Let’s face it… all of us think we know what’s best for our cats. We go our of way to make sure she’s looking and feeling healthy… that her odor free litter box is properly clean and lined with a Breathe Free litter pad… that her food and water dishes are filled each and every day.
But we can’t ALWAYS have an eye on our feline friends. When our backs are turned, cats can be downright sneaky… nosing their way into the pantry, poking at the dog’s food bowl, or prowling outside. While this is all in good fun, there are somethings – food in particular – that can harm your cat.
Here are the most common foods you’ll want to keep away from your cat:
>> Tuna. A little human-prepared tuna is not going to do any harm… but if your cat eats a steady diet of tuna it could lead to malnutrition. Too much tuna can also cause mercury poisoning.
>> Onions in any form can break down a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Garlic and chives, subsequently, can cause stomach upset.
>> Milk and diary products. Most kittens can tolerate milk, but adult cats can not. Their digestive systems can not digest it, leading to stomach upset and diarrhea.
>> Grapes and raisins are a big no-no for cats. They can cause kidney failure. Even a small amount can cause hyperactivity and/or vomiting.
>> Chocolate can be lethal for cats. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It’s in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.
>> Fat trimmings and bones may be dangerous for cats. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. And a cat can choke on a bone. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your cat’s digestive system.
>> Dog food is not a substitute for cat food. They do have many of the same ingredients. But cat food is specially formulated for a cat’s needs, which include more protein as well as certain vitamins and fatty acids.
On a final note, it’s recommended that all cat owners keep their pantry door shut at all times. Keeping food items where your cat can’t get to them and keeping pantry and cupboard doors closed will help protect your cat from serious food-related illness.