5 Most Toxic Foods for Cats

Cats will sometimes beg for food, but you must be aware that certain foods given to cats are toxic. Giving cats the foods that you eat is not an encouraged behavior, because it spoils his appetite for his canned food. If you give food from your plate to your cat, you'll only support his behavior to beg.

In case you can't resist not sharing your food, be careful not to feed him foods that are cat poison.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic for cats because it has a compound called theobromine. Theobromine can be fatal to cats. Cats don't have the capacity to efficiently digest this substance, so it's highly poisonous. White chocolate has insignificant amounts of theobromine. However, regular milk chocolate ingested in poisonous amounts can result in vomiting, diarrhea, fever, seizure, coma and even death.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are toxic to cats due to their contents of N-propyl disulphide. This substance has the power to cause anemia by annihilating the red blood cells. Onions are more poisonous than garlic, but keep your cat away from both. Don't forget that even meats may be spiced with garlic or onion, so make sure you check the labels.

3. Potato Family of Plants - Raw

Green tomatoes contain a substance called Glycoalkanoid Solamine, which is poisonous for cats. This substance is present in the family of plants of Solanaceae, informally known as the nightshade or the potato family - which includes tomatoes, potatoes, paprika, chili pepper, eggplant, petunia or the deadly nightshade (belladonna).

If cooked or fully ripe, your cat will have no problem digesting these ingredients. However, don't feed them while they are still raw. The leaves and stems of these plants are very toxic to cats and will cause lower gastrointestinal pain and aggressive symptoms.

4. Grapes

Grapes may be toxic to cats. Avoid feeding them grapes or even raisins, which contain the same substances as grapes.

5. Caffeine

Any product containing caffeine may be toxic to cats. The caffeine excites the nervous system and will cause shaking and vomiting or diarrhea.

These are the 5 main foods that you should avoid giving your cat. However, if the cat has any food intolerance, those foods may also be toxic. There are a lot of lactose-intolerant cats. Food poisoning will be signaled by vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, cramps, rashes or seizures. You will be able to notice these symptoms within 12 hours after the ingestion of the poisonous food. Go immediately to the vet to avoid further complications.

Keep a list of these toxic foods and give it to any person that might spend time with your pet.

 

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