Cats are independent pets and because they are such picky eaters, people often think cats know what’s best for them when it’s about food. Although most cats won’t gobble up people’s food, that doesn’t mean cats will never try to grab some human food. Sometimes when people give them food thinking it’s good for them, they might end up hurting their cat. There is much misinformation about cats and what to feed them. There is much misinformation about the food cats can and can’t eat. These foods pose moderate to severe risks to your furball. These seemingly harmless foods can damage your kitty’s system and cause a whole lot of unnecessary problems. It’s best to keep your cat away from the kitchen pantry, medicines and giving too many treats can also harm your cat. Also, if you’ve ever thought of giving your cat dog food, then stop the thought right there. Common food such as liver can also harm your cat’s system. Here are the 10 Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat…
1. Onions, Garlic and Chives
Onions regardless of whether it’s raw, cooked, powdered or even dehydrated can cause anaemia in cats. Even a small amount over time can cause onion poisoning in felines. Garlic and chives are not as threatening as onions but they can cause gastrointestinal upset for cats. And if consumed in large amounts they can be dangerous.
2. Canned Tuna
Cats can get addicted to tuna. The strong smell and taste are heaven for them. Too much tuna can lead to health problems. Although fish is a great source of protein, tuna contains higher amounts of mercury. If consumed in large quantities, it can cause mercury poisoning. Tuna also doesn’t contain adequate amounts of Vitamin E. Cat-friendly tuna is generally packed with added nutrients, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. So it’s best to stick with the cat-friendly formulas. But it’s best to switch it up for a while.
3. Dairy products
Because cats love milk and anything that contains any dairy products, we think it’s good for them. But in fact, most cats are lactose-intolerant. Their digestive system can’t process the most common dairy foods, and the result can be stomach distress with diarrhoea.
4. Raw Eggs, Meat and Fish
Raw eggs, raw meat, raw fish and any raw seafood can be harmful to your cats. Raw eggs can cause food poisoning because of bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. The raw egg whites, avidin, could interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. This can lead to skin problems as well as problems with your cat’s coat. Raw meat and raw fish contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. An enzyme in raw fish destroys an essential B vitamin for your cat called thiamine. This can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma.
5. Alcohol & Caffeine
Any foods or drinks containing alcohol is unhealthy for your cat. Alcohol has the same effect on a cat’s liver and brain that it has on yours. Only two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat and it can also be fatal. If given in large quantities, caffeine can be fatal for a cat. Restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors are the symptoms of caffeine poisoning and there is no antidote. So it’s better to keep your cat away from tea, coffee, beans and grounds, cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull.
6. Fat Trimmings and Bones
Both fat and bones, cooked and uncooked, could be dangerous for cats. They can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhoea. And there are always risks of choking on bones. Bones can splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the inside of your cat’s digestive system. So it’s better to keep your cat away from table scraps.
7. Chocolate
Though cats are not the biggest fans of chocolate in most cases, if eaten, it can be lethal for them. Theobromine is a toxic agent in chocolate even in white chocolate. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are the most dangerous ones. Chocolate can cause more harm to your cat than you’d think from abnormal heart rhythm to tremors, to seizures and death.
8. Xylitol
Xylitol is added to a number of sugar-free products. It’s an artificial sweetener which can lead to seizures and liver failure.
9. Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
Pet owners often use grapes, currants and raisins as treats for their pets. But not many people know that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Even a small amount can make your cat very ill. Hyperactivity and repeated vomiting are the signs that you will notice before the real damage.
10. Yeast dough
If your cat eats a dough before it’s baked, it will swell inside and can stretch the abdomen and cause severe pain. And when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.