What not to feed cats

2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

Each of us wants to make sure their cat has the best type of food for their nutritional needs. From time to time, you may be tempted to give your leftovers off the table, but keep in mind that certain foods can be poisonous for him. Here are some of the more toxic foods for cats.

Onions and garlic

Onions, garlic and shallots can cause damage to red blood cells of your cat and cause anemia. These foods are poisonous if consumed in large quantities, but exposure to concentrated forms of onion or garlic, such as onion soup or garlic powder, can also become toxic. Cats with symptoms of lethargy, weakness, reduced appetite, pale gums and orange to dark red urine should be immediately taken to the veterinarian.

Raw eggs, raw meat and bones

Just like humans, the consumption of raw eggs or raw meat in cats can lead to salmonella or E. coli poisoning. Symptoms of the disease vary but can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Salmonella and E. coli can also be transmitted to humans, so be careful to wash your hands well after cooking and keep your cat away from these raw foods. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme that can lead to skin and coat problems. Make sure your cat doesn't eat raw bones as they could to choke, hurt his digestive tract or damage his teeth.

Chocolate and caffeine drinks

We all know that chocolate can be fatal to dogs, but it's just as poisonous to cats as well. In fact, chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, high body temperature, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, abdominal discomfort, increased thirst and convulsions. Methylxanthines are also found in caffeinated drinks and should be avoided. See your vet if your cat exhibits any of these symptoms.

Alcohol and raw pasta

Alcoholic beverages and foods that contain alcohol can be dangerous for your feline. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, disorientation, breathing problems, coma and even death. It is also important to keep the cat away from raw dough. Raw pasta leaven in the stomach and it could also cause it to break, moreover, by fermenting it releases alcohol. If you think your cat has ingested even a small amount of alcohol, take him to the vet immediately.

Milk and derivative products

Although your cat may enjoy milk, these pets actually have a hard time digesting the lactose it contains, which can cause stomach pain or diarrhea. Most cats are only exposed to lactose from their mother's milk when they are still kittens. Because puppies only drink from their mother's milk for a few weeks, their digestive systems are often unable to handle a reintroduction of lactose. So while some cats don't problems tolerating milkHowever, it is not recommended to drink it as an adult due to the possibility of digestive problems.

Grapes and raisins

Even a small amount of grapes and raisins can cause problems in cats such as a rapid development of renal failure. Within 12 hours of ingestion, vomiting sometimes occurs. Other signs that may occur within 24 hours include lethargy, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, decreased urination and abdominal pain.

Food for dogs

Although dog food is not toxic to cats, your little friend needs one very different set of nutrients. Cat food should contain a lot of vitamin A, taurine, arachidonic acid and protein, while dog food has much lower levels of these nutrients. Without enough taurine, for example, cats could develop heart disease, visual and dental problems.

Xylitol

Xylitol is found in many products: gum, candy, toothpaste, diet foods, and baked foods. If your cat ingests xylitol it may risk liver failure. In fact, xylitol will increase the cat's insulin levels which will lower their sugar levels. The first signs of xylitol intoxication are vomiting, loss of coordination and lethargy. Symptoms can increase to a epileptic seizure resulting in liver failure.