Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats

 When it comes to your cat, you want to make sure she is eating the best cat food for her nutritional requirements. You may be tempted to give her table scraps and special treats from time to time, but keep in mind that certain foods can be poisonous to her. Here are some of the most dangerous foods for cats.

Garlic and onions

Onions, garlic, shallots, and scallions can harm your cat's red blood cells, resulting in anemia. When consumed in large quantities, these foods are typically poisonous, but exposure to concentrated forms of onion or garlic, such as onion soup mix or garlic powder, can also be toxic.

Cats exhibiting symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, decreased appetite, pale gums, and orange to dark red urine should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.

Raw Eggs, Raw Meat, and Raw Bones

Consumption of raw eggs or raw meat can cause salmonella or E. coli poisoning in cats, just as it can in humans. The illness's symptoms vary, but they can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Salmonella and E. coli can also be transmitted to humans, so wash your hands thoroughly after cooking and keep your cat away from raw foods.

Raw eggs contain an enzyme that can cause skin and coat issues. Keep raw bones away from your cat as well—she could choke on them, injure her digestive tract, or damage her teeth. 

Caffeinated and chocolate drinks

We've all heard that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, but it's also poisonous to cats. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as high body temperature, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, abdominal discomfort, increased thirst, and seizures. 

Caffeinated beverages contain methylxanthines, which should be avoided. Consult your veterinarian if your cat exhibits any of these symptoms. Darker chocolates are generally more dangerous than milk and white chocolate.

Raw Dough and Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol can be harmful to your cat. Poisoning, diarrhea, tremors, disorientation, difficulty breathing, coma, and even death can result from ingestion. It is also critical that your cat avoids eating raw dough. Raw dough causes stomach expansion or produces alcohol in the stomach. If you suspect your cat has consumed even a small amount of alcohol, take her to the vet right away.

Dairy and Milk Products

Even if your cat enjoys drinking milk, it isn't always good for her. Cats have difficulty digesting lactose in milk, which can result in stomach upset or diarrhea. Lactose is only introduced to most cats as kittens through their mother's milk. Because kittens only drink their mother's milk for a few weeks, their digestive systems are frequently unprepared to handle reintroduction to lactose. 

While some cats tolerate milk well, it is not recommended that they drink anything other than their mother's milk while kittens due to the possibility of digestive issues.

Raisins and grapes

Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can make your cat sick, and can even lead to the rapid development of kidney failure. Vomiting can occur within 12 hours of ingestion. Lethargy, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, decreased urination, and abdominal pain is some of the other symptoms that can appear within 24 hours.

Although the reason is unknown, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, and even a small amount can make a cat sick. Early warning signs include frequent vomiting and hyperactivity. Although some cats are unaffected, it is best not to feed grapes to your cat and to keep grapes and raisins away from countertops and other places where your cat can reach them.

Dog Food 

Though dog food is not toxic to cats, your cat requires a different set of nutrients than a dog. Cat food should be high in vitamin A, taurine, arachidonic acid, and protein, whereas dog food should be low in these nutrients. Cats cannot survive with low levels of vitamin A and protein, whereas dogs can. 

Although dogs can produce taurine and arachidonic acid, cats must consume these acids. Cats that do not get enough taurine can develop heart disease, vision problems, and dental problems.

Keeping Cats from Consuming Dangerous Foods

Your cat's life and well-being are dependent on the food she consumes. You can help her stay healthy by keeping poisonous and hazardous foods out of her reach and ensuring she consumes a balanced diet.

Here are some simple ways to keep your cat from eating dangerous or toxic foods:

Food should be kept out of your cat's reach. For a curious kitty, installing cat-proof locks on cabinets may be necessary.

Allow your cat to sit on the counter while you are cooking or eating.

Feed her no table scraps.

During the holidays, it is especially important to be more mindful. There is probably more tempting human food around, much of which can upset your cat's stomach or even harm her.

If you notice or suspect that your cat has consumed one of these foods, take her to your veterinarian as soon as possible. While some of these foods may only cause minor discomfort in your cat, others can be far more dangerous to her health. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.