Can Cats Eat These 5 Human Foods?

by cocochristman | Sep 29, 2025

One night my family was eating dinner, which included corn on the cob. My Dad left his chair for a moment, and that was all it took. Our cat Toby leapt up, snatched the whole entire corn on the cob in his mouth, and sprinted away with it. We chased him down and pulled the corn on the cob out of his mouth, but not without a fight and some growling. While we all thought it was the funniest thing in the world, we all had the same question. Can cats eat corn on the cob?

That made me wonder, what else might cats try to steal?

Here are 5 of the most asked-about human foods when it comes to the question: Cat cats eat them?

Corn on the Cob

Plain corn kernels are safe in tiny amounts. Cats can nibble a little cooked corn as an occasional snack.
The cob and husk are unsafe. They can cause choking or indigestion and should always be kept out of reach.
Enjoy the above picture of us trying to pull the corn out of Toby’s mouth.

Watermelon

Yes, in moderation. The red flesh is fine as a treat.
Remove seeds and rind as both can cause digestive upset.
Cats don’t actually taste sweetness, but some enjoy the texture and hydration.

Eggs

Cooked eggs are safe. Scrambled, boiled, or poached without seasoning.
Eggs are high in protein and healthy fats, which cats can benefit from.
Raw eggs are a no-go. Risk of salmonella and a compound called avidin that interferes with vitamin absorption.

Pup Cups

Pup cups (whipped cream treats from coffee shops) are not ideal for cats.
Most cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy often causes stomach upset.
A safer “indulgence” is a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt if your cat tolerates it.

Salmon

Cooked salmon is safe and even beneficial, thanks to omega-3s.
Avoid raw salmon (parasites) and smoked salmon (too salty).
Skip the fatty skin and any seasoning as it can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis.

General Guidelines for Cats and Human Food

Usually safe (in tiny amounts): plain cooked meats, fruits, vegetables.
Sometimes okay: bread, rice, yogurt, cheese (watch for digestive issues).
Never safe: onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes/raisins, caffeine.

At the end of the day, human food is made for humans, not cats. Our precious furballs have their own nutritional needs. But as every cat parent knows, sometimes no matter how careful we are, they sneak a bite. Knowing what’s safe and what’s dangerous gives you a piece of mind when your cat pulls a Toby.

For a more detailed breakdown, the ASPCA has a comprehensive guide on foods that are toxic to pets.

Below is a picture of Toby and his brother Kip dressed up for Halloween, wearing a cupcake and a taco. Two food items that cats probably shouldn’t consume.