Often, as pet owners, we become so attached to our animals that we feel like they are part of the family. In the process, we often start treating them like humans, including sharing our food with them. However, while some foods may be harmless or even healthy for us, the same cannot be said for our cats.
By feeding your cat human food you could be exposing him to serious health risks. Some foods can upset his digestive system, and in more extreme cases cause organ damage or even be fatal. Below is a detailed list of the most common health risks. foods a cat should never eat and its effects on their well-being.
1. Chocolates
One of the most dangerous foods for cats is chocolate, and under no circumstances should they consume it. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that cats eliminate slowly from their bodies, making them much more vulnerable to poisoning. This substance can cause serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, tremors, increased body temperature, and even seizures.
It should be noted that, depending on the amount ingested and the size of the cat, the effects can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening situations. Cats, unlike humans, do not have the ability to properly metabolize theobromine, which further aggravates its toxicity.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes are another food that, while healthy for humans, is dangerous for our felines. Ingesting both grapes and raisins can lead to acute kidney failure in cats. In some cases, the effects can be immediate, while in others it can take up to 12 hours to manifest. Symptoms often include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased urine output.
It is essential to ensure that grapes and raisins are kept out of reach of our pets to avoid serious complications.
3. Onion and garlic
Garlic and onion are two very common ingredients in our meals, but they represent a serious danger for cats. These foods contain thiosulfate, a compound that damages red blood cells in the cat's body and can lead to the appearance of hemolytic anemia.
Eating onions or garlic, whether raw or cooked, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness, lethargy, and even disorientation. The effects can take a while to manifest, making this type of poisoning especially misleading. It is also important to avoid using onion and garlic powder in food that may be within reach of the cat.
4. Alcoholic drinks
Alcohol is highly toxic not only to cats, but to many other pets as well. While the effects of alcohol on humans are well known, felines have an extremely low tolerance level for ethanol. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause disorientation, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, coma or death.
The damage that alcohol can cause to a cat's nervous system and vital organs is very severe, so prompt veterinary intervention is crucial if alcohol poisoning is suspected.
5. Yeast and raw dough
Raw dough containing yeast is another dangerous food for cats. When eating unbaked dough, the yeast continues to ferment in the cat's stomach, which can cause a buildup of gas in the digestive system, causing pain and bloating. In addition, this process releases ethanol, causing the cat to suffer severe alcohol poisoning.
In extreme cases, the pet's stomach may swell to the point of requiring urgent medical intervention. In addition to symptoms related to bloat, the cat may show signs of disorientation, lethargy, and vomiting.
6. Dairy products
Although the image of a cat drinking from a bowl of milk is common in popular culture, the reality is that many cats become lactose intolerant when they are no longer kittens. This means that while they may enjoy the taste of milk, their body cannot digest it properly, leading to stomach upsets, including diarrhea and vomiting.
There are specific milk alternatives for cats that do not contain lactose, but the best option is to offer them fresh water and avoid dairy products altogether.
7. Nuts
Nuts, such as walnuts and peanuts, can pose a significant risk to cats. Not only are they difficult for them to digest, but they can cause a number of problems, from digestive upset and irritation of the nervous system to seizures. Nuts, in particular, can contain substances that affect the cat's muscular and nervous system, making their consumption absolutely inadvisable.
8. Avocado
Avocado, although healthy for humans, is highly dangerous for cats. It contains a substance called persin, which although not lethal in small quantities, can cause complications such as vomiting, diarrhea and heart problems if consumed in excess.
Avocado also has high levels of fat, which can cause pancreatitis in cats, a serious inflammatory condition.
9. Bones and spines
Although bones are not toxic per se, eating them poses serious health risks for cats. Small bones or fish bones can cause blockages or tears in the digestive system for cats. Cooked bones, in particular, are very dangerous as they tend to splinter and can puncture the animal's esophagus or intestines.
It is advisable to avoid giving your cat any type of bone or spine and opt for commercial foods specially designed for them that ensure adequate and safe nutrition.
10. Raw meat and fish
Raw meat and fish are likely to contain dangerous bacteria, such as salmonella or anisakis, which can cause serious infections in cats. Although some owners advocate the use of raw diets, known as BARF, it is crucial to remember that these require extremely careful handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
Raw fish may also contain an enzyme called thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is essential for cats. Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious neurological problems.
11. Xylitol (sweetener)
Xylitol, a common sweetener in many sugar-free products such as gum, candy, and some toothpastes, is extremely harmful to cats. This compound triggers a rapid release of insulin, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and even damage their liver.
Great care should be taken with products containing xylitol, ensuring that they are kept out of reach of the cat.
How to avoid poisoning in cats
It is vital to keep any dangerous food out of reach of your cat. This type of precaution should always be taken, but especially at special or festive events where there is usually a variety of foods within reach of all family members, including, unintentionally, our pets.
If you suspect that your cat has ingested any of the foods mentioned above, it is important to act quickly and go to a veterinarian. The sooner the problem is detected, the greater the chances of avoiding more serious effects on your cat's body.
Not everything that humans eat is suitable for cats, so it is always best to maintain a balanced diet based on quality commercial foods that guarantee all the nutrients they need for a healthy life.