very tight. I keep locks on mine because I had friends visiting with toddlers, so it was pretty much required. Cats are curious though, if you don’t shut a cabinet all the way, they will investigate. I recommend a latch like this.
- Antifreeze – almost always a death sentence, and a slow, painful way to go. See my article: reasons to keep cats indoors.
- Bleach & Detergents
- Lysol and other things with phenol
- Dog flea and tick medication (pills, collars, spot-on flea treatments, sprays, shampoos)
- De-icing salts (which pets may walk through, then lick from their pads)
- Fertilizers
- Herbicides
- Insect and rodent bait
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
It’s wise to keep all chemicals in a cabinet that is locked or shuts very tight. I keep locks on mine because I had friends visiting with toddlers, so it was pretty much required. Cats are curious though, if you don’t shut a cabinet all the way, they will investigate. I recommend a latch like this.
- Dental floss, yarn, hair ties, or string. Cats will chew on and swallow it. This can lead to emergency surgery to repair strangulated intestines. If you ever see a string hanging out the back end, do NOT pull it out! Take him to the vet immediately.
- Wand toys with string. Put those away when not playing with your cat.
- Holiday decorations, including lights and tinsel
- Toys, gadgets or electronics with small or movable parts
- Glass knick-knacks on shelves. Cats love to knock stuff off, and then it can break, leave small shards, which cat could walk through and cut their pads or even then lick off.