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My 3 kg Devon Rex keeps trying to get into the open mayonnaise jar on the counter — how do I pet-proof my kitchen and train her to leave it alone?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Start by keeping mayonnaise sealed in the fridge or a high cabinet your cat can’t reach, since it’s mostly fat and some recipes even contain garlic or lemon juice which cats should avoid. Put jars away immediately after use instead of leaving them on counters, and use baby-proof latches if needed. To train her to leave it alone, never reward investigation with attention or treats — redirect to a toy and practice a firm “leave it” command during mealtimes. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea after any exposure, and call your own vet if anything seems off.

Mayonnaise — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Mostly fat, and some recipes include garlic or lemon juice. Avoid.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Mayonnaise is not poisonous to cats, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

Garlic and onion damage a pet's red blood cells and can bring on anaemia. Signs are often delayed for several days, so looking fine straight afterwards does not rule it out.

Rich, fatty food is the classic trigger for pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that usually needs veterinary treatment rather than rest alone.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Mayonnaise food facts page.

Open the full food page: Mayonnaise food facts →