Cat Nutrition: Steer Clear of These Foods

“My single passion, my cat’s health”. Cat owners understand that one of the keys to good cat care is avoiding any food that could possibly harm them. There are some human foods that do not fit into the dietary needs of a cat. It is not only dangerous but very odd for them to eat such things. Avoid feeding your cat:  Here are eight foods you should never give your cat. Foods That Are Poisonous to Cats

1. Onions, Garlic: These can destroy a cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia–whether raw, cooked, in powder form or whatever. Never give a cat anything seasoned with onion or garlic.
2. Chocolate: Chocolate has theobromine, a compound fatal to dogs and cats. It makes cats puke and gives them diarrhea; it speeds up their breath to an unhealthy volume so they can die from inability to draw air into their lungs generally within a matter of hours. Keep all chocolates – especially those wrapped in shiny foil – away from reach.
3. Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts of these two can bring about kidneys failure for a cat; in further develop symptoms are vomiting lethargy loss of appetite.
4. Caffeine: Coffee, tea, energy drinks and all other caffeinated products for people can be lethal to cats if ingested in large enough quantities. This amounts to rapid breathing, heart palpitations, tremors and finally seizures.
5. Alcohol: Alcohol in cats, of course, produces far more severe effects than it does in people. Just a small amount will produce intoxication; a little more can lead to vomiting all over the place and walking difficulties; even greater doses bring on trouble with breathing or coma and finally death.
6. Bones: Cooked bones are easily chewed into splinters that clog the intestines and cause lacerations. It is not uncommon for cats–especially those served fish and meat bones by owners during meals–to choke upon foreign objects while feeding.
7. Raw Fish: Although cats have a delicious craving for fish, raw fish can produce many harmful toxins. Over time this can lead to thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency in cats.
8. Xylitol: This sugar substitute is often found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some baked goods. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in cats.
9. Dairy Products: Contrary to popular belief, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Consuming dairy products can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea.
10. Raw Eggs: Raw eggs can contain salmonella or E. coli bacteria, which can cause food poisoning in cats. Additionally, raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds biotin (Vitamin B7), and that interferes with its absorption. Human Foods to Use Caution With

Although these foods aren’t poisonous in small amounts, they can do major damage to cats’ digestive systems • High-Fat Foods: Especially when they are high in fat, these foods can cause a condition called pancreatitis. • Salty Foods: Cats can suffer from all types of excessive salt intake, a condition known as sodium ion poisoning. This leads to vomiting and diarrhea as well as tremors and possibly seizures. • Sugary Foods: Cats actually need no starches or sugars at all in their diet. Too much sugar causes obesity and dental problems for them as much as it does humans. Safe Alternatives and Proper Nutrition Make sure your cat’s diet fulfills all its needs in terms of nutrition. Use a well-prepared commercial cat food especially formulated for your cat’s stage of life, health and lifestyle. Consult a veterinarian on what is the best food for your cat and also what treats or human foods you can give him. Conclusion Using guidelines posted below is your responsibility as a cat owner to steer clear of dangerous food for cats. It is not only bad for you but also bad for the health of your feline friend if you restrict intake like this in their diet. Always ask your veterinarian whenever you think something you feed your cat is not safe or if you’re not sure about its diet. Reference Links: •https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/people-foods-pets-should-never-eat •https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/top-10-pet-poisons/ •https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feeding