Cats are famous, or infamous, for their curiosity. But what happens when their sense of adventure and exploration extends into your kitchen or pantry? Then your kitty can go from intrepid to in trouble. There are certain human foods that can harm your cat; which items should you make sure to keep out of her reach?
Feline Food No-Nos
Some human foods that should not be on the cat menu:
Onion, Garlic, Chives
Finally, something cats and dogs can agree on: these foods can damage your pet’s red blood cells and cause anemia, as well as digestive upset. Keep raw, cooked, dehydrated, and powdered forms of onions, garlic, chives, and related produce away from your cat.
Grapes
Grapes, including raisins, can cause kidney failure in cats (and dogs). Vets aren’t sure why, but they do know that even small amounts can cause vomiting and hyperactivity. Look out for these signs, as they can signal kidney failure. Keep these human treats off your countertops and tables.
Caffeine
Yes, this means that cocoa, chocolate, cola, coffee, Red Bull, tea, and other caffeine-infused foods and beverages are no-gos for your cat. They can cause restlessness, tremors, rapid breathing, and irregular heart rate. Caffeine can be fatal in large enough doses.
Chocolate
Chocolate deserves its own mention: in addition to caffeine, it contains theobromine. This is toxic for cats and can cause tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rate, and death. Keep your cat away from all chocolates – including white.
Milk and Other Dairy Products
The image of a cat happily lapping up a saucer of milk or cream is ingrained in many of us. Unfortunately, most of our feline friends are lactose intolerant. When they consume dairy, they can experience stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Alcohol
It only takes two teaspoons of whisky to put a 5-pound cat into a coma; a third is often fatal. Alcohol affects your pet’s liver and brain the same way it does yours – but there’s a whole lot less cat. While you would never intentionally give your kitty booze, make sure to keep your adult drinks out of reach.
Candy
Products that are sweetened with xylitol – including candy, gum, baked goods, many diet foods, and toothpaste – can cause insulin spikes. This will drop your cat’s blood sugar and may lead to liver failure. Soon after ingesting xylitol, she may experience vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures, and, within only a few days, liver failure.
Dog Food
If you’re out of cat food, can you substitute dog food? Nope! While an occasional nibble on the kibble won’t cause harm, a steady diet of dog food will rob your cat of essential nutrients and result in malnutrition.
Liver
Surprised to see this on the list? A small taste of liver now and then won’t hurt your cat, but when she consumes too much, it can cause vitamin A toxicity. This condition can result in deformed bones, growths on the elbows and spine, osteoporosis, and in some cases, death.
Tuna
Another surprise, especially if your cat comes running when she hears you open a can. Many kitties love this fishy treat, but a steady diet can cause malnutrition. As with dog food, it just doesn’t have all the essential vitamins and proteins your pet needs. In large amounts, it can also cause mercury poisoning.
Other foods you should help your cat avoid:
- Yeast dough.
- Raw eggs.
- Raw meat and fish.
- Baby food (may contain onion powder).
- Fat trimmings.
- Macadamia nuts.
- Excessive amounts of treats (increases the risk of obesity).
Are there any human foods you can feed your cat? Yes; you can share sometimes! Not only do some foods offer a punch of flavour, but they also provide essential nutrition. Try:
- Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, or fish.
- Cooked whole grains, like couscous, brown rice, barley, or millet. (You may have to mash bigger grains).
- Scrambled eggs.
- Steamed broccoli, asparagus, mashed potato – if they’ll go for veggies! If not, try a veggie burger, hold the bun and catsup.
- Very small amounts of cheese. This completes the protein in their meats, but remember to go easy.
Cats love to explore – just make sure the kitchen and pantry are off-limits and/or all foods she may be tempted by are safely out of reach, in cabinets, or in the refrigerator.
