Most of us are aware that certain foods can be hazardous for pets, particularly cats.
There are some foods we like to give our cats that may be hazardous or even deadly. Here are a few examples.
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Fish
Cats are carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet for optimal health and strength. Cats have the digestive capacity to digest meat easily when served in its preferred form – raw or cooked – which will supply them with all essential nutrients.
Chicken, beef and lamb can all be fed to cats as part of their normal food regimen, provided it’s well cooked through (never give cats raw meat!) and any skin or bones have been removed. Fish is another excellent option since it contains omega-3 fatty acids which have been known to reduce arthritis symptoms, improve eyesight and protect against heart disease.
Shrimp
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they require protein and other essential nutrients found only in animal meat. Shrimp can be a tasty treat that provides these essential nutrients; however, it should only be eaten occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet.
Eating shrimp not only provides your cat with essential vitamins and fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B12 and E, but also choline – all beneficial to their overall wellbeing.
If you’re feeding your cat shrimp as a snack, make sure it’s deveined and removed from its shell. Avoid seasonings or oils that could potentially be hazardous for cats; these should always be avoided.
Bananas
Bananas provide humans with plenty of essential nutrients, but cats require different kinds of sources.
Cats, being obligate carnivores, require meat as the primary source of calories and protein in their diet. Furthermore, they lack the natural capacity to digest fruits and vegetables well.
Giving your pet bananas on a regular basis can cause digestive issues and other health complications. To ensure the best outcomes, share some pieces of banana with them occasionally but never give them an entire banana.
Pears
Timing is everything when it comes to providing your feline friend with the proper food at the ideal times. However, if your cat isn’t sitting up and down for their usual three meals a day, you might need some assistance from professionals.
To encourage your feline friend to eat well, keep it simple with high quality foods, plenty of variety and a low calorie and fat diet. For optimal success, set up a feeding station in the kitchen with multiple bowls located at different places on a schedule so both of you can easily get their fill.
Chocolate
Chocolate (all varieties) and cocoa contain theobromine, a bitter-tasting stimulant that can cause heart problems, muscle tremors, seizures and death in cats. The highest concentrations of this chemical can be found in dark and unsweetened chocolates.
Coffee/Caffeine
Chocolate, coffee and caffeine contain methylxanthines which are toxic to pets. They may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, high body temperature, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures or even death in some cases.
Alcohol is highly toxic for cats and should be avoided at all costs, as it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, breathing issues and other serious health conditions. It doesn’t take much for your cat to become injured so if there are drinks around that your furry friend could lick, clean them up immediately and make sure they’re safe for consumption.
Coffee/Caffeine
Domestic cats, being carnivores, have an impaired capacity to digest and utilize carbohydrates. This means they require more protein as their primary energy source and also require a greater intake of animal fat than other animals.
Caffeine is an ingredient commonly found in coffee and tea, cocoa, cola soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate bars and non-prescription medications like cough syrups or slimming pills. While a small amount of caffeine may not be harmful for most adults, too much can prove hazardous or even fatal.
When drinking an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee, the amount of caffeine can vary significantly based on brew method, recipe and roast level. Generally speaking, it is advised to limit daily caffeine intake to 400 milligrams (mg) for healthy adults.
