Things You Should NEVER Feed Your Cat – Written by Dr. Desmond

What You Feed You Cat May Be A Health Hazard!

Cats are picky eaters and tend to know what’s best for them. But sometimes what they chose to eat may be harmful to their health.

What foods are considered dangerous?

1. TUNA –
Cats love tuna. If fed moderately is OK, an exclusive human preparation tuna diet may be harmful to your cat as it may lack some nutrients and lead to malnutrition. It may also lead to Mercury poisoning.

2. Onion, Garlic & Chives –
Onions cause the breakdown of red cells in cats leading to hemolytic anaemia. This applies to garlic and chives as well which are 5 times potent compared to onions. They can lead to life-threatening health issues.

3. Milk & Other Dairy Products –
Most but not all cats are lactose intolerant. When they drink milk or take cheese that contains lactose, they cannot digest it and results in stomach upset that presents with vomiting and diarrhoea.

4. Alcohol – 
Alcohol affects a cat’s liver and brain just like in a human. As little as 5ml of whisky or wine can lead to coma or death in cats.

5. Grapes & Raisins –
Although not clearly explained, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats even if fed in small quantities as treats. Some cats don’t show any symptoms, but it’s safe to be cautious and not feed your cat grapes. Early Symptoms include persistent vomiting and hyperactivity.

6. Caffeine –
Caffeine is quite lethal to cats and there’s no antidote for it. It’s found in tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate colas, certain painkillers and stimulant drinks. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include; restlessness, faster breathing, pounding heart and muscle tremors.

7. Chocolate –
Many cats won’t eat chocolate on their own but are usually enticed by the owner is a treat. Chocolate contains Theobromine which is quite lethal to cats. It’s found in both dark and white chocolate. It’s more prominent in dark and unsweetened baking chocolate. Symptoms include irregular heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.

8. Fat Trimmings & Bones –
Fat trimmings and bones are not to be given to cats. Fats can cause intestinal upset leading to diarrhoea and vomiting. Cats can choke on bones or splinters can pierce through intestines and result in death.

9. Raw Eggs –
Raw eggs may contain coliform bacteria like E. Coli that can cause severe food poisoning. Raw egg also contains a protein Avidin in the egg white which in rare occasions block absorption of B vitamin biotin. This can result in skin and coat problems.

10. Raw Meat & Fish –
Like eggs, Raw meat and Fish may have bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Raw fish has an enzyme that destroys thiamine which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. Deficiency of Thiamine can cause severe neurological disorder which leads to convulsions and coma and eventually death.

11. Dog Food –
Dog food if given as treats or in small occasional bites is not harmful to cats. Dog food even though it is similar to cat food in composition, however, cat food is superior in protein, certain vitamins and fatty acids. If cats are continuously fed on dog food, they’ll suffer from severe malnutrition.

12. Liver –
Liver meat is good for your cat, but if fed as a steady diet, it can cause Vitamin A toxicity with resultant severe effects on your cat’s bones. Symptoms include deformed bones, bone growth on the elbow and spine and osteoporosis. Vitamin A toxicity in cats can cause death.

13. Too Many Treats –
Treats should be occasional and in small quantities. If given too much, it can lead to obesity and diabetes.

14. Yeast Dough –
When your cat feeds on unbaked/uncooked dough containing yeast, the dough may rise in the cat’s stomach causing severe pain. Yeast may also ferment intestinal content resulting in alcohol hence poisoning the cat.

15. Your Medicine –
Human medicine, carelessly stored is one of the leading causes of poisoning in cats. All medicines should be kept away from pets & children. Never give your cat over the counter drugs unless advised by your vet. Certain drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are common drugs for cold and pain relief but can be lethal to your cats.

Kitchen Pantry: No Cats Allowed –

Most food spices and additives are harmful to your cats. Keep pantry and cupboard doors closed at all times.

What To Do If Your Cat Consumes What It Shouldn’t –

If your cat eats what it shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately. You should always keep your local vet’s number even if they’re not your personal vet, closest emergency clinic or KSPCA numbers as they can help during Emergency.

What Should Cats Eat –

Cats are carnivorous. Feed your cat a balanced diet to ensure they stay healthy. Talk to your vet about cat nutrition and before you introduce a new commercial cat food, consult your vet and read the instructions on the label and adhere to them.

Source of Reference: https://pets.webmd.com.

Dr. Desmond Tutu – B.V.M. – Veterinarian

If there is anything you would like to know, leave a comment and Dr. Desmond will get back to you!