Cat Owners, Beware: Here Are the Foods That Could Put Your Feline in Danger!
Did you know that many of the foods we eat can be poisonous to cats? Read this article to find out what foods can be!
As cat owners, it’s our responsibility to make sure that our furry friends stay healthy and safe. Many foods that taste delicious to us can be poisonous to cats. Knowing what these foods are and understanding why they are dangerous is an important part of being a responsible cat owner. Let’s take a look at the common foods that can be toxic for cats and what steps you can take to keep your feline friend safe.
Common Toxic Foods
Chocolate - Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats in high doses. Ingesting chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in some cases. If your kitty has consumed chocolate, it’s important to contact your veterinarian or pet poison control center immediately.
Grapes/Raisins- Grapes and raisins contain toxins that can cause kidney failure in cats. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can be deadly for cats, so it’s important to keep them away from your feline friends at all times. If you suspect your cat has eaten grapes or raisins, call your veterinarian right away as early treatment is essential for preventing long-term health complications.
Onions/Garlic/Chives - Onions contain thiosulphate and disulfides which can damage red blood cells if ingested by cats.It can also cause weakness, anemia, and shortness of breath. Eating too much onion could lead to anemia in cats and should be avoided at all costs. Any food cooked with onions should also be kept away from cats as they may still contain trace amounts of the toxin even after cooking. Garlic chives which are in the same family of plants as garlic and onion can cause the same damage to your pet like the onion.
Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages have serious adverse effects on a cat’s body and should never be given to them under any circumstances. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause breathing problems; diarrhea; vomiting; tremors; and can possibly lead to coma or death. It is important to avoid giving your cat any foods that contain alcohol. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you even think that your cat has consumed alcohol! Please make sure that alcoholic beverages are stored out of reach of curious felines!
Liver- Too much liver can affect your cat’s bones because it can cause vitamin A toxicity and possible death in severe cases.
Dog Food- Do not substitute cat food with dog food. It is better to make sure that your cat is eating healthy cat food so that your cat will get the vitamins and minerals they need and will not become undernourished.
Milk and Dairy Products- Your cat can have gastrointestinal pain and diarrhea if they ingest milk and dairy products; and they are lactose intolerant.
Tuna In A Can- Even though you may think that your cat may like tuna fish because it has fish in it; it is not good for your cat because it lacks the vitamins and minerals that cats need to stay healthy.
Yeast Dough- Your cat’s stomach can bloat and possibly become very painful if they eat yeast dough because it can cause gas to accumulate in your cat’s digestive system.
Raw or Undercooked Meat, Fish, Eggs, Potatoes, and Tomatoes
Salmonella is a bacteria that is contained in raw meat, fish and eggs. Your cat may have coat and skin problems if they eat raw eggs; and raw fish can lead to your cat having a coma or convulsions. Uncooked potatoes and tomatoes can lead to your cat having gastrointestinal distress.
What To Do If You Feel That Your Cat Has Been Poisoned
Contact your veterinarian immediately; contact an emergency veterinarian center or contact the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center.
Watch your cat to observe any unusual behavior; and bring any stool or vomit samples with you.
As responsible pet owners know, different animals have different dietary needs—and cats need special care when it comes to what they eat! While there may not always be clear answers about why certain foods are bad for cats, one thing is certain: taking proactive steps towards researching what foods your cat should stay away from is essential if you want them to remain safe and healthy! Be sure to double-check any list of human foods before giving them as treats
If you are wondering what foods are healthy for your cat to eat tap the button below to see what cat food that we have reviewed that is nutritious and will keep your cat healthy!