Human Foods Safe for Cats
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Which human foods can cats eat? Comprehensive list of safe and dangerous foods for cats with portion guidelines.
Key Information
What You Need to Know
Practical Recommendations
Expert Tips
Understanding the Research
Budgeting for Pet Care
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Common Questions
Where can I learn more?
The ASPCA toxic-and-nontoxic plant and food lists are the reference for onion, garlic, grapes, alcohol, and xylitol. A complete cat food that meets an AAFCO profile is the meal. Cooked unseasoned meat is a topper. Cornell's feline nutrition pages explain why cats need animal protein.
How often should I take my pet to the vet?
A safe-food list does not move a cat's exams. Kittens are seen every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks even when the only menu question is whether a bite of chicken was safe. Adult cats are examined about once a year, and cats from about 10 years old are often examined every six months. Onion, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, grapes, and xylitol are a same-day problem if a cat ate them or is vomiting after table food. A piece of plain cooked meat does not replace bloodwork.
How can I save money on pet care?
Table scraps that cause vomiting become an ER bill. A measured amount of the cat's normal food, with a teaspoon of cooked chicken, costs less than a new boutique bag every week. Tuna as the whole diet is a cheap habit that crowds out a complete food.
Onion, garlic, chives, alcohol, grapes, raisins, and anything sweetened with xylitol are unsafe for cats. Cooked bones splinter. A small piece of unseasoned cooked chicken or turkey is a common topper. Tuna packed for people, fed every day, crowds out a complete cat food and brings a heavy salt and mercury load. Milk upsets many adult cats because the lactase to digest it drops after kittenhood.