What Can Cats Eat?

Yes, cats can eat cucumber in small amounts. Cucumber is not toxic to cats and contains a lot of water, which can help with hydration. It’s a light, low-calorie snack that can be especially refreshing on hot days.

What to Keep in Mind When Giving Cucumber to Your Cat?

• Cut into small pieces: Large chunks can pose a choking hazard.
• Remove the peel: The skin can be difficult to digest for some cats.
• No spices or dressing: Only give plain, unseasoned cucumber.
• Give in moderation: Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need vegetables in their diet. Too much cucumber may cause diarrhea or stomach upset.

Some cats are curious about cucumber, while others might ignore it. Want to give it a try? Start with a small piece and observe how your cat reacts.

Yes, cats can eat bell pepper in small amounts, but it offers little nutritional value for them. Bell pepper is not toxic to cats, but since cats are obligate carnivores, they do not need vegetables in their diet.

What to Keep in Mind with Bell Pepper for Cats?

• Small amounts: A small piece of ripe bell pepper (preferably red or yellow) is safe.
• No green pepper: Green bell pepper is harder to digest and may cause stomach upset.
• No seasoning or oil: Only offer raw, plain bell pepper without any additives.
• Watch for reactions: Some cats may get diarrhea or stomach issues from vegetables.

The pepper plant and stems are toxic to cats, just like other nightshade plants. Not sure? Then it’s better to choose another snack, such as a piece of cooked chicken.

No, cats should not eat avocado. Avocado contains persin, a substance that can be toxic to cats and other animals. While cats appear to be less sensitive to persin than birds or rabbits, it can still cause gastrointestinal issues.

Why Is Avocado Dangerous for Cats?

• Persin: Can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
• Fatty fruit: Avocado is high in fat, which may cause digestive issues and contribute to obesity in cats.
• Pit and skin are choking hazards: The pit and peel can get stuck in the gastrointestinal tract.

Want to give your cat a safe snack? Choose a small piece of cooked chicken or fish instead.

No, cats should not eat tomato.

Ripe tomatoes are not immediately toxic, but they offer little nutritional value to cats. However, unripe tomatoes, as well as the stems and leaves of the tomato plant, contain solanine a toxic compound that can be harmful to cats.

Why Is Tomato Unsafe for Cats?

• Unripe tomatoes, leaves, and stems contain solanine, which can cause stomach issues, lethargy, and neurological symptoms.
• Even ripe tomatoes can lead to digestive problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting, as cats struggle to process vegetables and fruit.

Want to offer your cat a safe snack? Choose small pieces of cucumber or cooked carrot instead.

Yes, cats can eat carrot, but only in small amounts and preferably cooked. Carrots are not toxic to cats and contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, since cats are obligate carnivores, they get their nutrients primarily from animal sources and do not need vegetables in their diet.

What to Keep in Mind with Carrot for Cats

• Cooked carrot is better than raw: Cooked carrot is softer and easier to digest. Raw carrot can be hard to chew and may pose a choking hazard.
• No seasoning or sauces: Only offer plain carrot, no butter, salt, or herbs.
• Small pieces: Cut the carrot into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking.
• Give in moderation: Too much carrot can cause digestive issues like diarrhea.

Want to give your cat a healthy snack? A small piece of cooked carrot is a fine option but it’s not an essential part of their diet.

Yes, cats can eat corn in small amounts, but it offers little nutritional value for them. Corn is not toxic to cats and is even used as a filler in some cat foods. However, since cats are obligate carnivores, they get their essential nutrients from animal proteins, not from grains like corn.

What to Keep in Mind When Giving Corn to Your Cat

• Small amounts: A few cooked corn kernels without salt or butter are not harmful.
• No seasoning or sauces: Avoid corn with butter, salt, or spices, as these can cause digestive issues.
• No corn cob: The cob is hard to digest and may cause blockages or choking.
• Watch your cat’s reaction: Some cats have trouble digesting corn and may experience diarrhea or vomiting.

While a small amount of corn is not harmful, your cat doesn’t need it. Want to offer a healthy snack? A piece of cooked chicken or fish is a much better choice.

Yes, cats can eat a small amount of apple, but only without the seeds and core. The apple itself is not toxic, but the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to cats in larger quantities.

What to Keep in Mind with Apple for Cats?

• Small pieces: Cut a small slice of apple into bite-sized chunks without skin, seeds, or core.
• No seasoning or sugar: Only give plain, unsweetened apple. Avoid applesauce or processed apple products.
• Seeds and core are toxic: They contain cyanide and can be harmful.
• Not too much: Too much apple may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.

While apple is safe in small amounts, your cat has no nutritional need for it. Want to offer a healthy treat? Choose a piece of cooked chicken or fish instead.

Yes, cats can eat a small amount of watermelon, but only without seeds and rind. Watermelon contains a lot of water, which can be refreshing for your cat on hot days. However, since cats are obligate carnivores, they do not get essential nutrients from fruit.

What to Keep in Mind with Watermelon for Cats?

• Small pieces: Cut a small chunk of the flesh into bite-sized pieces.
• No seeds: Seeds can pose a choking hazard and are hard to digest.
• No rind: The rind is tough and can cause stomach issues.
• Not too much: Watermelon contains natural sugars that, in excess, can lead to diarrhea.

A small piece of watermelon can be a safe treat, but your cat doesn’t actually need it. Want to offer a healthy snack? A piece of cooked chicken or fish is always a better choice!

Yes, cats can eat a small amount of kiwi, but it’s not necessary or particularly nutritious for them. Kiwi is not toxic to cats and contains vitamin C and fiber, but since cats are obligate carnivores, they get their nutrients from meat and don’t need fruit in their diet.

What to Keep in Mind with Kiwi for Cats?

• Small pieces: Cut a small slice of ripe kiwi and remove the skin.
• No skin: The fuzzy skin can be hard to digest and may cause stomach upset.
• Not too much: Kiwi contains natural sugars and fiber, which in large amounts can lead to diarrhea.

Some cats may find the smell of kiwi appealing, but it’s not a necessary part of their diet. Want to offer a healthy treat? A piece of cooked chicken or fish is a much better choice!

Yes, cats can eat raspberries in small amounts, but they are not a necessary part of their diet. Raspberries are not toxic to cats and contain antioxidants and fiber, but since cats are obligate carnivores, they get their nutrients from animal proteins, not from fruit.

What to Keep in Mind with Raspberries for Cats?

• Small amounts: Only give one or two raspberries as an occasional treat.
• Fresh, unsweetened raspberries: Avoid processed products like jam or raspberry juice.
• Not too often: Raspberries contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that can be harmful to cats in large amounts.
• Watch for digestive issues: Too much fiber may cause diarrhea or bloating.

An occasional raspberry won’t hurt, but there are better treats for cats such as a small piece of cooked chicken or fish.

Yes, cats can eat blueberries, but only in small amounts. Blueberries are not toxic and contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. However, cats have no nutritional need for them, as they are obligate carnivores and get their essential nutrients from animal proteins.

What to Keep in Mind with Blueberries for Cats?

• Small amounts: One or two blueberries at a time is enough.
• Wash thoroughly: Rinse well to remove any pesticides.
• Mashed or chopped: Some cats may have trouble swallowing whole berries.
• Not too many: Too much fiber can cause diarrhea or stomach upset.
• No processed berries: Avoid blueberry juice, jam, or products with added sugars.

An occasional blueberry can be a fun snack, but a piece of cooked chicken or fish is still a better choice for your cat!

Yes, cats can eat a small amount of strawberry, but it offers little nutritional value for them. Strawberries are not toxic to cats and contain antioxidants and vitamin C, but cats don’t need these nutrients since they are obligate carnivores.

What to Keep in Mind with Strawberries for Cats?

• Small pieces: Cut the strawberry into small chunks to prevent choking.
• No green tops: Remove the stem and leaves, as they are hard to digest.
• No sugar or additives: Avoid strawberries with sugar, whipped cream, or syrup.
• Not too much: Strawberries contain natural sugars, which in larger amounts can cause digestive issues.

While a small piece of strawberry is safe, meat or fish is a much better snack for your cat. Want to offer a healthy treat? Choose a bit of cooked chicken instead!

Yes, cats can eat a small amount of mango, but only without the skin and pit. Mango is not toxic to cats and contains vitamins and fiber, but since cats are obligate carnivores, they get their essential nutrients from meat and do not need fruit.

What to Keep in Mind with Mango for Cats?

• Small pieces: Cut a small piece of ripe mango into bite-sized chunks.
• No skin: The skin is hard to digest and may cause stomach issues.
• No pit: The pit is large, hard, and contains toxic substances that can be harmful.
• Not too much: Mango contains natural sugars, which in large amounts can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.

A small piece of mango can be a safe treat, but your cat doesn’t need it nutritionally. Want to offer a healthy snack? A piece of cooked chicken or fish is a much better option!

Yes, cats can eat a small amount of pineapple, but only without the skin and core. Pineapple is not toxic to cats, but because it contains a lot of natural sugars, it’s not an ideal snack. Cats cannot taste sweetness and have no need for sweet flavors in their diet, as they are obligate carnivores.

What to Keep in Mind with Pineapple for Cats?

• Small pieces: Cut a small piece of ripe pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
• No skin or tough core: These are hard to digest and may cause stomach problems.
• No added sugars: Avoid canned pineapple or pineapple juice, as they contain high amounts of sugar.
• Not too much: The high sugar content can lead to digestive issues or diarrhea.

A small piece of fresh pineapple won’t harm your cat, but it’s not a necessary part of their diet. Want to offer a healthy treat? A piece of cooked chicken or fish is a much better choice!

No, cats should not eat grapes. Grapes (and raisins) are toxic to cats and can lead to serious health issues such as kidney failure. Even a small amount can be dangerous.

Why Are Grapes Dangerous for Cats?

• Toxic to the kidneys: Although the exact toxic substance is unknown, grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure.
• Possible symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, reduced appetite, and dehydration.
• No safe amount: Some cats are more sensitive than others, so it’s best to avoid grapes altogether.

What to Do If Your Cat Has Eaten Grapes?
Contact your veterinarian immediately, even if no symptoms are present yet. Fast treatment can help prevent serious kidney damage.

Want to give your cat a safe treat? A small piece of cooked chicken or fish is a much better choice.

Cats can eat cheese  in moderation.

Cheese is not toxic to cats, but most cats are lactose intolerant, which means that dairy products like cheese can cause digestive issues. Additionally, cheese is high in fat and salt, which is unhealthy for cats.

Can a Cat Have a Small Piece of Cheese?

If your cat doesn’t show signs of lactose intolerance, a very small piece of unsalted, low-fat cheese can occasionally be given as a treat. However, there are better and healthier snack options  like a piece of cooked chicken or fish.

No, it is not recommended to give your cat milk.

Although milk is often associated with cats, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. This means they have difficulty digesting lactose (milk sugar), which can lead to diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort. Milk also contains too much fat, which can contribute to obesity and pancreatitis.

If you still want to give your cat something milk-like, choose special cat milk (lactose-free milk for cats), which is safer and does not cause digestive issues.

In moderation. Cats can have a small amount of Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt contains less lactose than regular yogurt, which means some cats may tolerate it better. However, most cats are lactose intolerant, which means that dairy products like yogurt can still cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or gas.

What to Keep in Mind with Greek Yogurt for Cats?

• One teaspoon is more than enough as an occasional treat.
• Only give plain, unsweetened yogurt.
• If your cat shows signs of diarrhea or bloating, stop immediately.
• Avoid yogurt with honey or fruit, as it contains too much sugar, which is not good for cats.

Yes, cats can eat rice, but only in small amounts and if it’s properly cooked. Rice is not toxic to cats and can sometimes help with digestive issues like diarrhea. However, cats don’t need rice in their diet, as they are obligate carnivores and get their nutrients from meat.

What to Keep in Mind with Rice for Cats

• Plain, well-cooked rice is the safest option.
• A teaspoon of rice mixed with meat can help in case of diarrhea.
• Do not add spices, salt, or sauces.
• Rice fills the stomach but lacks essential nutrients for cats it should never be a major part of the meal.

An occasional small amount of canned tuna won’t harm your cat, but it’s not ideal as a regular part of their diet.

Why Is Canned Tuna Not Good for Cats?

• High in salt: Many canned tuna products contain salt, which can be harmful to your cat’s kidneys.
• May contain mercury: Regular consumption of tuna can lead to mercury buildup, which is dangerous.
• Lacks essential nutrients: Tuna does not provide all the vital nutrients cats need, such as taurine.
• Tuna in oil is fatty and hard to digest for cats.

Want to give your cat tuna? Choose tuna in water, or plain cooked tuna without seasoning. A teaspoon now and then as a treat is perfectly fine.

No, cats should absolutely not eat chocolate!

Chocolate is extremely toxic to cats because it contains theobromine — a substance they cannot metabolize. Even a small amount can be life-threatening.

Why Is Chocolate Toxic to Cats?

• Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate are poisonous to cats.
• Even small amounts can be dangerous.

Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Restlessness or lethargy
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle tremors or seizures
• In severe cases: coma or death

Contact your veterinarian immediately! The sooner you act, the greater the chance your cat will avoid serious or permanent harm.

Cats can eat raw chicken, but it’s not without risk.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require meat in their diet. While raw chicken could theoretically be a natural food source, it does come with health risks.

Risks of Feeding Raw Chicken to Cats

• Bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter can cause gastrointestinal issues.
• Raw chicken can be contaminated with parasites that may make your cat sick.
• Raw chicken alone does not provide all essential nutrients, such as taurine and vitamins.

Want to give your cat chicken? Cooked chicken is a safer option.

If you’re considering feeding raw chicken as part of a BARF diet, make sure you’re offering a well-balanced and nutritionally complete meal for your cat.

No, cats should not eat salami.

Salami is processed and very salty, which is unhealthy for cats. It also often contains herbs, garlic, and spices that can be harmful.

Why Is Salami Bad for Cats?

• Salami is very salty, which can strain the kidneys and lead to dehydration or even salt poisoning.
• Many salamis contain garlic or onion, both of which are toxic to cats.
• Salami is high in fat, which can contribute to obesity and digestive problems.
• Processed meats often contain preservatives and nitrites, which are not safe for cats.

While a tiny bite likely won’t cause immediate harm, it’s best to avoid giving your cat salami. There are much healthier alternatives!

No, it is not recommended to give your cat smoked salmon.

While salmon itself is not toxic to cats, smoked salmon is less suitable due to its high salt content and possible added ingredients.

Why Is Smoked Salmon Not Good for Cats?

• Too salty: Smoked salmon can lead to dehydration, kidney problems, and in severe cases, salt poisoning.
• Added ingredients: It may contain spices or preservatives that are not safe for cats.
• Bacteria and parasites: Although partially cooked, smoked salmon can still harbor bacteria or parasites harmful to cats.

Want to feed your cat salmon? Offer cooked or steamed salmon without salt or spices. A small piece of cooked salmon as a treat is usually safe.

No, cats should not eat raw egg.

While egg itself is not toxic to cats, raw egg can pose several health risks:

• Salmonella or E. coli: Raw eggs may contain bacteria that can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
• Avidin enzyme: Raw egg whites contain avidin, which interferes with the absorption of biotin (vitamin B7). Over time, this can cause skin and coat problems.

Want to give your cat egg? Offer cooked egg or plain scrambled egg without salt or seasoning. A small piece of cooked egg can be a healthy treat.

Yes, cats can eat a small amount of ham.

Why Not Too Much?

• Processed ham contains a lot of salt, which can be harmful to a cat’s kidneys.
• Some types of ham include spices, nitrites, or other additives that are unhealthy for cats.
• Ham is often high in fat, which can contribute to obesity or digestive problems if eaten regularly.

A small piece of unseasoned, lean ham (without salt or additives) can be given as an occasional treat. Cooked or unsalted ham is better than processed varieties like raw ham or bacon.

Yes, cats can eat a small piece of bread, but it has no nutritional value for them.

Why Is Bread Not Good for Cats?

• Cats are obligate carnivores and get their essential nutrients from meat, not grains.
• Too much bread can cause digestive issues such as stomach upset or constipation.
• Always give plain bread. Avoid toppings like butter, chocolate spread, jam, or herbs, as these can be harmful.
• Raw dough is dangerous! It can rise in the stomach and cause severe digestive problems.

Yes, cats can eat olives, but only in small amounts and without the pit.

Olives are not toxic to cats. In fact, some cats are drawn to their scent because olives contain nepetalactone — the same compound found in catnip.

What to Keep in Mind with Olives for Cats?

• A small piece without the pit is generally safe.
• Avoid olives with salt, spices, or fillings (like garlic or pepper both are toxic to cats!).
• Pickled olives often contain a lot of salt, which can harm the kidneys — don’t feed these.
• Always remove the pit. It poses a choking risk and can damage teeth.
• Do not give olives in oil or marinated olives. They are fatty and difficult for cats to digest.