Cat food safety (UK)
Plain-English guides to human foods UK cats encounter — treats, table scraps, and hidden toxins. Complete cat food should form the main diet; cats have strict nutritional needs including taurine. If in doubt, phone your vet.
Safe treats & common questions
- Can cats eat ice cubes?
Plain ice for hydration play — not a meal
- Can cats eat tuna?
Spring water only — occasional treats
- Cat worming schedule UK
Parasite prevention alongside diet
- Kitten care UK
Complete kitten food for growth
Never feed — toxic foods
- Onion & garlic poisoning
Red blood cell damage in cats
- Toxic houseplants (lilies)
Lilies cause fatal kidney failure in cats
- Chocolate poisoning
Theobromine — cats are also susceptible
- Can I give my cat paracetamol?
Never — fatal to cats
- Grape & raisin poisoning
Kidney risk — keep grapes away from cats too
Suspected poisoning? Phone your own vet first (free for registered clients), or call Animal PoisonLine: 01202 509000 (a paid service). See our poison guide.
Related hubs
Frequently Asked Questions
- What human foods are safe for cats in the UK?
- Occasional plain cooked chicken, small amounts of plain tinned tuna in spring water, and commercial cat treats — always without onion, garlic, or seasoning. Complete cat food should form the main diet.
- What foods are poisonous to cats?
- Onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, and paracetamol are dangerous. Lilies can cause fatal kidney failure — even pollen on fur.
- Can cats eat tuna every day?
- No — daily tuna lacks essential nutrients and can cause mercury accumulation. Offer plain tinned tuna in spring water only occasionally.