15 Common Household Items That Are Toxic To Cats

| Published on March 25, 2015

It’s Poison Prevent Week and in order to prevent poisoning you need to know what may be harmful for your cat. According to Dr. Kerry Marshall, chief veterinary officer at Trupanion, Lily toxicity is the most costly toxicity claim they receive, with the average claiming cost of $1,000. Below is Dr. Marshall’s list of common items cat owners should be aware are toxic to their kitties. (Note: this list is not in order of most claims or most expensive.)

#1 – Lilies

Lilies are commonly found in the garden and around the home and are incredibly toxic to cats. Keep lilies out of your home, and keep an eye out for neighbors’ plants if your cat likes to explore.

Image source: @SwallowtailGardenSeeds via Flickr

#2 – Aloe

Aloe is a common toxic ingredient in beauty products for people and even in cat shampoos. It is harmful if ingested, however.

Image source: @Ruurmo via Flickr
Image source: @Ruurmo via Flickr

#3 – Theobromine

Theobromine is the toxic ingredient found in chocolate and cocoa mulch. Whether ingested or licked off the paws, this substance can have adverse effects on your cat.

Image source: @LeslieSeaton via Flickr

Click page 2 below for the next toxins!

#4 – Xylitol

Xylitol is a toxic sweetener found in many types of chewing gum, which can be tempting for cats. People are also starting to bake with it, so be aware of ingredients if you are sharing snacks with your cat.

Image source:  @AlexJuel via Flickr
Image source: @AlexJuel via Flickr

#5 –  Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are commonly found in the kitchen and can be easily left on the counter for a curious cat to ingest.

Image source:  @Frankieleon via Flickr

#6 – Caffeine

Caffeine is commonly found in coffee, soda, and tea and is toxic to cats.

Image source: @jlhopgood via Flickr
Image source: @jlhopgood via Flickr

#7 –  Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are commonly found in the kitchen. Onion and garlic powder, which is also toxic, can be found in unexpected foods, like baby food, and even some canned pet foods.

Image source:  @fotoArion.ch via Flickr
Image source: @fotoArion.ch via Flickr

#8 – Yeast Dough

Yeast dough contains high amounts of ethanol, which is toxic when ingested.

Image source: @ella via Flickr
Image source: @ella via Flickr

#9 – Alcohol

Alcohol is a toxic substance found in beer, liquor, wine, and even some foods.

Image source: @Simoncocks via Flickr

#10 – Marijuana

Marijuana is becoming legal recreationally and medically in many states and is another plant that can have adverse effects on your cat.

Image source: @BrettLevin via Flickr

#11 – Over the Counter Medicines

Common household drugs like NSAID’s, Advil, and Acetaminophen are incredibly toxic when ingested.

Image source: @ghostofanja via Flickr

#12 – Household Cleaners and Detergents

Household cleaners and detergents are often toxic to cats and they can ingest simply by walking across a freshly cleaned surface and licking their paws.

Image source: @MikeMozart via Flickr

#13 – Insecticides

Insecticides can be found in your garden and are sometimes an ingredient in over the counter flea and tick medications.

Image source: @AustinValley via Flickr

#14 – Rodenticides

Rodenticides are meant to be toxic to mice and rats, but are also toxic to cats and dogs. Curious cats can be exposed when encountering rodenticides on their own, or by hunting a rodent that has been exposed to the toxins.

Image source: @JesusCorrius via Flickr

#15 – Antifreeze

Antifreeze has a sweet taste which can be attractive to cats and dogs. Even a small amount can be extremely harmful. Remember, any puddle your cat comes across can contain hazardous run-off.

Image source:  @RobertCouse-Baker via Flickr

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog