Cats are our beloved family members. We love them and do our best to take good care of them. We like to share anything with our cats. Starting from our beds to our meals. Understandably, you want to share your plate with your cats, but before you do so, you should be conscious of what your cats should eat and what human foods cats should avoid.
Certain types of food can be toxic to your can’t and result in serious health issues. Being aware of what are these kinds of food your cats should avoid will help you greatly in deciding what to feed them.
Human foods cats should avoid are listed below:
1. Tuna
When eating too much tuna, cats may avoid eating their cats food to favor canned tuna. However, consuming tuna alone may be harmful to your cats. Firstly, tuna can lead to malnutrition because it will not provide a good balance of nutrients that your cats need. Secondly, because of its high mercury, tuna can result in mercury poisoning. Some symptoms of the latter include difficulty walking and loss of balance.
2. Raw Meat and Fish
Raw diets have started to become more popular among pet parents. Yet, many serious health issues can be found in raw diets. Raw meat and fish can contain bacteria that are risky for your cats’ health. Additionally, raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine, an important B vitamin for your cats. The lack of thiamine can cause many dangerous neurological issues. Some of which are convulsions and coma.
Before deciding to feed your cats raw food, you need first to talk with your vet.
3. Human Foods Cats Should Avoid: Raw Eggs
Like raw meat and fish, raw eggs can be dangerous for your cats. This is because of two reasons: the first is the chances of food poisoning such as salmonella or E. Coli. The second reason why not to give your cat raw eggs is that this type of food includes a substance named avidin. The latter is an enzyme that prevents cats from absorbing biotin, a type of B vitamin. This can cause skin problems and effects the coats of your cats.
4. Some Vegetables and Herbs
In general, cats can eat some vegetables. However, others can be extremely harmful to cats and need to be avoided. Some of them are onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, shallots, and chives.
Whether cooked or raw, you should avoid feeding your cats those vegetables and herbs, especially those that are related to the allium family. If your cats consume any of the above-mentioned, they can go through gastrointestinal irritation and even damage to red blood cells.
You must know that the allium family vegetables and herbs must be kept away from costs even if it was dried or powdered form.
5. Liver
Consuming liver in high amounts is problematic for cats. It can cause toxicity that severely affects the bones of your cats. Some symptoms of this condition include osteoporosis, deformed bones, and bone growth. Vitamin A toxicity can even lead to death.
6. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits consist of citric acid and essential oils, which can cause several health issues for your cats. You should avoid leaves, peels, seeds, and stems. Consuming a small amount may only lead to an upset stomach. However, if your cats digit a large amount of citrus food, they can have diarrhea, vomiting, and depression.
7. Human Foods Cats Should Avoid: Sugars
Sugar is bad for both pets and humans. Certain health issues can happen to your cats due to the large consumption of sugar.
Cats are obligate carnivores. That is, cats have less use for plant-based carbohydrates such as sugar. With no nutrition, your cat is consuming empty calories. However, certain types of sugars like added sugar found in sweets and processed foods can be harmful to your cats’ health. Excessive amounts of sugar can lead to dental issues.
8. Salt
Salt and salty food are unhealthy for your cats. Large amounts of salt can be harmful to your cats’ health. This is because their electrolytes become unbalanced and their cells stop functioning properly.
Notice the signs of salt toxicity. They contain stumbling, vomiting, excessive thirst, urination, and diarrhea. Once noticing those symptoms, you must immediately take your cats to the vet. Otherwise, they can die.
9. Dairy Products
Throughout the years, we develop an image that relates cats to milk and cheese. Although dairy products are not toxic, your cats can find difficulty digesting lactose. The latter is a natural sugar found in the milk of most mammals. Many cats can experience various digestive reactions because of the consumption of sugar. Some of which are vomiting and diarrhea.
You can provide your cats with lactose-free milk products. They are widely available nowadays.
10. Macadamia Nuts
Even in limited quantities, macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs. Until the present day, it is not known why macadamia nuts cause problems with cats. Some of the signs that you can notice when your cats consume macadamia nuts are lethargy, vomiting, and tremors. It is highly essential to keep this type of food away from your cats.
11. Human Foods Cats Should Avoid: Chocolate
Chocolate contains a component named theobromine. It is a toxic component that cats can not metabolize easily. This makes it possible to build up toxic levels in their system. Eating too much chocolate can lead to liver failure.
Types of chocolate vary and so as the levels of theobromine. The highest level of theobromine is found in dark chocolate, while white chocolate contains the lowest level of it.
Last Words
Our cats are not only our pets. They are members of our families. We love them and look after them. Feeding our feline friends is a must for us, to make them healthy and happy. However, we should be a war on what to give and not give to our beloved cats. Remember, before sharing your food, pay attention if they contain the above-mentioned food.
