Pet parents understand the critical role nutrition plays in your cat’s wellbeing. This includes avoiding certain foods which could be hazardous for them.
No matter how tempting they may appear, there are some human foods that your cat should never eat. Keep reading to discover more about which items should not make the cut when feeding your furry friend!
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Raw Meat
Raw meat can be a nutritious snack for cats, but it may not always be the best option. It could contain pathogens and other hazardous materials that could lead to food poisoning, illness or even death in cats.
To keep your cat safe from raw meat, always cook it before serving it to them. That means avoiding chicken, turkey, fish and beef – especially rare steaks – until they have been fully cooked.
Onions, garlic and scallions of all varieties – even concentrated forms like onion powder or soup mix – are all highly toxic to cats even in small amounts. Their compounds contain sulfoxides and disulfides which damage red blood cells, leading to anemia – a serious medical condition.
Onions
Onions and garlic belong to the allium family, and while they can be deceptively tasty, they could also be hazardous for your cat’s health. Whether cooked, raw or dehydrated into a powder form, onions pose an immense danger for cats; if not handled carefully they could experience vomiting, diarrhoea or even life-threatening food poisoning.
Thankfully, you can reduce your cat’s likelihood of becoming a food scrooge by keeping dangerous foods out of their reach. For instance, keep the fridge closed at night and in an accessible high-up cupboard during the day. Another helpful tip is keeping your feline off the kitchen counter.
Garlic
One of the best ways to ensure your kitty’s wellbeing and safety is to be wary of potentially hazardous foods and fad diets. It’s not just raw fish or cheese; you may also want to steer clear of:
The list below includes some of the more likely feline trends. Hopefully these items can save your cat from an expensive vet bill and give you some peace of mind in the process.
For optimal results, consult with your veterinarian prior to making any dietary modifications for your pet.
Additionally, you can do your part by keeping dangerous or hazardous items out of reach by keeping them high up in cabinets or in a secure pantry with a locking door.
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs should never be given to cats because they may contain salmonella bacteria that could make them ill. Cats also spread this bacteria on to humans living in the home, which poses risks for children, elderly individuals and those suffering from illnesses like cancer.
Eggs contain avidin, a protein that may prevent your cat from absorbing biotin – an essential vitamin for their wellbeing.
One reason why it’s beneficial for your cat to cook its eggs is that this reduces their avidin content and the amount of biotin they absorb from them. Plus, cooked egg yolks contain plenty of protein and healthy fats which are essential in any cat’s diet.
Chocolate
Chocolate may be a delectable treat for humans, but it can also be toxic to your cat. Containing theobromine, this poisonous substance can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death in cats.
Theobromine is particularly toxic in dark chocolate, which contains more cocoa powder.
Additionally, it contains caffeine – another no-no for cats – which may lead to tremors and seizures.
Foods containing white coloring agents, such as titanium dioxide or iron oxide, can be hazardous for pets due to their potential to increase inflammation and damage DNA. They have even been known to cause cancer in animals.
Coffee
Your cat does not deserve to experience stomach distress. There are certain foods you should never feed your feline, as they can harm their digestion system and lead to unpleasant side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea.
Coffee, chocolate and some soft drinks contain methylxanthines (caffeine and related compounds like theobromine), which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination in cats as well as hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures or even death in certain cats.
Grapes and raisins should never be fed to cats as they may lead to kidney failure. Onions, garlic and chives are also hazardous for cats to eat as they cause anemia, gastrointestinal distress, blood in the urine, a high heart rate and the breakdown of red blood cells.
