Cats are naturally curious and love to explore and taste new things. However, not all foods are safe for them. Many common foods can be harmful or even deadly. Knowing which foods to avoid will help keep your feline friend healthy and happy. This guide will help you understand what foods cats should avoid.
Chocolate and Caffeine
Chocolate and caffeine are bad for cats. They both have methylxanthines, which are known to be poisonous in that they can cause vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, and even death. Dark chocolate is the worst of it all. All chocolate and caffeinated products should be out of reach of cats.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are a toxin to cats. They can cause renal failure. Even small amounts are toxic. The symptoms include vomiting and lethargy. Never feed your cat grapes or even raisins.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are a toxin to cats. They can cause damage to the red blood cells. They also cause anemia. The symptoms are weakness and vomiting. Do not feed foods containing onions or garlic to cats.
Alcohol
Alcohol is very poisonous to cats. Even small amounts may be problematic. Some of the symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Also, difficulty in breathing can result from alcohol. Moreover, keep alcoholic beverages far from reach from your cat.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a substitute for sugar. It appears as an ingredient in many sugar-free products. It might lead to a decrease in blood sugar, resulting in seizures and even liver failure. Never feed your cat foods containing xylitol in them.
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs may contain bacteria. Salmonella and E. coli are in most raw eggs. These bacteria cause food poisoning in cats characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. Cooked eggs are, therefore, relatively safe for cats.
Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and fish always contain bacteria and parasites. These are sources of sickness in cats. In addition, raw fish always contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine. Note that thiamine is an element integral to your cat’s health. Cooked meat and fish are safer.
Dairy Products
Most cats are lactose intolerant. Dairy products upset the stomach. They can cause diarrhea and gas. Milk, cheese, or yogurt should not be given to cats.
Bones and Fat Trimmings
Bones and fat trimmings are poisonous for cats. Bones may splinter and cause choking. They may also tear up internal structures. Trimmings of fat may cause pancreatitis. Always remove the bones and fat from the meat before giving it to a cat.
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough may rise inside a cat’s stomach. This may lead to bloating and discomfort. It may also cause alcohol poisoning. Keep all risen dough beyond the reach of cats.
Salt
Excessive salt is not good for cats. This is because it makes them drink too much water and urinate excessively. It also leads to sodium poisoning, which causes vomiting and seizures. Try as much as possible to reduce your cat’s intake of salt.
Fatty Foods
Too many fatty foods lead to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a painful condition in cats. It involves vomiting and pains in the abdomen. Do not give your cat fatty foods.
Keep your feline friend away from poisonous foods at all costs. Always check the food labels, though. Consult your vet in case of doubt. A safe diet means a healthy life for your cat.
