As a cat owner, you probably want your cat to get the best nutrition from high-quality cat food. You might be tempted to give them leftovers or special treats from time to time, but remember, some foods are toxic to your feline friend. Let’s take a look at some of the most dangerous foods for cats.
1. ONIONS AND GARLIC
Onions, garlic, shallots, and spring onions can damage your cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can cause toxicity, and if your cat eats onion soup or garlic powder (which are concentrated forms), they can also get poisoned. If your cat shows symptoms like lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, pale gums, or urine turning orange to dark red, take them to the vet immediately.
2. RAW EGGS, MEAT, AND BONES
Just like humans, cats can get infected with salmonella or E. coli from raw eggs or meat. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Salmonella and E. coli can also transfer to humans, so make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food and keep it away from your cat. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme that can cause skin and coat issues in cats. Never let your cat chew on uncooked bones—they could choke, injure their digestive tract, or damage their teeth.
3. CHOCOLATE AND CAFFEINE-CONTAINING DRINKS
We’ve all heard that chocolate can be deadly for dogs, but it’s also toxic to cats. Chocolate contains a substance called methylxanthine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle tremors, heart arrhythmia, abdominal discomfort, increased thirst, and seizures in cats. Caffeine-containing drinks also contain methylxanthine, so keep your cat away from coffee, tea, or energy drinks. Generally, dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk or white chocolate.
4. ALCOHOL AND RAW DOUGH
Alcoholic drinks and foods containing alcohol are toxic to cats. Ingesting these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, and even coma. Don’t let your cat have a sip of your drink or consume any raw dough. Raw dough can cause bloating in the stomach and create alcohol inside their system as it ferments. Even if your cat only eats a small amount of alcohol, take them to the vet immediately.
5. MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS
Even though your cat might love milk, it’s not good for them. Cats can’t digest the lactose in milk, so it may cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant because they stop producing the enzyme that breaks down lactose after they’re weaned from their mother’s milk. So, despite the fact that some cats may not show immediate symptoms, it’s best not to give your cat milk or other dairy products, except for the mother’s milk in kittens.
6. GRAPES AND RAISINS
Even small amounts of grapes and raisins can make your cat sick and may lead to acute kidney failure. Within 12 hours, you might notice vomiting, and within 24 hours, symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and decreased urination may show up.
The cause isn’t entirely understood, but grapes and raisins are definitely dangerous for cats. Even if your cat doesn’t show any symptoms, it’s safest to avoid letting them eat grapes or raisins, and make sure these foods are out of their reach.
7. DOG FOOD
While dog food isn’t toxic to cats, it’s not suitable for their nutritional needs. Cats require a special balance of vitamin A, taurine, arachidonic acid, and protein that is found in cat food, but not in dog food. Dogs can survive on less vitamin A and protein, while cats need these nutrients to stay healthy. Without enough taurine, for example, cats can develop heart disease, and face issues with vision and teeth.
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR CAT FROM EATING DANGEROUS FOOD
Your cat’s health and lifespan are closely tied to their diet. To ensure they stay healthy, keep dangerous foods out of their reach and make sure their food is balanced and nutritious. Here are some simple tips to prevent your cat from eating harmful foods:
- Store food in places they can’t reach. For curious kittens, make sure to lock cabinets.
- Don’t let your cat roam the kitchen or dining area while you’re cooking or eating.
- Avoid feeding your cat leftovers.
- Be extra cautious during holidays when human foods are everywhere. Many of these foods can harm your cat’s stomach or even their overall health.
IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CAT HAS EATEN TOXIC FOOD, SEE A VET IMMEDIATELY
Some foods will only cause mild discomfort, but others can be more dangerous to your cat’s health. If you suspect your cat has eaten something toxic, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet. Better safe than sorry!
If in doubt, always consult with your vet about what’s safe for your cat to eat and what’s not.
