As a responsible cat owner, ensuring your feline friend’s health is paramount. While it can be tempting to share snacks or meals with your cat, it’s crucial to know which foods are safe and which can pose serious health risks. This comprehensive guide will detail 30 forbidden foods for cats, explain why they’re dangerous, and provide alternative safe treats to keep your cat happy and healthy.
In the natural diet of a human, something that we all have at home, there are many products / ingredients that can be toxic and even deadly for our cat.
Here we show you the 10 foods that you should never give your kitten:
1- Alcohol, coffee, or caffeine
It seems obvious, but cats cannot take these substances. It should never occur to you to give this to your cat or it could lead to serious problems. The symptoms that its ingestion produces appear quickly and include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulties in breathing or tremors.
2- Vegetables such as onion, garlic, potato, or tomato
In high and repeated doses, the thiosulfate in onion, garlic, leeks or chives can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia.
Although the potato itself is not harmful to cats, especially if it is cooked, the green shoots, leaves and stem can be toxic. This is due to a toxin called solanine, which is also harmful to humans. Luckily it disappears when the potatoes are boiled.
Tomato, which also shares a family (Solanaceae) with potatoes, also has solanine, although its main toxic component for cats is tomatine. This component is mainly found in green tomatoes, leaves and stems but decreases as the vegetable matures.
That said, vegetables are forbidden foods for cats since, unlike humans or other mammals, they have too short an intestinal tract to digest vegetables.
3- Milk
As strange as it may seem, milk is one of the prohibited foods for adult cats.
Cats begin to develop lactose intolerance as they grow older, so it is not advisable to give them the same milk that we consume. If you want to put a bowl of milk, it is best if it is lactose-free or one adapted for cats. Still, it has to be sporadic and in small amounts.
4- Salt and sugar
Excess salt can cause kidney problems and hypertension. Also, the fat in these foods can cause pancreatitis. In the case of sausages such as ham or turkey there would be no problem, although it is not good to abuse it either, since commercials usually contain sugars.
As for sweets and sugar, the usual complications are usually liver failure or excess insulin caused by xylitol. Sweets and sugar can also cause vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy.
5- Peanuts and walnuts
Nut poisoning will affect the nervous and muscular system and cause digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain, as well as pale mucous membranes, tremors, weakness or paralysis.
6- Chocolate
Although the risk of poisoning will depend on the amount eaten and the purity of the chocolate, we must always be careful with this product. The higher the amount of cocoa, the more dangerous it will be.
The problem lies in the theobromine, capable of causing vomiting, incoordination, pain in the abdomen, nervousness, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures, thirst or an increase in the amount of urine emitted.
7- Foods with thorns or bones
With these remains we can cause choking, injuries and even perforations in the digestive system due to sharp or cutting edges. Small bones, such as chicken bones, can splinter, increasing the danger.
8- Grapes and raisins
Fresh or dried grapes can cause acute kidney damage if consumed in large quantities. To control them it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Therefore, if the cat vomits, has diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain or lethargy, we must go to the vet immediately.
9- Dog food
It may seem obvious just like alcohol, but one of the forbidden foods for cats is dog food. This is because dog food lacks nutrients that felines need such as taurine or archidonic acid. Something that, consumed excessively, can cause a deficit of the same that generates serious health problems for the animal.
10- Citrus
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits also cause diarrhea and an upset stomach. In the case of lemons, their essential oil is especially dangerous.
11- Xylitol
Found in many sugar-free products such as gum and candy, xylitol can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar levels in cats. Symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination.
12- Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and fish can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, and certain enzymes in raw fish can destroy thiamine, an essential B vitamin for cats, leading to serious neurological issues.
13- Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise in your cat’s stomach, causing pain and potentially rupturing the stomach or intestines. Additionally, it produces alcohol as it ferments, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
14- Fat Trimmings
Fat from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in cats, which is painful and potentially life-threatening.
15- Liver
In large quantities, liver can cause vitamin A toxicity in cats, which affects muscles and bones adversely.
16- Dairy Products
Many cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest milk and other dairy products after they have been weaned, leading to digestive upset.
17- Chives
In addition to onions and garlic, chives can also cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia.
18- Avocado
Contains persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
19- Mushrooms
Certain types of mushrooms are toxic and can cause severe liver and kidney damage, nervous system problems, and digestive disturbances.
20- Nutmeg
Contains myristicin, which can cause seizures and central nervous system issues in cats when ingested in large quantities.
21- Raw Eggs
Raw eggs can contain Salmonella or E. coli, posing a risk of food poisoning. Additionally, an enzyme in raw eggs can interfere with the absorption of the vitamin biotin, which is essential for healthy skin and coats.
22- Rhubarb Leaves
Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems of cats, potentially leading to kidney failure.
23- Tuna (in large amounts)
While tuna is not toxic, feeding it in large amounts can lead to malnutrition because it doesn’t have all the nutrients a cat needs. Excessive consumption can also cause mercury poisoning.
24- Candy
Besides xylitol, gum and candy are high in sugars which can lead to obesity and diabetes in cats.
25- Baking Soda and Baking Powder
Both are highly toxic and can cause electrolyte imbalances and muscle spasms in cats.
26- Human Vitamins Containing Iron
These can damage the lining of the digestive system and are toxic to the liver and kidneys.
27- Corn on the Cob
Not toxic, but the cob can cause intestinal blockage, a serious and potentially fatal condition.
28- Leeks
Similar to onions and garlic, leeks can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells and result in anemia.
29- Figs
Contain ficin and ficusin, which can cause allergic reactions and gastrointestinal upset in some cats.
30- Essential Oils
Often used in food or drink flavorings, essential oils like eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, and tea tree are toxic to cats and can cause serious neurological and liver damage.
The Dangers of Sharing Human Food with Your Cat
It’s common for cat owners to want to share food with their pets, but this can lead to unexpected consequences. Cats have a unique metabolism that can’t process certain foods the way humans do. Ingredients like chocolate, caffeine, and certain fruits contain substances that are harmless to us but toxic to them. Even a small piece of chocolate can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, or seizures.
Natural Cat Treat Alternatives
If you’re looking to share food with your cat safely, there are many options:
- Cooked, unseasoned chicken or fish can be a delightful treat for cats.
- Catnip or cat grass offers a fun and safe way to engage their senses.
- Commercially made cat treats that are vet-approved ensure you’re giving them something formulated for their dietary needs.
What to Do if Your Cat Consumes Forbidden Foods
If your cat accidentally consumes a food that’s known to be toxic or potentially harmful, it’s crucial to act quickly but calmly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
- Identify the Food and Amount: Try to determine exactly what your cat ate and how much of it was consumed. This information will be helpful for your vet.
- Look for Immediate Symptoms: Common signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Even if symptoms aren’t immediately visible, it’s still important to monitor your cat closely.
- Contact Your Veterinarian: If you suspect your cat has eaten something harmful, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center right away. Be prepared to provide details about the food and your cat’s weight and health history.
- Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Veterinary Guidance: While it might seem logical to make your cat vomit, this can sometimes do more harm than good. Always seek professional advice before attempting any home treatment.
- Follow Veterinary Instructions: Your vet may instruct you to bring your cat in for an examination or advise on home care until you can reach the clinic.
Common Myths About Cat Food Safety
There are many misconceptions about what cats can and cannot eat. Here are some common myths debunked:
- Myth: Milk is safe for all cats.
- Reality: While the image of a cat lapping up milk is iconic, many cats are actually lactose intolerant. Giving them milk can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea and gas. If you want to give your cat milk, opt for lactose-free cat milk available in pet stores.
- Myth: Cats instinctively know what is safe to eat.
- Reality: While cats have a natural sense for hunting and avoiding toxic plants, they don’t always recognize harmful human foods. Many cats will nibble on foods that are dangerous, such as onions or chocolate, out of curiosity.
- Myth: A small amount of forbidden food won’t hurt.
- Reality: Even tiny amounts of certain foods, such as grapes or raisins, can cause severe reactions. Cats have a lower tolerance for these toxins compared to larger animals, so it’s best to avoid any potentially harmful foods entirely.
- Myth: Cats can eat dog food as a substitute.
- Reality: While a cat might nibble on dog food occasionally, it lacks vital nutrients cats need, such as taurine. Regular consumption of dog food can lead to deficiencies and serious health issues.
FAQ About Cat Food
Even small amounts of toxic foods can pose risks, especially if consumed regularly. It’s always safer to avoid giving any amount to your cat.
Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and a sudden change in behavior.
Yes, certain foods like dog-specific treats and foods containing ingredients that cats cannot digest (e.g., garlic or onions) are safe for dogs in small amounts but can be toxic to cats.
While raw meat in controlled amounts is often safe, processed meats contain preservatives, high levels of sodium, and other additives that can be harmful to cats.
Contrary to popular belief, many cats are lactose intolerant, and giving them milk can lead to stomach upset, including diarrhea and gas. Opt for specially formulated cat milk as a safe alternative.
What do you think about these foods? Has your cat ever eaten them? Tell us in comments!
