
Cronulla Veterinary Clinic
41 The Kingsway
Cronulla NSW 2230 AU
02 9527 2604
cronullavetclinic@gmail.com
Food Poisons Cat CVC

Food poisons
Cooking vegetables such as onion, garlic, leek and chives do not make them less toxic.
Overview
Poisoning can occur when a toxic food product is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.
Causes
There are many food products that are poisonous to our pets. If your pet gains access to the following list of food products, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Common food poisons:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Onions
- Garlic
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Tomato leaves or stems
- Mushrooms
- Macadamia nuts
- Xylitol (sugar substitute)
Signs
General signs of poisoning:
- Salivating
- Twitching or tremors
- Agitation
- Panting
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Skin burns
- Weakness
- Loss of balance
Some examples of specific poisoning:
Onions, garlic, leek, and chives |
They are all members of the same vegetable family and can cause anemia in cats. Cooking them does not make them less toxic. |
Raw potato | Can cause tummy upsets with drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea |
Wild mushrooms | They vary in toxicity levels but can cause vomiting, liver failure, and death. |
Watermelon seeds, apple seeds, and stems | These are toxic and cause dilated pupils, panting, respiratory problems, and shock as they contain cyanide. |
Rhubarb leaves | They are toxic and cause kidney failure and tremors. |
Tips
The above list is not an exhaustive list of food products. If you are unsure, contact your veterinarian. Care must be taken when feeding pets from our kitchen. Certain food items can be poisonous to our pets. When giving treats, always given in moderation and avoid high fat and high sugar foods.
If your pet shows signs of poisoning such as increased salivation, tremors, difficulty breathing, collapse, seek veterinary attention.