Mouldy food poisoning in cats

Mouldy food poisoning in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Macindoe
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated March 03, 2026
4 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Vet treatment

Home treatment

Prevention

When to worry

Safe treats for cats

Share this article
Mouldy food poisoning in cats

Mouldy food poisoning in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Macindoe
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated March 03, 2026
4 min read

The moulds that spoil food and grow in composting piles can sometimes produce dangerous toxins. Cats that eat these may become very ill, although this is rare. Never give mouldy food to your cat, and speak to a vet straight away if you think your cat has eaten spoiled food.  

  There are two main types of dangerous toxins that moulds can produce. The most common are tremorgenic toxins. These cause uncontrolled shaking and trembling. In severe cases, they may cause seizures or heat stroke. However, most cats fully recover if they receive immediate treatment. The other type is aflatoxins, which cause liver damage. The symptoms may take several days to appear, but recovery is more difficult, and many cats don’t survive. In both cases, treatment should be started as soon as possible to improve the chances of a full recovery.

What causes mouldy food poisoning in cats? >What causes mouldy food poisoning in cats? [Overview

Symptoms of mouldy food poisoning in cats >Symptoms of mouldy food poisoning in cats [Symptoms

Cats at a higher risk of mouldy food poisoning >Cats at a higher risk of mouldy food poisoning [Risk

How do vets diagnose mouldy food poisoning in cats? >How do vets diagnose mouldy food poisoning in cats? [Diagnosis

Veterinary treatment of mouldy food poisoning in cats >Veterinary treatment of mouldy food poisoning in cats [Vet treatment

Home treatment of mouldy food poisoning in cats >Home treatment of mouldy food poisoning in cats [Home treatment

Prevention of mouldy food poisoning in cats >Prevention of mouldy food poisoning in cats [Prevention

When to worry about mouldy food poisoning in cats >When to worry about mouldy food poisoning in cats [When to worry

Safe treats for cats

Out Of Stock
thrive 100% Freeze Dried Cat Treats Single
Chicken Liver 25g
£2.60 £4.40
Hot Seller
Lily's Kitchen Chicken Pillow Treats for Cats
60g
£2.29 £2.50
Vet's Favourite
Feliway Happy Snack Salmon Flavour Calming Cat Treat
6 Pack - 24 Pack
£4.99 - £18.49
£4.49 with Repeat £4.49 with Repeat & Save

Explore our vet recommended products
Shop Now

Share this article

Similar Articles

Seizures in cats
Symptoms

Seizures in cats

Discover why cats have seizures, how to recognise a seizure, get tips on how to keep your cat safe and comfortable, and learn when to contact your vet.
Dr. Deborah Brown
July 02, 2023 4 min read
Vomiting in cats
Symptoms

Vomiting in cats

Learn why cats vomit, how to manage mild cases at home, recognise serious symptoms, and when to seek veterinary care to keep your cat safe and healthy.
Dr. Marta Chapman
November 19, 2024 5 min read
Seizures in dogs
Symptoms

Seizures in dogs

Discover why dogs have seizures, how to recognise a seizure, get tips on how to keep your dog safe and comfortable, and learn when to contact your vet.
Dr. Deborah Brown
October 22, 2023 5 min read
Diarrhoea in cats
Symptoms

Diarrhoea in cats

Learn how to recognise causes and symptoms of diarrhoea in cats, get practical home care tips, and know when to seek veterinary help.
Dr. Marta Chapman
June 21, 2023 5 min read
Alcohol poisoning in cats
Poisons in Pets

Alcohol poisoning in cats

Cat licked alcohol or sanitiser? It's a veterinary emergency. A UK vet explains the signs of ethanol poisoning and why you must act fast to save your cat.
Dr. Valter Carlos
April 24, 2026 3 min read
Recreational drug poisoning in cats
Poisons in Pets

Recreational drug poisoning in cats

Learn how to recognise different types of recreational drug poisoning in cats, key symptoms to watch for, and when to seek urgent veterinary care to protect your pet.
Dr. Valter Carlos
April 02, 2026 7 min read
Anal Gland Problems in Cats: What Every Owner Should Know
Pet Advice

Anal Gland Problems in Cats: What Every Owner Should Know

Understand anal gland problems in cats: what causes them (from diet to allergies), 7 signs like scooting and a fishy smell, what happens if they're ignored, veterinary treatment options, and prevention tips.
Dr. Deborah Brown
May 21, 2026 5 min read
7 Cat Emergencies: How to Know What’s Urgent and What to Do
Pet Advice

7 Cat Emergencies: How to Know What’s Urgent and What to Do

Learn to spot critical signs of cat emergencies—from not eating and hiding to breathing issues and seizures. Get clear guidance on when to rush to the vet or seek same-day advice.
Dr. Deborah Brown
May 21, 2026 7 min read
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Health Conditions

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats

Learn how to recognise hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats, from early signs to diagnosis. Discover what to expect and what to do to protect your cat’s heart health.
Dr. Valter Carlos
March 24, 2026 9 min read
Introducing a New Cat: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition
Behaviour & Training

Introducing a New Cat: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition

Learn how to safely introduce a new cat to your home with practical, vet-approved tips on settling in, reducing stress, and helping cats adjust to new environments and other pets.
Dr. Ella Preston
April 23, 2026 7 min read
Caffeine Poisoning in Cats
Poisons in Pets

Caffeine Poisoning in Cats

Discover the dangers of caffeine poisoning in cats, including symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent accidental exposure at home.
Dr. Deborah Brown
April 22, 2026 4 min read
Hair loss in cats
Symptoms

Hair loss in cats

Cat hair loss can be caused by parasites, allergies, or stress. Learn to spot the signs, discover home care tips, and know when to see a vet for your cat’s recovery.
Dr. Deborah Brown
March 31, 2026 5 min read