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We as humans have evolved drastically from our primate ancestors. We can consume a large variety of food, most of which are lethal to other animals. So we have a tendency to forget that our pets cannot eat the same food as us. The next time you want to sneak your feline companion a morsel from your table, remember to think twice about what you are giving them. Here is a list of five foods you should not be feeding your cats.
- Alcohol: Humans can consume alcohol up to a limit before it destroys our liver. The same cannot be said about your cats. Even a small teaspoon of alcohol can cause severe liver and brain damage that will kill your cat. And really, if you are considering feeding your cat alcohol, you have no right to take care of him or her. You can help your cat enjoy life in other ways, like by providing them with cat supplies such as cat toys, a cat scratching post, or something else by KONG toys.
- Chocolate: Chocolate is a decadent treat for humans. It is not only sweet, but cocoa also contains a cocktail of enzymes that can act as an aphrodisiac in the right quantities. Is it a wonder that we give them as Valentine’s gifts? However, chocolate also contains theobromine that can cause heart problems, muscle tremors, and even seizures in cats. So please, find another way to show your cat that you love him or her. If you want to treat your dog, give them cat treats like the Temptations Cat Treats.
- Coffee, tea, and energy drinks: Coffees, teas, and energy drinks are strong wake-me-ups for those dull days. However, ensure to keep your cat away from those half-full mugs on your counter or table. These beverages contain caffeine which is a strong stimulant. While it works wonders in energizing a human’s muscles, it will cause hyperventilation, respiratory problems, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors in cats.
- Fat trimmings, raw meat, raw eggs, and raw fish: Domesticated cats have very sensitive digestive systems due to years of breeding. Most hard foods tend to put a severe strain on the cats and cause severe problems. Foods like fat trimmings, raw meat, raw eggs, and raw fish can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis in cats. These foods also carry with them a risk of carrying Salmonella or E. coli bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning. You could, however, try feeding them the Wellness Cat Food (raw grain-free dry cat food).
- Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic are very minute quantities that may not carry many risks to your cat. However, if your cat happens to consume an entire clove of garlic or green onion, it can lead to digestive problems and food poisoning. Regular consumption can even cause anemia. Just add a few drops of sauces containing onion or garlic to your cat food. However, it is better if you are on the safer side and just got rid of onion and garlic from your cat’s diet.
Read About the Foods That Can Kill Your Cat
Many cat parents feed their cats the same food that they eat. Some cat parents also have the habit of feeding their cat scraps from their plates. Although this may seem like an act of love, you may be slowly killing your cat by poisoning them. Is human food toxic for cats? Can food that is considered healthy for you actually make your cat sick? Are there human health foods that must never be given to your cat?
Foods you should avoid feeding your cat
Because cats are much smaller than humans, they are also more sensitive to various substances contained in foods. It also means that everyday foods that are healthy for you can be toxic and even lethal for your cat.
- Chocolate: Yes, your favorite treat might actually make your cat very sick. Theobromine, a chemical found in chocolate, can cause cats to have seizures, muscle tremors, and cardiac problems. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which is very bad for cats.
- Alcohol: Even a single tablespoon can cause serious health problems in your cat. It can affect your cat’s liver and even lead to brain damage and prove fatal. That is because a cat’s liver is extremely small and sensitive and reacts violently to alcohol even in small amounts.
- Dairy products: Although not toxic, most cats are lactose-intolerant and cannot digest milk and its derivatives. Feeding your cat milk or other dairy products could lead to indigestion, bloating, and nausea.
- Garlic and onions: Both garlic and onions contain chemicals that can cause adverse reactions in your cat. These chemicals cause red blood cells to be destroyed, leading to a kind of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks: Your cat can have extreme reactions to caffeine that may cause temporary or long-lasting damage to the body. Your cat may experience muscle tremors, heart palpitations, and rapid breathing after caffeine ingestion.
Some other foods that are considered toxic or unhealthy for your cat are seeds of all kinds (fresh and dried), avocados, grapes and raisins, raw meat and fish, and the sweetener xylitol.
Healthy alternatives for cat treats
Catnip in small amounts, cat grass, and a few other plants that many cats love commercial cat treats that contain tuna flakes, mixed seafood, or catnip and some kind of eat homemade treats that are simple and easy to prepare and healthy for your cat. If you are unsure about any particular foods that you wish to feed your cat, it is best to have a chat with a qualified online vet, or find one in-person using Vets First Choice, and understand what is and isn’t good for your cat. That will ensure you do not accidentally make your cat sick and you always feed your cat the right foods.
