Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or you’re an experienced one, there are a few foods that you should never feed your cat. These foods can cause serious health problems, or even death.
The most common food that can be harmful to a cat is chocolate. It contains methylxanthines, which can cause a variety of problems, from heart arrhythmia to diarrhea and seizures.
Another thing that cats shouldn’t eat is garlic. Garlic is part of the allium family, and it can cause digestive problems and damage red blood cells in cats. This can lead to anemia. The breakdown of red blood cells can also affect a cat’s ability to heal.
Salt is another ingredient that can be dangerous to a cat. Too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea and excessive thirst. It can also cause seizures and tremors.
Dairy products can also be harmful to a cat. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, and most kittens are not yet fully developed enough to process dairy products. Eating raw eggs or uncooked chicken can also lead to an infection. These foods are also a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites.
Bread dough is another item that can be dangerous. It needs to rise before baking, and when it does, it can swell in a cat’s stomach. This can cause severe pain and stretch the abdomen. Yeast dough is another common ingredient in many types of pet food, and it can lead to gas buildup in a cat’s digestive tract.
Peanut butter is also something that a cat shouldn’t eat. Because it is pasty, it can stick to the cats’ mouth and throat. In addition, it can cause choking.
Bones are also dangerous for cats to eat. Small bone fragments can get caught in the intestines and lodge in the esophagus. The result is impaction, which can require surgical removal. The bones can also splinter and puncture the intestinal walls.
Alcohol is another substance that can be very dangerous to a cat. It can cause stomach bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and can even lead to death. It is also toxic to dogs. It is often found in candy, yogurt, and other packaged goods. It is difficult to spot on a label, so make sure to purchase a high quality product that does not contain xylitol.
Fruits are another thing that can be harmful to a cat. Especially if the fruit has a lot of sugar. A fruit like watermelon can be fine in moderation, but too much can lead to a range of health problems. These foods are not naturally a part of a cat’s diet, so it’s best to only offer them in moderation.
Onion is also a harmful food for a cat. It can lead to gastroenteritis and can damage red blood cells. Onions can also cause an anemic state. Besides being anemic, a cat that eats too many onions can become ill.
Other things to avoid are raw meat, which can carry bacteria and parasites that can make a cat sick. It can also be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause an infection.
