CatToxic

Xylitol (in treats or “sugar-free” products)

Caution

Verdict

Caution for cats — well-proven in dogs; feline evidence is limited. Still keep it out of the house.

Toxic principle: xylitol (well-documented in dogs; feline evidence is limited — still avoid)
Also called: xylitol, birch sugar
Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

Verdict

Xylitol is in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, and some melatonin gummies. ASPCA notes cats are not the primary species at risk. That is not a serving suggestion. If a cat ate a xylitol product, the bigger issues are often the other ingredients (chocolate, raisins, oils) and the fact that the same pantry item can kill a dog in the home.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • possible vomiting
  • • lethargy (theoretical in cats)

What to do

Call a vet. If a dog in the house also had access, treat that as the emergency. See the xylitol food page.

Related foods

Sugar

Caution

Caution — not a cat nutrient. The real emergencies are chocolate, xylitol, and raisins hiding in sweet foods.

Carbohydrate

Carrageenan

Caution

Caution — a thickener, not a classic poison. Evidence of harm in cats is limited and debated.

Additive

Propylene glycol

Toxic

Toxic to cats in food-level exposure — this is not ethylene glycol antifreeze, but cats still should not eat it.

Additive

Garlic powder

Dangerous

Never — allium powder is concentrated and causes Heinz-body anemia in cats.

Additive