Protect Your Pet! 7 Common Foods That Are Toxic To Cats
Cats feel like they are a part of the family. So, you often feel like you can share anything with them, including food. However, while you may think you’re doing your cat a favor by giving them a delicious treat off of your plate, you may actually cause them harm. Cat’s are usually thought of as picky eaters. That’s why we assume they know what’s best for them. However, they are also curious creatures. Just because they will walk away from some old kibble doesn’t mean they won’t be tempted to try something they shouldn’t. Certain ingredients can wreak havoc on your cat’s health. So, before you share a snack with your furry friend, you need to be sure it is safe. Today we share with you some of the most common foods that are toxic to cats.
Cat’s are usually thought of as picky eaters
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Foods That Are Toxic To Cats
Just like there are plants that are poisonous to cats, there are also plenty of foods that can cause them harm. While it may be hard to think of foods we eat every day as harmful, cats have different nutritional needs and digestive systems. This means that something you have no problem digesting can cause your cat a lot of pain and distress. That’s why it is crucial you know which foods are not suitable for your feline friend. While some foods might be an obvious hazard, like alcohol or caffeine, there are a lot of common ingredients you would never suspect can cause damage. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of cat-safe treats your feline friend can indulge in alongside you! Just make sure they stay away from these harmful foods.
It is crucial you know which foods are not suitable for your feline friend
#Chocolate
Chocolate is a delicious treat. Well, at least for us humans. While we’ve all heard how bad chocolate is for dogs, it’s just as harmful to cats. Theobromine and caffeine are the two main methylxanthines in chocolate that cause issues in pets. These compounds are naturally occurring in cocoa seeds, as well as other plants. If a cat eats chocolate, especially a more concentrated kind like dark chocolate or cocoa powder, it can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and it may even be fatal. So, keep all chocolate far from your pet’s reach.
Chocolate is a delicious treat for humans
#Dairy
There has been a long debate whether milk is bad for cats or not. While cats do enjoy drinking milk, it isn’t great for them. Most cats are lactose intolerant. This means they have trouble digesting the lactose in milk which can cause them stomach issues. They may experience stomach aches and diarrhea. Cats can handle cheese and dairy in tiny quantities but in general it’s best to keep them away from it.
There has been a long debate whether milk is bad for cats or not
#Raw meat and eggs
Cats are carnivores which means they love meat. However, you shouldn’t feed them any meat or fish that is undercooked. Raw meat, fish, and eggs can all contain bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella. This bacterium is harmful both to immunocompromised pets, and to you. And the enzymes in raw eggs can lead to skin and coat problems, while those in fish can cause neurological problems. However, if you cook these ingredients then it’s fine to give to them to your cat.
Cats are carnivores which means they love meat
#Grapes and raisins
The science behind why grapes and raisins are poisonous to cats is still not clear, however, the issues are clear. These tasty treats contain an unknown toxic substance that can cause kidney failure in pets. This can develop rapidly withing just twelve hours of indigestion. Some other issues may also occur like lethargy, pain, reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
These tasty treats contain an unknown toxic substance for cats
#Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are a common ingredient in many dishes. While they add a punch of flavor to your favorite foods, onions, leeks, scallions, garlic, chives, and shallots are very toxic to cats. No matter if they are raw, cooked, dehydrated, powdered, or in foods. Onions and garlic can cause serious damage to gastrointestinal problems and severe damage to red blood cells which can lead to anemia. Your cat can start experiencing symptoms of weakness, lethargy, dark urine, reduced appetite, and pale gum which all signal that something is wrong.
Onions and garlic can cause serious damage to your cat’s health
#Xylitol
This sugar substitute is usually incorporated in gum, candy, baked goods, yogurt, and more. Xylitol is poisonous for cats and dogs. It can cause vomiting, lethargy, and in severe cases liver failure. The sugar substitute can also cause tremors, seizures, and a coma. The poisoning happens rapidly, so if your pet has ingested any, contact your vet immediately.
Xylitol is poisonous for cats and dogs
#Raw dough
Any form of raw dough can cause health issues in cats. Dough, more specifically the yeast, produces carbon dioxide and alcohol. Any type of alcohol is dangerous to your cat including that from bread. Not only that but the dough can cause expansion in the stomach which may need surgical intervention. The stomach may bloat and potentially twist which is life-threatening.
Any form of raw dough can cause health issues in cats
These were some foods that are toxic to cats that you should avoid at all costs. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can make sure your cats go nowhere near these harmful foods and ensure their safety and well-being.
These were some foods that are toxic to cats that you should avoid at all costs
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