Foods that can poison your cat
Several foods that are harmless to us can make cats seriously ill, so it is safest to keep them well out of reach. Chocolate contains theobromine, and onion, garlic, chives and leek can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia, even in small or cooked amounts. Grapes and raisins, alcohol, caffeine and raw bread dough are all risky, and dough can also expand painfully in the stomach. Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum and baked goods, is another hidden danger. If your cat eats any of these, contact your vet promptly rather than waiting to see if symptoms appear.
Plants, especially lilies
Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, and every part of the plant is toxic, including the leaves, flowers, pollen and even the water in the vase. Just brushing against pollen and later grooming it off can be enough to cause acute kidney failure, which is why many cat owners choose never to have lilies in the home at all. Tulips, azalea and dieffenbachia can also cause illness, so it is worth checking any new plant before bringing it indoors. If you think your cat has touched or eaten a lily, treat it as an emergency and call your vet straight away. Quick action gives your cat the best possible chance.
Household poisons
Some of the most serious poisonings come from ordinary household products rather than food. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) tastes sweet and is deadly in tiny amounts, so clean up any spills immediately. Human painkillers are especially dangerous: paracetamol (acetaminophen) can be fatal to cats even in very small doses, and ibuprofen is also toxic, so never give your cat any human medicine. Concentrated essential oils and tea tree oil, rodenticides and some cleaning products can also cause harm, so store them securely and keep your cat away while they are in use.
What to do if you suspect poisoning
If you think your cat has eaten or touched something toxic, act quickly but calmly and call your vet or an animal poison line straight away. Try to bring the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, as this helps the vet identify the poison and choose the right treatment. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a professional specifically tells you to, because with some substances this can cause more harm. Note when it happened and roughly how much was involved if you can. The sooner your cat is seen, the better the outcome is likely to be.