Your cat’s health and well-being are top priorities, but sometimes even the most well-intentioned treats can pose serious risks.
Many human foods that seem perfectly harmless can actually be toxic to your feline friend, causing a range of issues from digestive distress to life-threatening complications.
1. Chocolate: The Not-So-Sweet Treat
Theobromine and caffeine, two compounds found in chocolate, can cause serious problems like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and even seizures in felines. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is, with baking chocolate and cocoa powder being the most toxic.
Even a small amount of chocolate can be harmful, so it’s best to keep all forms of this treat securely out of your cat’s reach. If you suspect your cat has ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
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2. Onions & Garlic: A Pungent Problem
Consuming onions, garlic, chives, or leeks can damage your cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms may include lethargy, pale gums, and dark-colored urine.
Both raw and cooked forms of these vegetables are problematic, as are powdered or dehydrated versions.
3. Grapes & Raisins: A Surprising Danger
You might be surprised to learn that grapes and raisins can be toxic to cats. While the exact substance responsible for their toxicity is unknown, ingesting these fruits can cause kidney failure in felines.
Watch out for hidden sources of grapes and raisins, too, such as trail mix, baked goods, and even some types of curry. If your cat accidentally eats any of these fruits, monitor them closely and contact your vet if you notice any unusual symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or decreased urination.
4. Alcohol: Not a Party for Your Cat
It might seem obvious that alcohol is bad for cats, but it’s worth emphasizing just how dangerous it can be. Ingesting even small amounts of beer, wine, or spirits can cause serious problems like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death.
Keep in mind that alcohol can also be found in surprising places, like certain types of desserts, syrups, and even raw bread dough (which can expand in your cat’s stomach).
5. Caffeine: A Stimulating Hazard
Found in coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and even some types of medication, caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and fits in felines.
Caffeine poisoning can be life-threatening, (ref) so it’s crucial to keep all products containing this stimulant away from your cat. Be mindful of sneaky sources like coffee grounds and tea bags, which can still contain enough caffeine to cause problems if ingested.
6. Dairy Products: Not a Cat’s Best Friend
Despite the old stereotype of cats loving milk and cream, the truth is that most adult cats are actually lactose intolerant. Their digestive systems aren’t equipped to process the lactose in dairy products, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. (ref)
While some cats may be able to tolerate small amounts of dairy, it’s generally best to avoid giving your feline friend milk, cheese, or cream.
7. Raw Meat, Eggs, & Fish: A Risky Business
You might think that feeding your cat raw meat, eggs, or fish is a “natural” choice, but these uncooked foods can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli that can make your pet very sick. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme called avidin that can interfere with your cat’s ability to absorb biotin, a crucial B vitamin.
Additionally, raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine, another essential B vitamin. A thiamine deficiency can cause serious neurological problems in cats. To keep your feline friend safe, always cook meat and eggs thoroughly and avoid feeding them raw fish.
8. Fat Trimmings and Bones: A Choking Hazard
While it might be tempting to give your cat table scraps like fat trimmings and bones, these items can pose serious risks. Fat trimmings can cause digestive upset and even lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
Bones, whether cooked or raw, can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. They can also get stuck in your cat’s digestive tract, leading to dangerous blockages that may require surgery to remove.
9. Dog Food: Not a Balanced Diet for Cats
While an occasional nibble of dog food probably won’t harm your cat, relying on it as a regular part of their diet can lead to serious nutritional imbalances. Cats have different dietary needs than dogs, requiring higher levels of protein, amino acids like taurine, and other key nutrients. (ref)
Feeding your cat a steady diet of dog food can cause deficiencies in these crucial nutrients, potentially leading to health problems like heart issues, vision and dental troubles, and skin and coat abnormalities. Always provide your feline friend with a balanced, species-appropriate diet to keep them thriving.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.