Can my pet eat this?

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats.

Grapes are linked to kidney failure in dogs, and no safe amount is known for cats, so avoid them.

Raisins are dried grapes. No safe amount is known for cats, so avoid them.

Onions damage red blood cells in cats, and cats are even more sensitive than dogs.

Garlic can damage a cat's red blood cells and cause anemia.

Caffeine overstimulates a cat's nervous system and heart.

Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious illness in cats.

Cooked bones splinter and can injure a cat's mouth and digestive tract.

Macadamia toxicity is documented in dogs, not cats. The nuts are very high in fat, which can upset a cat's stomach and trigger pancreatitis, so skip them.

Avocado contains persin and is high in fat. The pit is also a choking and blockage risk.

Peanut butter is not toxic to cats, but it is sticky, fatty and offers them nothing useful.

Cats are obligate carnivores and many are lactose intolerant, so cheese can cause diarrhea.

Apple flesh is not toxic to cats, but the seeds and core are harmful and cats gain little from fruit.

Ripe tomato is mild for most cats, but green parts contain tomatine and are harmful.

Plain cooked potato is not toxic to cats, but raw potato and green skins contain solanine.

Plain baked bread is not toxic to cats but has no nutritional value for them.

Despite the myth, many adult cats are lactose intolerant and get diarrhea from milk.

Plain yogurt has less lactose than milk, but cats do not need dairy.

Cats love tuna, but too much can cause mercury exposure, and tuna alone lacks nutrients cats need.

Bacon is very salty and fatty and offers cats little benefit.

Plain store-bought mushrooms are generally safe, but wild mushrooms can be deadly.

Fresh pineapple is not toxic, but its sugar and acidity can upset some cats.

Citrus contains essential oils (limonene, linalool) that can upset a cat's stomach. The fruit itself is thought to be less risky than concentrated citrus oils, but there is little research.

Coconut is not toxic to cats but is high in fat and can cause loose stools.

Honey is not toxic to cats but is mostly sugar and cats do not need it.

Cinnamon powder and oil can irritate a cat's mouth, stomach and lungs.

Ice cream is high in sugar and fat, and many cats are lactose intolerant.

Xylitol is clearly toxic to dogs. Its effect on cats is not well documented, but veterinary sources advise keeping it away from them.

Cooked eggs are a good protein source for cats.

Bananas are not toxic to cats, though most do not care for them.

Blueberries are not toxic to cats.

Strawberries are not toxic to cats.

Seedless watermelon flesh is safe for cats in small amounts.

Cooked carrot is safe for cats in small amounts.

Plain cucumber is safe for cats.

Cooked sweet potato is safe for cats in small amounts.

Plain cooked rice is safe for cats in small amounts.

Cooked chicken is a natural fit for a cat's meat-based diet.

Cooked salmon is a good protein and omega-3 source for cats.

Cooked shrimp is safe for cats in small amounts.

Plain corn kernels are not toxic to cats and appear in many cat foods.

Plain, air-popped popcorn is not toxic to cats.

Plain, cooked green beans are safe for cats.

Plain cooked pumpkin is safe for cats and can help with mild digestive upset.

Plain cooked broccoli is safe for cats in small amounts.

Catnip is safe for cats and causes a short, harmless burst of excitement in most of them.

Wheat, oat and barley grass are safe for cats and can help with hairballs and digestion.