What Things Are Poisonous to Cats?

Anything can be toxic when an animal is exposed to too much of it. What’s considered “too much” can vary in different species, age groups, and stages of life.  

What is not a big deal to one animal, can be deadly to another. Let’s explore some common toxins that affect cats. 

What Is Poisonous to Cats?

Poisons, also called toxins, are substances that can cause harm to the body. Cats can be exposed to this harm by eating a toxic substance, breathing it in, or absorbing it through their skin. 

When a cat is poisoned, a wide range of symptoms may occur, from minor skin irritation to death. 

Luckily, some toxins have antidotes which are specific medications given to counteract a certain poison. 

Toxins that don’t have a specific antidote are treated with supportive care through medications and supplements to correct symptoms and keep any more of the toxin from being absorbed into the system. 

Poisoning in cats is less common than in dogs, as cats tend to be more particular about what they encounter. 

Still, even with cats, poisonings occur often. 

In 2021, ASPCA Pet Poison Control (APCC) reportedly helped 401,550 animals of all sizes, across 50 states, with a wide variety of toxicities ranging from gardening products to essential oil ingestions. 

If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, please call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately to discuss next steps. 

As a pet parent, you may be wondering—what is toxic to cats, and what are common cat poisoning symptoms? 

Let’s look at everything you need to know about cat poisons.

Foods Poisonous to Cats

Many things that are considered safe to eat for people, can be dangerous for cats. Let’s explore some common foods that can be poisonous to cats. 

Chocolate 

Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and large amounts of a substance called theobromine. Together, these substances are called methylxanthines and are very dangerous to cats. 

Chocolate toxicity in cats becomes more severe as the number of cocoa increases. 

Because they contain high amounts of cocoa, baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most hazardous—even in small amounts. 

Caffeine 

Caffeine is a stimulant and is toxic to cats. Caffeine is found in: 

• Chocolate 

• Coffee 

• Caffeine tablets 

• Soda 

• Tea 

• Energy drinks 

Other common food toxins in cats include: 

• Xylitol 

• Onions 

• Garlic 

• Chives 

• Leeks 

• Grapes 

• Raisins 

• Spoiled food and mold (Penicillium supp.) 

• Salt 

Alcohol Poisoning in Cats

Alcohol poisoning from beer, wine, and liquor is rare in cats, since they typically find these beverages distasteful. However, it still can occur. 

This type of toxicity depends on how much alcohol your cat has consumed. The signs of toxicity are like those in humans. Symptoms can include: 

• Upset stomach, with vomiting and nausea 

• Wobbly gait or walking funny 

• Increased thirst and urination 

• Lethargy 

• Disorientation 

In more severe cases, you may see: 

• Muscle tremors 

• Paralysis 

• Slow or shallow breathing 

• Seizures 

• Loss of consciousness 

Call your vet immediately if your cat ingests any amount of alcohol. 

Household Items Poisonous to Cats 

Common household products that are poisonous to cats include: 

• Bleach 

• Soaps 

• Detergents 

• Fabric softener 

• Enzymatic cleaners 

• Deodorizers 

• Oven cleaners 

Even though cats tend to be picky eaters and don’t eat toxins as readily as dogs, they are curious creatures. In addition to eating them, cats may inhale them in the environment or by grooming contaminated fur. 

Other common household items that can cause poisoning in cats include: 

• Essential oils 

• Mouse and rat poisoning. Cat’s can even be affected by mouse/rat poisoning by eating a rodent that died from poison. 

• De-icing salts  

Heavy Metals Poisonous to Cats 

Heavy metals can cause toxicity in cats. 

Toxic heavy metals to cats include: 

• Arsenic. This is a natural element found in the environment. Ashes from treated wood can be hazardous to pets, and cats are the most sensitive animals to this poisoning. 

• Copper. This type of poisoning is uncommon. Copper-containing items your cat could swallow include wires, jewelry, and even old pennies. 

• Iron. This type of toxicity can occur if your cat ingests an iron supplement medication commonly taken by people. 

• Lead. This type of poisoning in cats can occur from lead paint ingestion/inhalation or other sources, such as fishing weights, toys, and jewelry, and less commonly from automotive oils and lead glaze for pottery. This very serious toxicity is considered more serious in kittens than older cats, as it creates lead deposits in the bones over time. 

• Zinc. This toxicity can occur after cats are exposed to coins and other galvanized metals, such as bolts, nuts, jewelry, toys, and cage material. Most intoxication occurs from a pet ingesting a penny. Pennies became zinc based instead of copper in 1982. Depending on the amount of zinc ingested, and how long the exposure has been occurring, this toxicity can lead to fatal destruction of the body’s red blood cells (hemolysis). 

Certain heavy metals can be seen by your veterinarian on an X-ray, which can aid in diagnosis and treatment. 

Chelation therapy is often performed with metal toxicity. This therapy involves special agents, given by injection or by mouth, to attract the metal and bind to it in your cat’s bloodstream. This therapy facilitates the removal of metal from your cat’s body and decreases or eliminates signs of toxicity. 

Plants and Flowers Poisonous to Cats 

The most common toxicity in cats is ingestion of lilies. True lilies and daylilies are extremely toxic to cats. 

Lilies (Lilium spp.) 

Lilies are the most common plant toxicity in cats. Deaths have been reported after ingestion of only one or two pieces of the plant. This highly toxic plant causes serious kidney disease and death. 

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) 

Aloe, Amaryllis, Autumn crocus, Azaleas and rhododendrons 

These plants have different effects on cats depending on the amount ingested. The entire plant is considered toxic, but the leaves are the most dangerous. Severe clinical signs include irregular heartbeats and seizures. 

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) 

Chrysanthemum, daisy, mum (Crysanthemum spp.) 

Cyclamen spp. 

This plant contains saponins, and when chewed or ingested, any part of the plant is toxic to cats. The toxin can cause heart problems, seizures, and death. 

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) 

Daffodils can cause stomach or intestinal blockage—if large amounts of the bulb are ingested. They can also cause low blood pressure in cats, which can be life-threatening. 

Diffenbachia spp. 

This plant contains insoluble oxalate crystals. Chewing or biting into this plant releases the crystals, causing irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. 

English Ivy (Hedera helix) 

Hydrangeas 

If ingested, hydrangeas can lead to a very dangerous toxicity, as the plants contains cyanide. However, cyanide poisoning doesn’t occur commonly in cats, since they do not ingest large amounts; usually only stomach upset occurs. 

Kalanchoe spp. 

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) 

Cats can become intoxicated by ingestion of the dried plant or edibles but also by secondhand smoke. Signs of toxicity are neurological and include wobbly, uncoordinated movement; hyperactivity; and disorientation. This toxin can also cause a cat to be extremely vocal. Dilated pupils and slow breathing rate, lethargy, and changes to body temperature are also possible. 

Oleander (Nerium oleander) 

Oleander is a plant that causes serious heart and neurological problems as it contains a toxin called cardiac glycosides. All parts of the plant are toxic to cats. Even drinking a small amount of the water in a vase can cause toxicosis. 

Other plants that contain this toxin are Dogbane, Giant Milkweed, Foxglove, Kalanchoe, Lily of the Valley, and Star of Bethlehem. Toxin effects are like what a human experiences, and your veterinarian will prescribe Digoxin as a medication. 

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) 

Pothos, Devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum) 

Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) 

This miniature palm tree is a very common yard plant, especially in the southern United States. While the entire plant is toxic to cats, the seeds or nuts are the most dangerous. This toxin can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, difficulty breathing, and death. 

Spanish thyme (Coleus ampoinicus) 

Tulip (Tulipa spp.) and hyacinth (Hyacintus orientalis) 

Tulips can cause severe stomach upset in cats. If the bulb is ingested in large chunks, it can cause a stomach or intestinal blockage. 

Wild mushrooms 

Yew (Taxus spp.) 

Symptoms of Poisoning in Cats

Common symptoms of poisoning in cats include: 

• Drooling 

• Hiding 

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea 

• Anorexia or decreased appetite 

• Restlessness 

• Weakness 

• Ataxia 

• Increased rate of breathing or heavy panting 

• Increased heart rate 

• Increased thirst 

• Increased urination 

• Icterus, a yellowing of the skin and other normally white areas of the body, including the eyes and the gums 

• Elevated temperature 

• Lethargy 

• Muscle tremors 

• Seizures 

• Coma 

• Death 

Medication Poisoning in Cats

Flea and Tick Medication Poisoning 

Pyrethrin and/or pyrethroid, are ingredients in some flea/tick medications (topical sprays, dips, shampoos, preventions, etc.) and can also be found in insecticides, agricultural products, and home products to help control pests. Pyrethrin is a derivative of the chrysanthemum or mum plant, and pyrethroids are a synthetic version of pyrethrin. 

Pyrethroids are not safe to use on cats. 

Pyrethroid is permethrin are the most common topical flea and tick preparations. Toxicity commonly occurs after a canine flea/tick medication is applied to a cat. Never give your cat flea and tick medication manufactured for a dog. 

Human Medication Poisoning 

The following human medications may be toxic if accidentally ingested by your cat. 

• Antidepressants—Effexor, Prozac, Sarafem, Rapiflux, Selfemra, and Fluoxetine 

  • It has been reported that cats are attracted to a smell or flavor in the human antidepressant Effexor, causing it to be one of the top toxins reported in cats. Each medication can cause severe toxicity and even death. 

• Anti-inflammatory medications—Advil, Aleve, Motrin (NSAIDs) 

  • These are highly toxic to cats. Ingestion of less than half a pill can be fatal. These medications cause stomach ulcers and rapid, severe kidney failure. 

• Acetaminophen—Tylenol (non-NSAID) 

  • Toxicity in cats occurs most often when a cat is given this medication to help control pain at home. Unfortunately, this medication is toxic to cats and should never be given to them under any circumstances. It makes a cat’s red blood cells unable to carry oxygen, causing liver damage and other fatal abnormalities. ONE TYLENOL CAN KILL A CAT. 

• Vitamin D Overdose 

  • There are two forms of vitamin D that can result in poisoning in cats: 

    • Vitamin D2—produced by plants, fungus, and yeast 

    • Vitamin D3—produced by animals 

Poisoning occurs when cats ingest rat or mouse poison containing either form of vitamin D–cholecalciferol rodenticides. These forms of vitamin D are also found in topical psoriasis medications and improperly formulated pet-food diets, either commercially produced or homemade. 

• Benzodiazepine and sleeps aids—Axanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta 

• Thyroid hormone—Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid 

Pet Medication Poisoning 

Even medications approved for pets can be toxic if the cat ingests too high a dose. The most common pet medications that can be toxic to cats, if improperly administered, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), heartworm preventatives, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements. 

What To Do If You Think Your Cat Has Been Poisoned

If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxin, take your cat to the animal hospital immediately.  

It’s best to have as much information as possible to guide the veterinarian in a recommendation. It’s very important to let the vet know when the ingestion or exposure took place, the name of the product, the amount ingested or applied to the cat, and the clinical signs you’ve witnessed. 

If you contact poison control prior to a veterinarian, you will receive a case number that you can provide to your primary veterinarian, who can consult about the case and get specific treatment recommendations. 

It’s never recommended to make your cat vomit at home. Doing so can cause additional severe symptoms and make the current problem much worse. Induced vomiting should always be done with the guidance of a veterinarian. 

If your cat was exposed to a toxin on the skin, bathing it to remove the toxin is highly recommended, if you can do it safely. This is helpful in most cases. 

As with all toxins, the sooner you get your cat treated, the better. The longer you wait and the more symptoms that develop, the worse the prognosis will be.  

In all poisoning cases, cats need immediate medical attention by their veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian.