Is It Toxic to Cats?

Chocolate is toxic to cats, though cats are less likely to eat it voluntarily due to their inability to taste sweetness. However, if a cat does ingest…

Onions and garlic are highly toxic to cats — even more so than to dogs. Cats are extremely sensitive to the thiosulfates in Allium plants, and ingesti…

Xylitol appears to be less toxic to cats than to dogs based on current evidence, but it can still cause hypoglycemia and should be treated as a potent…

Many essential oils are toxic to cats because cats lack the liver enzyme (glucuronosyltransferase) needed to metabolize terpenes and phenolic compound…

Grapes and raisins are toxic to cats and can cause acute kidney failure. Even small amounts are dangerous. The exact toxic principle remains unidentif…

Fresh grapes are just as toxic as raisins to dogs and cats. The exact toxic principle remains unknown but can cause acute kidney failure even in small…

Lilies are EXTREMELY toxic to cats — all parts of the plant (petals, leaves, stem, pollen, and even the water in the vase) can cause irreversible kidn…

Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate, severe pain and irritation in a cat's mouth, tongue, and throat when chewed. …

Aloe vera contains saponins and anthraquinones that are toxic to cats when ingested. While topical aloe gel is sometimes used on cats' skin, chewing o…

Sago palms are extremely toxic to cats, just as they are to dogs. All parts of the plant contain cycasin, which causes severe liver failure. The seeds…

Tulips and daffodils contain toxic alkaloids (tulipalin A and lycorine) concentrated in the bulbs. Chewing on any part of the plant causes intense gas…

Azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins that are toxic to cats. Ingestion of even a few leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in …

All parts of daffodils are toxic to cats, especially the bulbs which contain the highest concentration of lycorine, an alkaloid that causes severe vom…

Daffodil bulbs contain lycorine, a toxic alkaloid that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and in serious cases, heart rhythm abnormalities and seizures…

Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides similar to digitalis. All parts of the plant are toxic, and even small amounts can cause fatal heart ar…

Lily pollen is deadly to cats. Even tiny amounts on fur that are licked off during grooming can cause acute kidney failure within 24-72 hours.…

Permethrin-based flea and tick products designed for DOGS are EXTREMELY toxic to cats. Even skin contact with a dog that has been treated can poison a…

Antifreeze is as lethal to cats as it is to dogs — even a few laps of spilled antifreeze can cause fatal kidney failure. Cats are attracted to the swe…

Permethrin-based flea collars designed for DOGS are extremely toxic to cats and can cause seizures, tremors, and death. Even skin contact can be fatal…

Essential oil diffusers release concentrated volatile compounds that are toxic to cats when inhaled. Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus oils…

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is EXTREMELY toxic to cats — even a single regular-strength tablet (325 mg) can be fatal. Cats are uniquely susceptible becaus…

Ibuprofen is highly toxic to cats and can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and central nervous system damage. Cats are even more sensitive to ibu…

Marijuana is toxic to cats, and cats are more sensitive to THC than dogs or humans. Ingestion of cannabis plant material, edibles, or exposure to seco…

String, yarn, dental floss, sewing thread, and similar linear materials can cause a life-threatening condition called a linear foreign body obstructio…

Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Despite the popular image of cats lapping up saucers of milk, dairy products cause diarrhea, vomiting, and abd…

Human antidepressants — including fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro) — are highly toxic to cats…

Glow sticks contain dibutyl phthalate, a bitter-tasting liquid that causes immediate intense burning, drooling, and distress in cats. Cats are attract…

While cats love tuna, feeding human-grade canned tuna regularly can cause mercury poisoning, thiamine deficiency, and malnutrition. Tuna made for huma…

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed and digested. A large quantity could be fatal, but a few seeds from a single apple a…

Cherry pits contain amygdalin which releases cyanide. One or two pits are unlikely to harm a large dog, but multiple crushed pits can be fatal to smal…

Peach pits contain amygdalin which releases cyanide when chewed. They are also a choking and intestinal blockage hazard.…

Apricot pits contain the highest concentration of amygdalin of any stone fruit. Even a few chewed pits can release dangerous amounts of cyanide.…

Laundry and dishwasher detergent pods contain concentrated chemicals that cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. They …

Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) causes severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach. Inhalation of fumes can damage the respiratory …

Drain cleaners contain extremely corrosive sodium hydroxide (lye) or sulfuric acid. Even small amounts cause severe chemical burns and can be fatal.…

Decomposing organic matter in compost piles produces tremorgenic mycotoxins and toxic molds that cause seizures, tremors, and potentially fatal neurol…

Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol which is toxic to both dogs and cats. The essential oil is especially dangerous — even a few drops can cause severe poi…

Foxglove contains digitalis, a powerful heart medication that is lethal in overdose. Even small amounts can cause fatal heart arrhythmias in pets.…

Oleander is one of the most toxic garden plants in the world. All parts are poisonous — even water from a vase containing oleander can be lethal.…

Hydrangea contains cyanogenic glycosides, similar to apple seeds and cherry pits. The flower buds and leaves are most toxic and can release cyanide wh…

Jade plants are mildly to moderately toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, depression, and incoordination. The exact toxic principle is not fully …

Amaryllis bulbs contain lycorine and other toxic alkaloids that cause severe gastrointestinal distress, tremors, and potentially fatal seizures in pet…

Poinsettias are only mildly toxic to pets. They contain a milky sap that irritates the mouth and stomach, but serious poisoning is extremely rare.…

Snake plants contain saponins that cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Symptoms are usually mild but can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.…

Dog food is not acutely toxic to cats but lacks essential nutrients cats need. Long-term feeding causes malnutrition, blindness (taurine deficiency), …

Tuna water from cans is not acutely toxic but feeding it regularly can cause mercury accumulation, thiamine deficiency, and malnutrition in cats.…

Many baby foods contain onion powder which is toxic to cats and causes Heinz body hemolytic anemia. Even small amounts of onion powder can damage red …