Foods That Are Dangerous to Cats

The (cat) poison in your food

Some foods produce mild discomfort in cats, and others can be fatally toxic.  Let’s take a look at some of the human foods in terms of increasing risk:

·         General risk foods include:

o   Raw eggs -E. coli or salmonella bacteria can cause food poisoning.  Aavidin, a protein in raw egg whites, can interfere with absorption of biotin, necessary for your cat’s healthy skin and coat.

o   Milk and cream - cats are lactose intolerant and can develop diarrhea from consuming milk or cream.

o   Table scraps - including fat, can upset the digestive tract, causing vomiting and diarrhea.  Bone splinters can cause choking and lacerations.

o   Raw meats and fish - can also cause food poisoning; consumption of certain raw fish can reduce absorption of the essential B vitamin thiamine.

o   Dog food is not cat food – it is not manufactured to meet the dietary needs of your cat.  An occasional bite of dog food will not be harmful but if eaten regularly, it can cause malnutrition.

o   Liver – too much liver can trigger vitamin A toxicity and cause deformed bones, and even death.

o   Tuna – too much tuna can lead to malnutrition and also place your cat at risk of mercury poisoning.  An occasional bite is not a problem but a regular intake of tuna can be dangerous for your cat.

o   Too many treats can lead to obesity, the number one health challenge to today’s pet cat and dog population.

o   Unbaked yeast dough – can expand in a cat’s stomach, causing severe pain.  Even worse, the yeast ferments and produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

·         Increased risks:  (if your pet has consumed any of these foods, it requires immediate veterinary attention)

o   Chocolate, especially dark chocolate in candy and baked goods – cats can become intoxicated by chocolate, experience overstimulation of the heart and nervous system. 

o   Alcohol – potentially deadly to cats, no matter what form (beer, wine, liquor).   Alcohol acts on your cat’s liver and brain, causing intoxication, vomiting, stupor, coma, seizure, even death. 

o   Mouldy foods – can cause muscle tremors that expand to whole-body tremors and convulsions.

o   Onions and garlic – eaten in sufficient quantities, can damage a cat’s red blood cells.  Concentrated forms of either product as found in foods (such as broth and gravy) can cause toxicosis.

o   Gum and candies containing xylitol – potentially stimulate your cat’s pancreas to stimulate insulin; excessive insulin can damage the liver and lead to low blood sugar.

o   Grapes and raisins – can cause toxicity in pets.  This is not a consistent situation:  some cats and dogs suffer no ill effects from consuming grapes or raisins.  Other pets will experience toxicity.

You and your cat do not share the same capacity for processing foods.  Respect that difference and honor your cat by offering only food products designed for its nutritional well-being.  It’s good for your cat, good for you, and good for your wallet. You can always contact your local Husse pet food franchise and ask for free sample and free nutrition advice for your cat.

Despite your best intentions and careful actions, toxic situations can occur.  Program the phone numbers for your veterinarian, the after-hours pet emergency care center, and the center for animal poisoning into your phone’s speed dial and at the least suspicion of poisoning, CALL.  Your cat depends on your prompt action.




Source : http://www.optimalpet.co.uk/