Many people may feel compelled to give their cat some table scraps from time to time, thinking it will benefit them. Unfortunately, many human foods are toxic for cats and can lead to stomach aches, diarrhea or other digestive problems.
Raw meat and fish, eggs, and certain vegetables can all be dangerous for your pet. Not only that but they may contain bacteria and viruses which could be hazardous to your feline friend.
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Raw Meat and Fish
Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they must consume animal products to stay alive. To maintain their body weight of around 15 pounds, felines need a high-protein diet which mainly consists of fat.
Raw meat and fish can be hazardous for cats as they contain pathogens that could lead to food poisoning. This is especially true if your cat has a compromised immune system or is receiving treatment for an illness.
To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, opt for hygienically prepared chicken and follow stringent meat handling protocols. Additionally, keep your utensils clean and disinfect your pet’s food bowl regularly to prevent cross-contamination.
Onions and Garlic
Onions, leeks, chives and other Allium family plants are toxic to cats. No matter the form – fresh, cooked, dried or powdered – these foods contain disulfides and thiosulphates which are hazardous for your cat’s health.
If your cat consumes too much onion or garlic, they may experience stomach upset and vomiting. Furthermore, they could develop anemia–a condition in which their red blood cells become broken down–if there’s an abundance of these vegetables in their food supply.
It can take days for symptoms to manifest, so it’s essential that your cat go see a veterinarian promptly. Your vet will check for signs of toxicity in your cat and may induce vomiting or give her intravenous (IV) fluids in an effort to flush her body of these toxins.
Dairy Products
Cheese may be a delectable treat that cats enjoy, but it’s actually detrimental to their health. It isn’t part of their natural diet and can upset sensitive digestive systems.
Cats are obligate carnivores and must rely solely on meat for their nutritional needs. Furthermore, they have lactose intolerance – meaning they cannot digest milk or dairy products.
Dairy can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting in cats. Furthermore, dairy products may contribute to weight gain – something detrimental for their health.
Although some dairy alternatives that don’t contain lactose, such as kefir and milk-free yogurt, should still be avoided for your pet’s safety, they may also be high in fat which isn’t ideal.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that comes in various shapes and sizes. They can be eaten raw or cooked, providing you with essential proteins as well as antioxidants.
Mushrooms can help strengthen your cat’s immune system and supply essential vitamins and minerals for their wellbeing. While some mushrooms are safe to eat, others may contain dangerous and toxic elements.
Store-bought mushrooms are generally safe for your cat to eat. However, never give them wild mushrooms as these can be toxic to cats. If your cat consumes a mushroom and shows any signs of illness, take them directly to the veterinarian.
Grapes and Raisins
Raisins are a delicious fruit often baked into cookies and cakes, but they’re also dangerous for cats to eat. Just like grapes, raisins can cause various unpleasant effects in our feline friends such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Raisins and grapes can be highly toxic to cats, in some cases even leading to kidney failure if given to them, so it’s best not to give your cat any.
Though it’s unknown why grapes and raisins are toxic to cats, early signs include vomiting, lethargy, and an elevated potassium level in their blood. Unfortunately, these symptoms can progress rapidly to kidney failure so call your veterinarian as soon as you notice them.
