Surprising Foods You Need to Keep Away From Your Cat

While cats have a reputation for being curious eaters, there are certain foods that can be harmful, or even toxic, to them. To keep your feline friend safe, it’s crucial to be aware of these surprising foods and ensure they’re kept out of reach.

1. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, contain compounds that can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be toxic, so it’s best to avoid feeding these ingredients to your cat altogether.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that can be toxic to cats. Ingesting even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures in cats. Keep chocolate and cocoa-containing products out of your cat’s reach.

3. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts. The exact toxin in grapes and raisins that affects cats is unknown, so it’s best to avoid feeding them to your feline friend altogether.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol can have a severe impact on a cat’s liver and brain function, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death. Keep alcoholic beverages out of your cat’s reach, and never intentionally give them alcohol.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain medications. Ingesting caffeine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death in cats. Keep caffeinated products away from your cat at all times.

6. Raw Dough

Raw dough containing yeast can expand in a cat’s stomach, causing bloating, abdominal pain, and potentially life-threatening complications. Additionally, the yeast in raw dough produces alcohol as it ferments, which can further harm your cat.

7. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and other products. Ingesting xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in cats, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and death. Keep products containing xylitol away from your cat.

8. Dairy Products

While many cats enjoy the taste of dairy products like milk, they can be difficult for cats to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, some cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme needed to break down lactose in milk.

9. Bones

Feeding cats bones, particularly cooked bones, can pose several risks, including choking, gastrointestinal obstruction, and damage to the teeth and gums. Instead of bones, provide your cat with safe chew toys or dental treats to satisfy their natural urge to chew.

10. Medications

Many medications that are safe for humans can be toxic to cats. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Keep all medications stored securely and out of your cat’s reach.

Conclusion

While cats may be curious eaters, it’s essential to keep certain foods and substances away from them to prevent harm. By being aware of these surprising foods and taking steps to keep them out of reach, you can help ensure your cat stays safe and healthy. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately for guidance and treatment.