What should I not feed my cat? - briefly
Do not feed your cat chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or dairy products. These foods can be toxic or cause digestive issues in cats.
What should I not feed my cat? - in detail
When it comes to feeding your cat, there are several foods and substances that you should avoid at all costs. These items can be toxic or harmful to your feline friend, leading to various health issues ranging from minor discomfort to severe illnesses. Here is a comprehensive list of what not to feed your cat:
Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased urination, heart arrhythmias, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or death.
Onions and Garlic: These contain thiosulfates, which can damage a cat's red blood cells and lead to anemia. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, elevated heart rate, and collapse.
Grapes and Raisins: Although the exact substance that causes toxicity is unknown, grapes and raisins are highly toxic to cats. Ingestion can lead to kidney failure, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
Raw Fish: While fish is a common ingredient in many cat foods, feeding your cat raw fish can lead to a thiamine deficiency. This essential nutrient is crucial for cats, and its absence can cause neurological issues such as seizures, blindness, and in severe cases, death.
Bones: Cooked bones, especially from poultry, can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal damage. Raw bones can also fracture teeth or cause digestive blockages.
Dairy Products: Many cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose. Consuming dairy products can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Raw Eggs: Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin essential for cats' skin and coat health. Additionally, raw eggs may contain bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.
Raw Meat: While many cat owners prefer to feed their pets a raw diet, it is not without risks. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal upset or even more serious infections. Always consult with your veterinarian before switching to a raw diet.
Macadamia Nuts: These nuts are highly toxic to cats and can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), and increased body temperature.
Alcohol: Alcohol is extremely dangerous for cats. Even small amounts can lead to severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
Xylitol: Found in many sugar-free products, xylitol is highly toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, leading to weakness, lethargy, loss of coordination, and seizures. In severe cases, it can cause liver failure.
Yeast Dough: Raw yeast dough can expand in your cat's stomach, causing discomfort, bloating, and potentially dangerous gas buildup. Additionally, as the dough rises, it produces alcohol, which is toxic to cats.
By being aware of these harmful foods and substances, you can ensure that your cat remains healthy and happy. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your cat's diet.