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Can Cats Eat It? Food Safety Lookup for Cats

By the Animal Wellness Desk · Facts last checked October 21, 2026

This lookup collects the everyday foods people most often ask about for cats. Each page gives a plain verdict, how to offer the food if it is suitable, what to remove, the main risks and the signs that mean a call to the vet. The facts come from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the Cornell Feline Health Center, and each page lists its sources.

Human food should stay a small extra next to a complete and balanced cat food. If your cat has a health condition, a sensitive stomach or a prescription diet, ask your vet before adding anything new.

Toxic: keep these away

  • ChocolateChocolate is toxic to cats as well as dogs.
  • GarlicGarlic is toxic to cats.
  • GrapesKeep grapes and raisins away from cats.
  • OnionsOnions are toxic to cats, and ASPCA notes cats are more susceptible than dogs to Allium plants.

Better avoided

  • AvocadoAvocado is mainly dangerous to birds, rabbits, horses and grazing animals, but for cats it is fatty, and the pit and skin are hazards.
  • HamA tiny piece of ham is unlikely to hurt a cat, but it is salty, fatty and processed.
  • HoneyHoney is not toxic to cats, but it is nearly all sugar and cats have no need for it.
  • MilkDespite the classic image, cow’s milk is not a good drink for cats: most adult cats do not digest lactose well.
  • Peanut ButterPeanut butter is not toxic to cats, but it is sticky, fatty and offers them nothing useful.
  • TomatoesA bit of ripe tomato flesh is unlikely to cause harm, but the green parts of the tomato plant are toxic to cats.

Only plain, small amounts, with care

  • ApplesA small piece of apple flesh is fine for most cats, but the seeds, stems and leaves are not.
  • BreadA crumb of plain baked bread will not hurt most cats, but raw dough is dangerous.
  • CheeseCheese is not toxic to cats, but many cats do not digest dairy well, so it is a poor treat.
  • CinnamonASPCA lists the cinnamon plant as non-toxic to cats, but ground spice, oils and cinnamon baked goods are not cat food.
  • CornA few plain corn kernels are not toxic to cats; corn cobs are a blockage risk.
  • EggsFully cooked plain egg is fine for most cats as an occasional extra; raw egg is not recommended.
  • PopcornA piece of plain, air-popped popcorn is not toxic to cats, but butter, salt and kernels make it a poor snack.
  • SalmonPlain, fully cooked, boneless salmon is fine for most cats as an occasional treat.
  • ShrimpA small piece of plain, fully cooked shrimp is fine for most cats as an occasional treat.
  • Sweet PotatoesPlain cooked sweet potato is not toxic to cats, but they do not need it.
  • TunaA little tuna is fine for most cats as a treat, but tuna for people is not a complete diet and should not be fed often.
  • YogurtPlain yogurt is not toxic to cats, but dairy can upset their digestion.

Yes, in small amounts

  • BananasBanana is not toxic to cats (ASPCA lists the banana plant as non-toxic), but it is sugary and not something cats need.
  • BlueberriesA blueberry or two is not harmful to most cats.
  • BroccoliPlain broccoli is not harmful to cats in a small amount.
  • CarrotsCooked plain carrot is fine for cats in a small amount.
  • CucumbersPlain cucumber is not toxic to cats (ASPCA lists the cucumber plant as non-toxic).
  • LettucePlain lettuce is not harmful to cats; some cats like to nibble it.
  • PineappleA small piece of fresh pineapple is not harmful to most cats.
  • RicePlain cooked rice is not harmful to cats in a small amount, though cats do not need grains.
  • StrawberriesStrawberries are not toxic to cats (ASPCA lists the strawberry plant as non-toxic), and a small piece is fine.
  • TurkeyPlain cooked turkey meat without skin, bones or seasoning is fine for most cats as a small treat.
  • WatermelonA small piece of seedless watermelon flesh is not harmful to most cats.

When to call your vet

If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line straight away, before signs appear. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).

Emergency signs: go now

  • Collapse, seizures or trouble breathing
  • Repeated vomiting or a swollen, painful belly
  • Pale, gray or blue gums

Book an appointment soon

  • Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
  • Not eating, or drinking much more than usual
  • Lethargy or acting unlike themselves

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