Cat Foods to Avoid

Cat owners need to be discouraged to feed their pets with foods intended for human consumption. Other types of foods may also be dangerous for your cat, so you are recommended to select cat foods that are considered safe by veterinarians. Otherwise, you expose the pet to serious health problems that include nutrient depletion, toxic reactions and even death.

Human Foods that Cats Should Not Eat

Several foods that are commonly consumed by humans should never be given to cats. Some of these foods include:

  • Chocolate
  • Garlic
  • Grapes
  • Green tomatoes
  • Milk
  • Onions
  • Raisins
  • Raw Potatoes

Chocolate, along with other foods and beverages that contain caffeine and theobromine, are recommended for cats, either. Served frequently and in great amounts, these foods will alter the functions of the heart and nervous system. Some of the symptoms that can be observed in cats intoxicated with chocolate include:

Coma and death, even though rare, may occur as a result of chocolate intoxication. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments for such a problem. The best measure, however, is not to give your cat any chocolate, in the first place.

N-propyl disulphide, which is a chemical compound found in the composition of garlic and onions, is exactly the same substance that makes these vegetables dangerous for dogs, too. This chemical compound affects the erythrocytes and leads to a variety of anemia that is known as Heinz body anemia. Out of these two vegetables, onions are more dangerous, as they contain greater amounts of N-propyl disulphide than garlic.

The toxic effects of grapes and raisins were primarily observed in dogs. Intoxication occurs in dogs regardless of the ingested amount of grapes and raisins. However, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center suggests that the pets should not be given any grapes or raisins at all, no matter how small is the quantity.

Unripe tomatoes and raw potatoes need to be avoided at all costs, as they include in their composition a poisonous chemical compound that is called solanine. This organic compound is bitter and causes a poisoning reaction. Cats that ingest the leaves or stems or such plants will experience intense gastrointestinal disorders. Keep in mind that pet foods may include ripe tomatoes, which are not dangerous at all.

Milk is the least harmful food meant for humans that should not be given to cats. Some of the symptoms caused by milk in adult cats include:

Such problems happen because of the lactose intolerance that most adult cats develop. It is best to replace milk with cream, which can be given in small quantities, 2 to 3 times per week. As it contains more fat, cream has a smaller amount of lactose, so it is less dangerous.

Other Foods Considered Harmful for Cats

If cats ingest dog food frequently, they may develop heart problems. In addition, such food leads to malnutrition in cats. Canned tuna intended for humans may also cause malnourishment in cats, as it cannot provide the necessary amounts of nutrients. More than that, some foods, such as raw fish may lead to vitamin B1 deficiency, while others, such as raw eggs, may disturb the absorption of vitamin B7.

 

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