12 Most Dangerous People Foods for Cats
Any cat owner can tell you that cats prefer people’s food to their own meals. So it’s not surprising to see a cat stealing bites from someone’s plate. While this practice may be cute, it can also be dangerous. There are several foods that have unpleasant side effects or can even be deadly to a cat’s health. Check out the list of the 12 most dangerous people foods for cats, and make sure you consult a veterinarian about your cat’s nutritional needs.
1 Raisins
While raisins are a delicious and healthy snack for people, they can be dangerous people foods for cats. Raisins cause severe poisoning and vomiting in cats, as well as lead to kidney disease, which is why the animal will have to be transferred to a lifelong medical diet.
You should avoid giving your pet raisins, one of the poisonous foods for cats and watch for signs of toxicity if your cat accidentally eats them. Symptoms usually occur within 24 hours: diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, weakness, abdominal pain, and decreased urination.
2 Onions
Giving food with onions is not a good idea for your feline friend. Veterinarians consider this product and all types of it dangerous for cats. Onion contains many harmful substances. They are converted into organosulfur compounds when chewed.
The sulfoxides and disulfides in onions destroy red blood cells and can cause serious blood problems, including anemia. Onion powder is often a hidden spice, so be careful. It can be found in baby food and other packaged meals. Read the ingredient list before offering anything new to your cat.
3 Garlic
Garlic is a member of the onion family, and it is also one of the most dangerous foods for cats as well. It is considered more hazardous than onions since the toxins are more concentrated. However, most foods contain less garlic than onion, so that the effect may be lessened.
The chemical compounds in this one of the most poisonous people foods for cats enter the blood system and begin to destroy the red blood cells. As a result, a hazardous disease, hemolytic anemia, quickly develops. Visible symptoms of garlic poisoning include vomiting, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, and pale gums. In any case, it is best to avoid giving anything that contains garlic to your cat completely.
Read also – 10 Reasons Your Children Should Own a Pet
4 Raw Eggs
No one should eat raw eggs unless they are sure there is no bacterial risk. Your cat shouldn’t eat raw eggs, either, as it is also one of the poisonous foods for cats. The risk of salmonella or E.coli is too high, and both can cause severe problems for a pet. Even if you have eggs that are bacteria-free, be careful.
In addition, egg whites contain avidin, which can stop Vitamin B absorption. Contrary to popular belief that raw eggs improve coat and skin condition in cats, an excess of avidin can manifest as poor coat condition and skin inflammation, resulting in the cat’s skin turning grayish-white and starting to peel. Therefore, veterinarians do not recommend giving cats this dangerous food.
5 Alcohol
It should go without saying that your pets should not be given alcohol, but cats may sneak up on your unattended drink in some cases. Once alcohol enters the bloodstream, there are a number of chemical changes in its properties.
In addition, cats, for example, have no enzymes that allow them to consume alcohol without significant harm to their health. And if cases of lethal outcome are rare, the health consequences are widespread: intoxication does not pass without leaving a trace on the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Read also – 10 Important Things Pets Can Teach Us
6 Caffeine
Never share your tea or coffee with your cat. Drinks and foods that contain caffeine could be dangerous for cats and a poisonous substance that can be life-threatening if ingested in large quantities.
Caffeine works as a diuretic causing dehydration. It also stimulates the heart and nervous system. Caffeine becomes toxic when ingested by the cat, leading to vomiting, increased thirst, and restlessness.
7 Fat Trimmings
Fat may be good in small quantities, but feeding your cat a bunch of fat trimmed from that steak you cooked isn’t a great idea. It could cause stomach problems, including vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to stick to foods that have been approved for cats.
8 Bones
Bones are one of the most dangerous foods for cats on this list. While they are not toxic in any way, bones can fragment when cooked and cause internal lacerations or bowel obstructions. Even raw bones can be a choking hazard, though they will not splinter like cooked ones.
You should also avoid giving poultry bones. In addition to intestinal problems, bones covered with fat or gristle can also cause digestive problems, and your cat may end up vomiting or having diarrhea.
Read also – The Cat’s Mind: 14 Ridiculous Thoughts
9 Milk or Cream
Cats are lactose intolerant once they become adults. Most cats encounter this substance only in their mother’s milk. Kittens are fed milk for a few weeks after birth. The reintroduction of lactose into the diet can have a negative effect on the digestive system.
The inability to break down lactose in milk products means your cat can end up having diarrhea. Being sick can lead to dehydration and may require a stay with the vet if not treated quickly. Therefore, avoid giving cream or milk to your cat unless you choose lactose-free options.
10 Avocado
The seemingly innocent avocado contains persin, which is very toxic to animals, including cats. The entire avocado tree is toxic, so never let your cat play with the shell or pit.
Depending on the amount of person ingested, your cat may have gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, or fluid building up around the heart. In some cases, these issues can even lead to death.
Read also – 10 Most Unusual Pets You Can Have
11. Chocolate
If you notice that your cat has eaten chocolate – immediately take it to the veterinary clinic. Theobromine in this one of the most poisonous foods for cats is deadly. But even if there is no lethal outcome, the negative effect on the body will still happen. Chocolate causes a serious load on the cat’s heart, causing tachycardia and convulsions.
12. Fish
Fish is also one of the most dangerous people foods for cats due to containing too much protein and minerals. Often the consumption of raw fish is fraught for the animal with the development of urolithiasis, worm infestation, and hypovitaminosis. In addition, very often, due to injuries from small but sharp bones, the internal organs of the pet suffer.
To be safe, your cat should be given properly formulated cat food instead of table scraps. Even if you do this, it is not unusual for cats to help themselves to people food. You will need to be particularly vigilant about keeping toxic foods out of reach of your feline and preventing any access to things like avocado peelings which may end up in the garbage. Remember that the garbage can is easy for your cat to get into. It may be worth investing in a can with a top.
If you suspect your cat has eaten something toxic, call your vet. However, if you see signs of intoxication, rush your pet to the vet immediately. It’s not worth the risk of a more serious problem.
