These can be poisonous to cats: more surprising, everyday common things on the list
2025. March 3 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
2025. March 3 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
If a cat is poisoned by something, symptoms can range from mild skin irritation to death. Fortunately, some poisons have antidotes, which are special medicines that neutralise the effects of the substance. For those toxins that do not have a specific antidote, symptomatic treatment with drugs and supplements is used to reduce symptoms and prevent further absorption of the toxin.
Poisoning in cats is slightly less common than poisoning in dogs, as our feline companions are pickier when it comes to snacking. Unfortunately, however deliberate poisoning is on the rise so all owners need to be aware, what can poison a cat, what the signs are and how to act if you suspect a problem. Our detailed article will help you with these.
It is important to underline that because cats are smaller, much smaller amounts of poison can be fatal to them. Their biological function is also different and, in some cases, they are less able to safely break down and remove toxic substances from their bodies. A further problem is that animals that are outdoors or with outdoor access cannot be controlled by the owner. This may be compounded by the fact that even if cats do not directly ingest toxic substances, they may introduce them into their system by cleaning their fur if they have been exposed to them.
Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and large amounts of theobromine. Together these are methylxanthines, which are very dangerous to cats. The higher the cocoa content, the more severe the poisoning. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous, even in small quantities.
Caffeine is stimulating for humans but can cause severe symptoms in cats. It can be found in the aforementioned chocolate, coffee, caffeine tablets, some carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks.
Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs. It has not been shown to be as dangerous in cats, but in large quantities it can cause toxicity.
Cats are the most susceptible of all animal species to the toxic effects of onion fruits. Not only raw onions and garlic are dangerous, but also dried, powdered versions and instant onion soup. Even eating a teaspoon of cooked onions can cause poisoning!
This poison causes severe anaemia, in which the cat’s body destroys its own red blood cells. This condition can be life-threatening and may require a blood transfusion.
The exact mechanism of the toxic effect of grapes is not known, but even small amounts can be life-threatening for cats. Grape and raisin poisoning can cause severe kidney damage and even kidney failure.
Mould on food is usually visible to the naked eye and can make your cat sick if it is ingested. Cats can come into contact with this poison if they eat mouldy food out of the bin or find it outdoors. Also from compost heaps, mouldy nuts or fallen fruit. The poison can also enter their system through inhalation; even if they do not eat the mould itself. Inhaled fungal toxins can damage the lungs and cause difficulty breathing, rapid breathing and high body temperature.
Salt poisoning is not common in cats, but can occur if they ingest products containing large amounts of sodium chloride, such as food waste or road salt. Cats that are properly hydrated are less likely to develop salt poisoning.
Intoxication from beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks is rare in cats, as they generally do not like the taste and smell of these drinks. The severity of alcohol poisoning depends on how much the cat has consumed and its size. If a cat has consumed small amounts of alcohol, it may simply sleep through the effects of intoxication, as humans do. However, if symptoms worsen, the cat should be taken to a vet immediately!
Although cats are pickier than dogs and less likely to eat toxic substances, they are very curious animals. They may inhale toxins or lick them off their fur if it is contaminated.
It is worth highlighting hair growth products with the active ingredient minoxidil (hair mousse, tablets, drops), which are becoming increasingly popular in our country. They are extremely toxic to cats, so unfortunately, cat owners should not use these products, because they pose a lethal risk to cats even if they come into indirect contact with them.
Essential oils can be extremely harmful and toxic. Even in diluted form they are dangerous.
Anticoagulant rodenticides are poisons that prevent blood from clotting, causing severe bleeding in rodents. Poisoning can also occur if the cat eats the poison directly or if ingests the poisoned mouse or rat. This poisoning results in severe internal bleeding, which often goes unnoticed until it is too late. Bleeding typically occurs in the lungs and abdominal cavity, but sometimes visible bleeding from the animal’s nose and mouth also occurs.
Heavy metals can cause poisoning in cats. Although these can be extremely rare, it is important to consider their possibility:
Without being exhaustive, the following may pose a risk to your cat:
The most dangerous ones:
These plants and flowers can be dangerous to cats in different ways, so always check what plants you keep in your home or garden. If your cat has ingested any of these poisonous plants, contact your vet immediately!
Pyrethrin and/or pyrethroid is an ingredient in certain flea and tick control products (topical sprays, bathing products, shampoos, preventive products, etc.) and is also found in insecticides, agricultural products and household products. Pyrethrin is a compound derived from the chrysanthemum plant, while pyrethroid is a synthetic version of it. Neither is safe for cats. Poisoning often occurs when flea and tick control products for dogs are used on cats. Never do this under any circumstances!
In fact, make sure that if you have treated your dog with such a product, you do not let the cat come into contact with it until it has been absorbed. The cat may rub up against the dog and lick the product off its fur, which could also put it at risk.
Human medicines
Human medicines are almost always particularly dangerous for cats. Various antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs (especially paracetamol and ibuprofen) are extremely toxic. Ingesting less than half a tablet of ibuprofen can be fatal. Even small amounts can cause stomach ulcers and rapid onset of severe kidney failure. Paracetamol poisoning can cause cats’ red blood cells to be unable to carry oxygen, leading to liver damage and other fatal lesions.
Vitamin D overdose can develop if a kitten eats rat or mouse killer containing vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, is also found in some psoriasis ointments.
We also try to ensure that cats are not exposed to any other anaesthetics, thyroid medication or antibiotics. In short, all medicines should be well locked up!
Medicines for pets
Even medicines approved for animals can be toxic if a cat swallows too large a dose. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm medicines, antibiotics and even food supplements can cause problems, so keep these well locked up at all times.
If you think your cat has ingested a toxic substance, call the vet immediately or take your pet to a veterinary hospital for emergency treatment.
When you call them, be prepared with the following information, as it can be very helpful to the vet:
It is extremely important that you never try to make your cat vomit at home! This can cause more severe symptoms and further health problems. Vomiting should only be done under the supervision of a vet.
If the poison has got onto the cat’s skin, it is recommended to bathe them if it is safe to do so. This is effective in most cases.
In all cases of poisoning, the most important thing is to get your cat to a vet as soon as possible. The longer it takes and the more symptoms there are, the worse the outcome can be.
There are some items around the house that are so common that most of us don’t think would be dangerous for our cats, but they are. One example of such an item is a ribbon.
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