Owning a cat can come with a variety of challenges. Are you not sure what foods are safe for cats to eat? Have you thought about feeding your cat ‘human’ food, but aren’t sure what is okay? Diet is one of the most important things for cats, and it helps to know what is safe for them. There are many different types of food, and it’s not always obvious which food is the best. I will discuss in detail what cats should not eat. Some foods can cause mild upsets whereas some can cause severe illness and even death.
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Cats Are Carnivores
Cats are carnivorous mammals, they are descended from Near Eastern Wildcats dating back to 8000 BC. The mammals in the cat family have digestive systems made to break down meat. So naturally, any other type of food will be harder for them to eat. This, of course, relates to what kind of foods a cat can have.
Cats need about 20% protein intake in their diet, any less than that and problems can start to occur. However, there are some vegetarian/vegan alternatives which include taurine and other such nutrients crucial for your cat’s health. So, it is possible for them to eat something other than meat it’s just important that you know what will keep them healthy.
Strange Foods Cats Eat
You may notice that your cat sometimes eats their own vomit and grass. There may actually be reasons for this, but it still isn’t scientifically proven. Your cat may eat grass as a laxative to improve their digestive responses (the fiber contained within the grass) and clean out any unwanted toxins.
It’s natural across many species for them to graze so it may not be as odd or pointless as you think. If your cat does eat grass, make sure that your lawn is free from any pesticides or other such toxins. However, some house plants or flowers may be dangerous, so just be careful with that.
Likewise, vets, etc. are not sure why cats do eat their own vomit. But, they may just want to finish off the meal that wasn’t fully digested when thrown up! No need to worry. If you aren’t comfortable with your pet doing such a thing, try to clean it up before your feline gets to it.
What Cats Should Not Eat
Let’s discuss people food. It can be tempting to share your delicious meal with your beloved pet, but that doesn’t mean its safe.
Here are a few foods which are a big no-no when it comes to feeding your cat. You will be able to tell straightway if your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t have, they will begin acting strangely and may even throw up. Lethargy can also occur.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are not considered safe for your feline friend. This is due to a chemical called thiosulphate. It affects their blood. These ingredients may be found on things like pizza.
Something else you also shouldn’t let them eat. The bread base holds no nutritional value, and if there is any meat on top, it will usually be processed.
Raw Meat, Fish and Eggs
I know this may seem surprising but raw fish and eggs can be hazardous for your cat. This is due to the high levels of metals now found in fish today.
Any type of food that is raw has the potential to contain salmonella, a harmful bacterium. It’s better to cook the meat to be sure that you won’t harm your pet. Eggs can also cause problems with your cat’s fur or skin.
Milk
It’s normal for felines to have milk from the same species but when it’s from another, it can be dangerous.
That’s why it’s recommended for cats to stay away from dairy. Your cat doesn’t have the right kind of enzymes to break this down in its system. This includes raw milk of any sort. It may seem reasonable to feed them milk, but experts do not advise it.
Chocolate
It’s well known that chocolate is a toxin for cats. Now, why is this? Caffeine and theobromine. These 2 ingredients are lethal to a cats system.
They can cause heart problems or seizures. There have been instances where pets have died from accidentally eating this snack, so it’s not safe. Cats aren’t usually drawn to sweet foods, but if it does happen, you need to call your vet.
Fruits
Another misconception is that you can feed your cats fruit. It’s not true! Grapes and raisins are especially toxic.
Kidney failure has been commonly associated with these fruits, so keep them in a fruit bin. Locked away so your cat can’t take a peak.
Rice
It may seem reasonable to feed your cats rice, but nutritionists do not recommend it. This is because rice can quickly dehydrate your cat and it lacks any nutritional value. Rice is typically considered a ‘filler’ food and won’t do much by itself.
If you want to, then make sure to mix it in with some other cat food. This will ensure that your cat gets what is necessary for its health.
Prevention and Care
If you suspect that your cat has eaten something that it shouldn’t have, take them to the vet immediately. They will make sure that they have enough fluids and all of the food has been cleaned out of their system.
This will alleviate further illnesses from occurring and ensure the health of your pet. Make sure not to keep any dangerous foods nearby. Something to keep in mind is that if you wouldn’t eat the food raw, you shouldn’t give it to your cat.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of ‘human’ foods that should be kept away from your pet. Even though it seems alright at the time, your cat can end up with life-threatening illnesses. Prevention is always key.
This will mean fewer trips to the vet and a healthier cat. Leaving both you and them happy.
Did you like this article? I hope you found it useful. Are there any other foods that you know cats can’t eat?
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