We all adore our cats. Whether they're curled up on the sofa with us or weaving around our ankles at dinnertime, our feline companions are a constant, comforting presence. With those big eyes fixed on your plate, it can be incredibly tempting to slip them a little something from your meal — a flake of fish here, a piece of chicken there, perhaps even a bit of whatever fruit you happen to be eating. But did you know that some foods that are perfectly safe for us can be seriously harmful — or even fatal — to cats? Most cat owners are aware that chocolate is a no-go, but what about grapes? Or garlic? Or onions?
Unlike dogs, cats are natural carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to run almost entirely on animal protein. They cannot synthesise certain essential nutrients — like taurine — on their own, which means their diet must be carefully considered. Their digestive systems process food very differently to ours, and many common human foods can cause anything from an upset stomach to severe organ damage.
So, what human foods can cats eat safely? What fruits are fine to offer as an occasional treat? Which vegetables won't cause harm? And what should you keep well out of reach?
We'll cover everything you need to know about what your cat can and cannot eat, so you can make informed choices and keep your feline friend healthy and safe.
If you'd like to understand your cat's individual sensitivities, a cat sensitivity test can help identify which specific foods may be triggering intolerances within your cat.
What Fruits Can Cats Eat?
Here's something interesting: cats are one of the few mammals that cannot taste sweetness. They lack the taste receptors for it entirely. This means fruit holds no particular appeal to your cat — but that doesn't mean all fruit is off the table. Some fruits are safe in very small amounts as an occasional treat, provided they're prepared correctly (no seeds, stones, skin, or peel). However, because fruit contains natural sugars, it should not make up a significant part of your cat's diet.
Fruits that are generally safe for cats in small quantities include:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon (seedless, no rind)
- Bananas (no peel)
- Mango (flesh only, no skin or stone)
- Pineapple (fresh only, no core or skin — avoid tinned pineapple due to added sugar)
- Peaches (flesh only, no stone)
- Raspberries (in very small amounts — they contain small traces of xylitol)
- Seedless melon
Always cut fruit into small, manageable pieces and introduce it gradually. If your cat shows any signs of digestive upset — vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy — stop offering it and consult your vet.
What Fruits Can't Cats Eat?
Several fruits are toxic to cats and should never be offered, even in tiny amounts. The following should be kept well away from your cat at all times:
- Grapes and raisins — Even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure in cats. This is considered a veterinary emergency.
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) — Citrus fruits contain compounds called psoralens and essential oils that are toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, and neurological symptoms. Read more about why cats can't eat oranges.
- Avocado — Contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
- Cherries — The stems, leaves, and pits contain cyanogenic compounds. Even the flesh can cause digestive upset.
- Tomatoes (raw, unripe) — Raw tomatoes and the tomato plant itself contain solanine, which is toxic to cats.
What Vegetables Can Cats Eat?
Cats don't need vegetables the way humans do — they derive their nutrients primarily from meat. That said, some cooked or raw vegetables can make a safe, low-calorie treat in small quantities. Always serve vegetables plain, without butter, oil, salt, or seasoning.
Vegetables that are generally safe for cats include:
- Cooked carrots (small pieces)
- Cooked peas
- Cooked or pureed pumpkin — often recommended by vets to help with hairballs and mild constipation
- Spinach — in very small amounts; avoid if your cat has a history of urinary or kidney issues, as it contains calcium oxalate
- Cucumber — a hydrating, low-calorie snack many cats enjoy
- Lettuce — plain lettuce leaves are safe and can be a source of hydration
- Cooked sweet potato (plain, no seasoning)
- Steamed broccoli (small amounts)
- Cooked green beans
What Vegetables Can't Cats Eat?
The following vegetables can be harmful or toxic to cats and should be avoided entirely:
- Onions — All members of the allium family are toxic to cats. Onions contain compounds that damage red blood cells, which can lead to haemolytic anaemia. This includes raw, cooked, powdered, and dried forms.
- Garlic — Even more toxic than onions to cats, and can cause serious damage even in small amounts. Garlic powder is particularly dangerous as it is more concentrated.
- Leeks and chives — Also members of the allium family, and equally toxic.
- Mushrooms — While some shop-bought mushrooms are not immediately dangerous, many wild mushrooms are highly toxic to cats. Given the risk of confusion, it's best to avoid feeding mushrooms altogether.
- Raw potatoes — Contain solanine, which is toxic to cats.
- Rhubarb — Contains soluble oxalate crystals that can cause kidney failure.
What Dairy Products Can Cats Eat?
Contrary to the classic image of a cat lapping up a saucer of milk, most adult cats are actually lactose intolerant. Once weaned from their mother, cats progressively lose the ability to produce lactase — the enzyme needed to digest lactose — meaning cow's milk and many dairy products can cause stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea.
That said, small amounts of certain dairy products may be tolerated:
- Hard cheeses (e.g., Cheddar, Edam) — lower in lactose than milk and may be tolerated in very small amounts as an occasional treat
- Plain cooked egg — not dairy, but worth mentioning here; a small amount of cooked egg is safe and nutritious for cats
Avoid the following dairy products:
- Cow's milk — high in lactose and a common cause of digestive upset
- Blue cheese and mould-ripened cheeses — the moulds used in these cheeses can be toxic to cats
- Cream and butter — high in fat with little nutritional benefit
- Ice cream — high in sugar and dairy; not suitable for cats
If your cat enjoys a milk-like treat, there are specially formulated cat milks available in UK pet shops and supermarkets that are lactose-free and much more appropriate.
What Meat Can Cats Eat?
Meat is the cornerstone of a cat's diet. As obligate carnivores, cats require the nutrients found in animal protein — including taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A — which they cannot produce in sufficient quantities themselves. The good news is that most plain, cooked meats are perfectly safe for cats.
Safe meats for cats include:
- Cooked chicken (boneless, unseasoned — one of the most popular and digestible options)
- Cooked turkey (plain, no stuffing or seasoning)
- Cooked beef (lean, unseasoned)
- Cooked lamb
- Cooked pork (lean cuts only, in small amounts — avoid processed pork products like bacon or ham, which are high in salt)
- Cooked liver (in small amounts — very nutritious but too much can cause vitamin A toxicity)
Always ensure meat is:
- Thoroughly cooked to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination (salmonella, listeria)
- Free from bones, which can splinter and cause internal injuries
- Plain — no onion, garlic, salt, pepper, herbs, or other seasonings
-
Fresh — never feed your cat meat that is past its use-by date or showing any signs of spoilage
Can cats eat raw meat?
Raw feeding has become increasingly popular among cat owners in the UK, and some specialist raw diets are formulated to be nutritionally complete. However, raw meat does carry a risk of bacterial pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli, which can affect both your cat and the humans in your household. If you're considering a raw diet, consult your vet first and only use products specifically designed for this purpose.
Can Cats Eat Fish?
Fish is a natural part of many cats' diets and is generally safe when fed correctly. Tuna in particular is a firm favourite with cats, but it should only ever be an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple — regular tuna consumption can lead to mercury accumulation and a deficiency in vitamin E, which can cause a painful condition called steatitis.
Safe fish options for cats (cooked, boneless):
Always remove all bones before feeding fish to your cat, and avoid fish that has been smoked, salted, or prepared with seasonings.
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
Yes — cooked eggs are a safe, protein-rich treat for cats. Scrambled or poached egg (plain, no butter or salt) can be offered occasionally as a nutritious snack. However, never feed raw eggs to your cat. Raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that blocks the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), and raw eggs also carry the risk of salmonella contamination.
Can Cats Eat Nuts?
Most nuts are not suitable for cats. They tend to be high in fat and can cause pancreatitis if eaten in quantity, and some are directly toxic.
- Peanuts — not technically a nut (they're a legume), and unsalted, unflavoured peanuts are not toxic to cats. That said, they offer little nutritional value and the high fat content means they're best avoided.
- Macadamia nuts — toxic to cats; can cause weakness, hyperthermia, and vomiting.
- Walnuts — can cause gastrointestinal upset; old or mouldy walnuts are especially dangerous.
- Almonds — not directly toxic but can cause digestive upset.
As a general rule, nuts are best kept away from cats entirely.
Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
No. Chocolate is toxic to cats and should never be fed to them, even in tiny amounts. Like dogs, cats cannot metabolise theobromine — a compound found in all types of chocolate. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are particularly dangerous, but even milk chocolate can cause serious harm.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and seizures. If you suspect your cat has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately.
Can Cats Eat Honey?
Honey is not toxic to cats, but it's also not something they can derive any benefit from. Cats cannot taste sweetness, so honey holds no appeal for them, and its high sugar content can cause digestive upset and contribute to weight gain or diabetes with regular consumption. It's best left off the menu entirely.
Can Cats Eat Catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is perfectly safe for cats — in fact, it's one of the few plants specifically beneficial to feline wellbeing. The active compound, nepetalactone, triggers a euphoric response in around 50–70% of cats (it's a genetic trait). Catnip can be offered as a dried herb, in toys, or as a plant. It is not harmful and is not addictive.
Can Cats Drink Milk or Other Drinks?
Water is the only drink cats truly need, and fresh, clean water should always be available. Many cats are reluctant drinkers, so a cat water fountain can encourage better hydration.
Other drinks:
- Lactose-free cat milk — specially formulated cat milks available in UK supermarkets are a safe occasional treat
- Unsalted bone broth — a small amount can be a hydrating, palatable treat, particularly for cats with poor appetites
- Cow's milk — avoid; most adult cats are lactose intolerant
- Alcohol — never; even tiny amounts of alcohol are toxic to cats
- Caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee, energy drinks) — toxic; caffeine can cause rapid heart rate, tremors, and seizures
- Fruit juices — high in sugar and often contain citrus; not suitable for cats
Common Cat Food Intolerances
Just as with humans, cats can develop food intolerances or sensitivities at any point in their lives, regardless of breed. A food intolerance means your cat's digestive system struggles to process a particular ingredient, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, skin problems, or excessive itching.
Common triggers for cat food intolerances include proteins (particularly beef, fish, or dairy), grains, and artificial additives. It's worth noting that an intolerance is different from an allergy — an allergy triggers an immune response, while an intolerance is a digestive issue. You can learn more about the signs and symptoms of cat food intolerances and allergies.
Test Your Cat for a Food Intolerance or Sensitivity
If your cat regularly shows signs of digestive upset or skin irritation after eating, it may be time to investigate further. A cat sensitivity test or advanced pet sensitivity test can analyse your cat's individual sensitivities and help you build a diet that truly works for them. Results are typically returned within a few days, giving you fast, actionable insights into your cat's health.
Understanding what your cat can and can't eat is one of the most important things you can do as a responsible owner. When in doubt, always consult your vet before introducing new foods — and remember, a cat's primary dietary need will always be high-quality, complete cat food formulated to meet their unique nutritional requirements.