There’s nothing like curling up with your cat after a hard day. But sometimes, your kitty can be unpredictable. And when it comes to food, some of the things you would typically eat can be toxic for them. You must want to know what food is dangerous for cats. The following is a list of foods that you should keep away from cats:
Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even death. The reason alcohol is so dangerous for cats is because they cannot process it as efficiently as humans. For this reason, just a small amount of alcohol can have a more severe effect on your pet’s body.
Cats are attracted to the smell of vinegar. So it might seem funny if you spot your kitty drinking a beer or eating some fries with vinegar on them, but it could actually be pretty serious!
Chocolate
Chocolate is highly toxic to cats and should be kept away from them at all times. Chocolate contains theobromine, a poisonous stimulant to cats (and dogs), and is also found in cocoa powder and dark chocolate.
Onions, garlic, chives
The next time you make yourself a batch of French onion soup or stir-fry with garlic, please keep your feline friend out of the kitchen. Onions and other Allium family members (which includes onions, garlic, and chives) contain thiosulfate. Thiosulfate can be toxic to cats and cause hemolytic anemia. While it may not cause death in most cases, thiosulfate can result in aplastic anemia—a condition that results when your cat’s bone marrow stops producing new blood cells.
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic to cats and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, weakness and tremors. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has eaten macadamia nuts.
Cats should not be fed macadamia nuts under any circumstances.
Coffee and tea
Coffee and tea are toxic to cats. They can’t process the caffeine like humans can, making them so dangerous for your feline friends. Cats can get sick from tea and coffee because of their toxicity levels in the body. Caffeine can also cause heart problems in cats. The caffeine a cat gets from an average cup of coffee or tea isn’t typically enough to be fatal, but it’s best not to take any chances when you have a pet that’s sensitive to this type of drug in your home.
Fat trimmings and bones
Fat trimmings and bones also can cause digestive problems for your cat, such as pancreatitis, diarrhea and vomiting. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cooking fat off of meat and then removing it from the bone before serving—which is a good idea if you want your cat to be healthy—then leave them out altogether.
Vetster experts say, “Luckily, cats are fussier eaters than dogs and are comparatively less likely to have a toxic dose of any dangerous food.”
As a cat owner, staying on top of the dangers your pet faces is important. While most foods can be enjoyed in moderation, there are some that you should definitely keep away from your furry friend. For example, cats are known for being picky eaters and having sensitive stomachs, so make sure you do your research before introducing any new food into their diet.