Cats should get their nutrition from a complete-and-balanced feline diet; human food is an optional treat, not a meal replacement. Cornell says a very small piece of lean turkey can be an occasional treat, while treats overall should stay within 10–15% of daily calories. Avoid known hazardous foods, seasoned or fatty scraps, and bones; if your cat may have eaten something toxic, call a veterinarian promptly.
What human foods can cats eat?
The clearest example in Cornell’s guidance is a very small piece of lean turkey as a special treat. As a cautious practical measure, offer it plain, without bones or seasoning. Avoid mixed dishes when you do not know all the ingredients, especially foods containing onion or garlic.
Do not treat the absence of a food from a short hazard list as proof that it is safe. Cats differ in health, dietary needs, and tolerance, and a food that is not poisonous may still be too fatty, unsuitable for a medical diet, or too calorie-dense as a treat.
How many treats can a cat have?
Cornell’s general rule of thumb is that treats should provide no more than 10–15% of a cat’s daily calories. This is a ceiling, not a target or a guarantee that a particular food is safe. The appropriate amount depends on the cat’s calorie needs and the food’s calories, so there is no universal safe piece, spoonful, or ounce size.
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Keep treats limited so they do not displace complete-and-balanced cat food. If your cat has a medical condition or a prescribed diet, ask your veterinarian before adding human food.
Foods to avoid or treat with caution
| Food or category | Why to avoid or use caution | Practical guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives | Cornell identifies onion and garlic as toxic and lists leeks and chives among potentially toxic alliums. | Keep them, including seasonings containing them, away from your cat. Call a veterinarian if ingestion may have occurred. |
| Chocolate | Cornell lists chocolate as toxic; poisoning can involve abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, depression, or seizures. | Seek prompt veterinary advice after suspected ingestion. |
| Grapes and raisins | Cornell lists them among human-food hazards for pets. | Do not offer them. Call a veterinarian if your cat eats them. |
| Avocado and products containing xylitol | Cornell includes both among foods to keep away from pets. | Do not deliberately feed them; ask a veterinarian about any suspected ingestion. |
| Fatty meat | Meat fat can predispose cats to pancreatitis. | Choose lean options if offering a treat, and keep the portion very small. |
| Bones | Bones can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract. | Do not give bones with meat. |
| Milk | Many cats are lactose-intolerant and may develop gastrointestinal problems. | Milk is not a default treat or necessary drink. |
| Raw meat | It can transmit toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases. | Do not use raw meat as a treat. |
| Human canned fish | Cornell reports that some cats consuming canned fish products meant for people have developed potentially serious neurological disorders. | Do not make human canned fish a routine treat or meal. |
Why human food should not replace cat food
Cats are obligate carnivores with specific nutritional requirements. A human food or combination of foods is not automatically complete and balanced for cats, even if the ingredients seem wholesome. Keep a food formulated for cats as the main diet; use treats sparingly.
What to do if your cat eats a suspected toxic food
- Contact a veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is unavailable, call an emergency veterinary clinic or an animal poison-control service.
- Keep the packaging or a sample. This can help identify the ingredients and estimate what your cat ate.
- Do not induce vomiting unless directed. Cornell warns: “IMPORTANT: DO NOT induce vomiting unless you are specifically directed to do so.”
- Watch for concerning signs. Cornell lists vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, blood in stool or urine, lethargy, loss of appetite, bruising, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeat, inability to urinate, and difficulty breathing among possible poisoning signs. Seek urgent veterinary care for symptoms.
Use your local veterinarian or animal poison service if you are outside the United States.
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FAQ
Can cats eat turkey?
Cornell says a very small piece of lean turkey is likely okay as a special treat. Offer it plain and without bones or seasoning, and keep it within the cat’s overall treat allowance.
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Can cats drink milk?
Milk is not a good default treat because many cats are lactose-intolerant and may develop gastrointestinal problems. It is not necessary for a cat’s diet.
What foods are toxic to cats?
Cornell lists chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocado, xylitol-containing items, and alliums such as onion, garlic, leeks, and chives as hazards. If your cat may have eaten one, contact a veterinarian promptly.
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Can cats eat raw meat?
Cornell advises against raw meat because it can transmit toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases. Choose another treat instead.
What should I do if my cat eats something dangerous?
Call a veterinarian immediately, keep the package or a sample to identify the food, and do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically directs you to do so.
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The bottom line
Keep complete-and-balanced cat food as your cat’s main diet. If you offer human food, Cornell’s example is a very small piece of lean turkey as an occasional treat; keep all treats within 10–15% of daily calories. Avoid hazardous foods, fatty meat, bones, milk as a default treat, raw meat, and human canned fish as a routine food. Call a veterinarian promptly after suspected ingestion of something toxic.
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