Be Careful With Cat Foods
Anyone that has owned cats knows one thing - they can be downright gluttons! Sure, some cats are finicky eaters and will turn their noses up at the best tuna, but others will gobble everything and may even get into your trash.
We love our cats and want to share our food with them, but not all human food is safe for cats. Here are five surprisingly toxic food for cats.
1. Members of the Allium Family
This family of vegetables includes garlic, onions, chives, and leek. Many pet owners don't realize that onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, a compound that can be dangerous - even deadly - to cats.
This component can cause anemia, a condition in which an animal doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout their body. Aside from causing anemia, onion and garlic toxicity in cats has also been linked to other health problems such as eye issues, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Although cats might try to steal your snack because they love the flavor of these foods, it's essential to keep them away from this type of food and to educate yourself about the potential risks involved.
2. Alcohol
Before you allow your feline to sip your favorite brew, know that alcohol can be incredibly dangerous and toxic for cats. Even very small amounts can cause serious damage to their delicate livers, kidneys, and brains.
Alcohol can interfere with normal brain function, leading to confusion, depression, and even coma or death. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, seizures, or decreased coordination.
In addition to being a toxin for cats, alcohol has no nutritional benefit; empty calories reduce an already fragile cat's energy reserves. Finally, since felines metabolize differently from humans and other animals—including dogs—alcohol poisoning can result from much smaller quantities compared with other species.
Therefore when it comes to keeping cats safe from alcohol toxicity, it is best to avoid all forms of alcohol altogether.
3. Chocolate
Whenever people discuss toxic food for cats, chocolate will always come up. It contains theobromine, an alkaloid considered toxic to cats and dogs. Even though theobromine concentrations vary between types of chocolate, all chocolates have enough of this substance to be dangerous for cats if ingested.
Additionally, chocolate and sweets also contain high levels of sugar, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain in cats and diabetes. Cats should avoid all forms of chocolate under any circumstance to reduce their risk of experiencing toxicity symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even potential heart failure.
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4. Raw Eggs
Cats are often associated with having an appetite for eggs, raw or otherwise. However, it is important to understand that while they can enjoy cooked eggs, raw eggs can be harmful to your pet's health.
It is because consuming raw eggs will expose your cat to a risk of salmonella poisoning if the egg was contaminated before hatching. Salmonella poisoning in cats is a serious issue that all pet owners should be aware of. It is an infection caused by exposure to contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infected animal.
Cats are particularly susceptible to this type of poisoning as their bodies are sensitive to the toxins found in salmonella bacteria. Symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea to more severe health conditions like reduced appetite and fever, so pet parents should be mindful of any changes in their pet's behavior.
Early detection is essential, as untreated cases could lead to possible organ damage or even death. It is better to avoid feeding your cat raw eggs altogether and instead opt for cooked ones.
5. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are two commonly found treats that can be highly toxic to cats, even if only eaten in small amounts. The toxins in grapes and raisins have been linked to kidney failure in cats due to a mystery unknown compound present, making this snack something pet owners should avoid at all costs.
If your cat has already consumed grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately - early detection of this poison may be able to prevent serious illness or even death.
Symptoms Of Food Toxicity In Cats
It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of food toxicity in cats so you can detect an issue early and get your cat the help they need.
Cats' most common signs of food toxicity are vomiting or diarrhea, which can be caused by an allergy or intolerance. Also, watch out for a decreased appetite or weight loss, as this could indicate that your cat can’t process their food properly. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat to the vet immediately for testing and treatment.
Another sign that something may not be right with your cat’s diet is if they seem lethargic after eating meals or if their coat looks unhealthy, like having dull fur or excessive shedding. It could mean that their body isn’t able to break down certain nutrients from their food properly, leaving them feeling sluggish and weak after meals.
Final Thoughts
Cats are cheeky creatures that can get into things they aren’t supposed to. If you suspect that your cat ingested dangerous food, take them to the vet immediately.
Food toxicity in cats can have serious consequences if left untreated, so all pet owners need to be aware of what signs could point toward a problem with their cat’s diet.
Paying close attention to any changes in behavior after meals and checking labels on pet food products can help prevent illnesses related to bad nutrition from occurring in the first place.
Keeping an eye out for any signs mentioned above can help you learn more about toxic food for cats and protect your beloved feline friend from potential harm!