What You Should Know About Poisonous Foods for Cats

We love our cats so much and sometimes treat them just like best buddies. It may be all right to share some couch space or even your bed with your cat. You are not being a good friend however if you start sharing your food with her. It is definitely tempting to let your cat share your table food both to show your affection and to save a bit on expensive cat food. Some food items however may poison and cause death to your cat.

Chocolate

The stimulant caffeine and the component theobromine are the substances in chocolates that may be fatal to your cat. It is obvious that chemical stimulants affect the nervous system and cause increased heart rates and cardiac problems that may lead to coma or death. Keep your kitty away not just from chocolate bars but also from cups, spoons and utensils that you may have used to for a chocolate drink.

Onions and Garlic

More toxic than garlics are onions. Both however contain N-propyl disulphide in different amounts. This substance can ruin your cat's red blood cells which will lead to a form of cat anemia. Other than obvious dishes that may contain bits and pieces of onion and garlic, make sure that you also keep your cat away from sauces like gravy and spaghetti sauce which may contain powdered onion and garlic.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are healthy for humans. To cats however, the bitter alkaloid Glycoalkaloid solanine in tomatoes can be dangerous. Your cat could suffer form gastrointestinal problems if they ingest tomatoes.

Milk

For cats, milk is not toxic. However, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort since a lot of adult cats cannot tolerate lactose. You may wonder at this especially since we often stereotypically imagine cats enjoying saucers filled with milk. Milk may eventually cause gas build up and stomach cramps and upsets in your cat. The key is to keep your milk loving pet at bay with very occasional treats of cream. You can also opt to buy lactose free milk products in the market that have been especially formulated for cats.

Dog Food

Cats and dogs admittedly have their similarities as pets but they are not the same kinds of animals. This means that they also have different nutritional requirements. Feeding your cat dog food can lead to malnutrition, heart ailments and other serious diseases.

Raw Fish

Aside from milk, it's also easy to imagine cats enjoying a yummy fish treat. Raw fish however is not good for cats if this is the only thing they eat and they eat this regularly. Cats can suffer from thiamine deficiency by eating raw fish. This could lead to seizures and loss of appetite.

Spoiled Food

Spoiled human food should be avoided by humans as well as cats. Cats however may not just get poisoned by chewing on a suspicious meatloaf but also by foraging through an open and accessible trash bin. It is best to keep your garbage cans covered with tight lids and stored under the kitchen sink.