Harmful Foods For Cats

A cat owner must bear in mind that certain harmful foods can be poisonous to her. Unfortunately, some common foods can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats – or can trigger a variety of other health problems. Your cat’s natural curiosity leads them to explore non-stop and there’s no knowing what they’ll find on their next adventure.

Your cat might like the look of the snack you just ate, the medicine, or the sumptuous meal you take, but these things – while causing no harm to us – might be poisonous foods for cats.

Giving your cat any table scraps or tidbits of human food is a dangerous practice that should not be encouraged for multiple reasons. First, cats need the nutrients that are specifically provided for them in good, premium cat foods, and any “extras” that they consume will take away their appetites for their regular meals.

If you suspect your cat has eaten any harmful foods for cats try to determine how much she may have eaten and contact your vet for advice. In some cases, small quantities may not cause a problem but larger quantities may require urgent treatment.

List of some Harmful Foods For Cats

If you are a cat owner, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some harmful foods for cats that can be dangerous, and even deadly. And these include;

1 Tuna

Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it’s packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won’t hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won’t have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

2 Green Tomatoes and Raw Green Potatoes 

These foods are members of the Solanaceae family of plants, which includes the Deadly Nightshade, and contain a bitter, poisonous alkaloid which can cause violent lower gastrointestinal symptoms.

The leaves and stems are particularly toxic. Don’t worry if you see tomatoes included in pre-made pet foods. They are made with ripe tomatoes and should cause no concern because they appear in relatively small amounts.

3 Onions and garlic

All members of the onion family can cause problems if eaten in sufficient quantity. A little bit of onion or garlic in some sauce is not likely to cause any problems. However, eating a clove of garlic or a green onion may cause digestive upset. Eating some type of onion on a regular basis could cause anemia.

4 Milk, cheese and other dairy products

Many of us grew up with the image of kittens drinking milk or cream in cartoons or picture books. But in reality, cats and dairy products don’t mix. Most cats are naturally lactose intolerant, meaning that cow’s milk and dairy products made from it – like cheese or cream – can upset their stomachs, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

5 Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause a variety of health issues. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol. If you suspect that your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian immediately

6 Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. But it’s not a good idea. Although it isn’t clear why grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. And, a small amount can make a cat ill. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs. 

7 Avocado

While avocado is healthful for humans, it is mildly toxic to cats. The leaves, seed, tree bark, and the fruit itself contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. You do not want your cat eating any of this or licking a spoon or fork that was used to make it.

8 Raw eggs, meat or fish

If your cat loves hunting, you might assume it’s safe to feed them raw eggs, meat, or fish – after all, what could be more natural than raw? However, these raw foods may contain dangerous E. coli and salmonella bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy in cats. Exposing your cat to these pathogens can even prove fatal.

9 Chocolate

Chocolate can be lethal for cats. Although most cats won’t eat it on their own, they can be coaxed to eat it by owners and others who think they are giving the cat a treat. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.

10 Dog Food

An occasional bite of dog food won’t hurt your cat. But dog food is not a substitute for cat food. They do have many of the same ingredients. But cat food is specially formulated for a cat’s needs, which include more protein as well as certain vitamins and fatty acids. A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished.