Cats are independent pets, and because they're such picky eaters, people often assume they know what's best for them when it comes to food. While most cats won't eat human food, that doesn't mean they'll never try to snatch it. Sometimes, when people give them food, thinking it's good for them, they can end up harming their cat. There's a lot of misinformation about cats and what to feed them. There's a lot of misinformation about what cats can and can't eat. These foods pose moderate to serious risks to your furball. These seemingly harmless foods can harm your kitty and cause a host of unnecessary problems. It's best to keep your cat out of the kitchen pantry; medications and too many treats can also be harmful to your cat. Also, if you've ever considered feeding your cat dog food, stop immediately. Common foods like liver can also be harmful to your cat's system. Here are 10 foods your cat should never eat...
1. Onion, garlic and green onions
Onions, whether raw, cooked, chopped, or even dehydrated, can cause anemia in cats. Even small amounts can cause onion poisoning in cats over time. Garlic and chives, while not as dangerous as onions, can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats. And when consumed in large quantities, they can be dangerous.
2. Canned tuna
Cats can become addicted to tuna. The strong smell and taste are heaven for them. Too much tuna can lead to health problems. Although the fish is an excellent source of protein, tuna contains higher levels of mercury. Consuming large amounts can cause mercury poisoning. Tuna also doesn't contain enough vitamin E. Tuna suitable for cats usually contains additional nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. So, it's best to stick to cat-friendly formulas. But it's best to switch for a while.
3. Dairy products
Since cats love milk and anything containing dairy, we think it's healthy for them. But in reality, most cats are lactose intolerant. Their digestive systems can't process most common dairy products, which can result in stomach upset and diarrhea.
4. Raw eggs, meat and fish
Raw eggs, raw meat, raw fish, and any raw seafood can be harmful to your cat. Raw eggs can cause food poisoning due to bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli. Avidin, a protein found in raw eggs, can interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. This can lead to skin problems and even coat issues in your cat. Raw meat and raw fish contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. An enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, an essential B vitamin for your cat. This can cause serious neurological problems and lead to seizures and coma.
5. Alcohol and caffeine
Any food or drink containing alcohol is harmful to your cat. Alcohol has the same effects on a cat's liver and brain as it does on yours. Just two teaspoons of whiskey can cause a coma in a 5-kilogram cat and can even be fatal. Caffeine, if given in large quantities, can be fatal to a cat. Restlessness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and muscle tremors are symptoms of caffeine poisoning, and there is no antidote. Therefore, it's best to keep your cat away from tea, coffee, beans and ground coffee, cocoa, chocolate, cola, and stimulants like Red Bull.
6. Fat trimmings and bones
Both fat and bones, cooked and raw, can be dangerous for cats. They can cause intestinal upset with vomiting and diarrhea. And there's always a risk of choking on bones. Bones can splinter and cause blockages or damage your cat's digestive system. Therefore, it's best to keep your cat away from table scraps.
7. Chocolate
Although cats aren't generally big fans of chocolate, eating it can be fatal. Theobromine is a toxic substance found in chocolate, even white chocolate. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Chocolate can cause more harm to your cat than you might think, from irregular heartbeats to tremors, seizures, and even death.
8. Xylitol
Xylitol is added to a number of sugar-free products. It's an artificial sweetener that can cause seizures and liver failure.
9. Grapes, raisins and currants
Pet owners often treat their pets with grapes, currants, and raisins. But few 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 signs you'll notice before real damage occurs.
10. Yeast dough
If your cat eats the dough before it's baked, it will swell up inside, which can distend the stomach and cause severe pain. And when yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.