Cats can be choosy about their food, and we might think they know what’s best for them. However, just because they avoid bad meat doesn’t mean they won’t go for an open can of tuna, which can be risky. Surprisingly, there are common foods that can be dangerous for cats, and it’s important to know what they should never eat.
1. Canned tuna.
Feeding your cat only canned tuna all the time can make them unhealthy because it doesn’t have all the nutrients they need. Too much tuna can also make them sick from mercury. If your cat really likes tuna, it’s better to give them cat food made with good-quality tuna meant for cats. This way, they get the taste they love and all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.
2. Milk and dairy products.
Most adult cats have an intolerance to lactose. Although they might like the flavor of milk and dairy products, it should never be fed to them as it is very harmful to their stomach. The ingestion of dairy can induce vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat is thirsty, give it water instead.
3. Raw meat and fish.
Raw meat and fish can contain bacteria and parasites that are resistant to antibiotics and can cause severe diseases. Their excessive fat can also cause a condition called pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas.
4. Dog food.
While dog food has similar stuff to cat food, it’s not the same. Giving your cat a bite of dog food once in a while it is okay, but don’t use it instead of cat food. Cats need special things from their food, like lots of protein, vitamins, and fatty acids. Using dog food all the time can make cats really sick. They might not get the right nutrients and could become really unhealthy.
5. Raw eggs.
Raw eggs should never be fed to cats. When eggs are raw, they may have a bacteria inside which can affect their intestines. Also, there is a protein inside raw eggs which is very hard for cats to absorb and that can cause vitamin deficiency. If you want to feed eggs to your cat, feed it cooked eggs and, preferably, mix them with their food.
6. Grapes and raisins
These healthy snacks for humans can cause serious problems in our cats. Grapes and raisins are very toxic to them and can cause kidney failure, which could later develop into serious kidney diseases. The reasons for this reaction are still unknown.
7. Citrus fruits.
Cats should stay away from citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, clementines, and grapefruits because they have citric acid and oils that can be harmful. It’s not just the fruit, even the stems, leaves, peels, and seeds can cause problems. Eating a little might upset their stomach, but too much can make them have diarrhea, vomit, or affect their nervous system.
8. Yeast dough.
The biggest problem about the yeast dough when it is eaten raw is that it can rise after being ingested, blocking the intestines. To add to this, after it is fermented, the yeast creates sugars that contain alcohol which can be very poisonous to cats.
9. Tomatoes.
Unripe tomatoes and their leaves and stems have a substance called tomatine, which is very toxic to cats. The ingestion of this substance can lead to vomiting, dilated pupils, loss of appetite, and many other symptoms.
10. Fat trimmings and bones.
Leftover food scraps from the table can have fat and bones, which are not good for cats. Eating fat, whether cooked or raw, can upset their stomach and lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Bones can be dangerous too, as cats might choke on them, or they could splinter, causing blockages or cuts in their digestive system. It’s better to avoid giving your cat these kinds of scraps to keep them safe and healthy. Stick to their regular cat food instead.
Cats can be incredibly persistent when they want something, using their charming purrs and adorable eyes to get their way. Their determination makes it hard to resist giving in to their desires. Sometimes, a little bit of cooked boneless beef or tuna can be a treat, but it’s better to keep it small and not too often. This way, your cat stays healthy and happy.