While many cats are completely disinterested in human foods, some of our furry friends enjoy them. Knowing which people foods are not safe for cats is important, since many human foods can lead to issues like feline toxicity, obesity and allergies:

1. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are dangerous choices for your cat because they may cause kidney failure. While even the experts are hesitant concerning effects in cats, they regularly report that grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs and should not be given to cats for the same reasons. Because cats are usually not natural fans of grapes and raisins, there does not seem to be sufficient evidence to prove these foods cause toxicity in felines. However, many cat owners report that consumption of these fruits has resulted in mild to severe illness, and, at worst, acute kidney failure. If a cat eats any amount of grapes or raisins, it may show symptoms like indigestion, vomiting and hyperventilating. Contact your vet immediately if your cat eats grapes or raisins.

2. Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are members of the Allium family, and they should never be fed to a cat. Plants in this family contain high levels of oxidants called disulfides and thiosulphates, which are poisonous to felines. If your cat eats onions or garlic, at the very least, he will experience a severe upset tummy. At worst, onions can cause permanent blood cell damage, acute kidney problems and death. Serious blood conditions that can occur when your cat eats onion include: hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia and methemoglobinemia. Cats that have been poisoned by onions or garlic will show symptoms such as panting, difficulty breathing, blood in the urine, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy and fainting. If your cat ingests any amount of onion or garlic, you should take him to an emergency vet.

3. Raw eggs, raw meat and bones
Raw eggs and raw meat are dangerous for cats because of the potential for bacterial infections. Salmonella and E coli may be present, especially on raw chicken or eggs, and both of these can make cats sick. Raw meat scraps also tend to have high levels of fat that can upset your cat’s stomach. Meat on the bone should never be given to cats because it can present a choking hazard. Even small and soft bones can be dangerous. If you want to give your cat real meat, try small pieces of cooked, deboned and skinless chicken. Cooked fish without bones is another safe alternative.

4. Chocolate
All types of chocolate, including white, milk, dark and baking chocolate are dangerous for cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can, in a high enough dosage, be lethal for felines. If a cat has ingested chocolate, it may experience heart tremors, irregular heart rhythm, shaking or seizures. In some cases, a cat will collapse before you notice anything is wrong. Chocolate can be found in a lot of human foods. Other foods that may contain chocolate, such as cookies, brownies, candy bars, cereal and granola bars, should not be given to cats. If your cat eats or drinks chocolate, in any form, you should contact your vet.

5. Caffeine
Caffeine should never be given to cats because it can cause high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures and death. Even a small amount of caffeine can be fatal in some cases.
You should never let your cat sip your tea, coffee, hot cocoa, soda or energy drink. Open drinks, coffee beans, tea bags, chocolate, diet pills and nutrition bars, and any other products containing caffeine, should be kept out of reach. Symptoms of caffeine consumption in felines include hyperventilating, hyperactivity, excessive crying or meowing, heavy breathing, restlessness, heart palpitations and muscle spasms. If your cat consumes caffeine, take him to the vet immediately.