Saturday 21 April 2012

Toxic Food for Cats

Do not feed your cat these "people foods" or leave them out
where the cat could reach them. It is wise to just feed cats a commercially prepared cat food and never feed them foods meant for humans, especially "sweets."

Caffeine/Chocolate:

 Theobromine is the offending substance here. Caffeine and other stimulants, including theobromine (found in chocolate), can poison cats.

Onions/Garlic:

Onions contain a substance (N-propyl disulphide) which destroys red blood cells in the cat, causing a form of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Garlic contains a similar substance in a lesser amount.

Tomatoes and Green (raw Potatoes): These foods are members of the Solanaceae family of plants, which includes the Deadly Nightshade, and contain a bitter, poisonous alkaloid called Glycoalkaloid Solanine, which can cause violent lower gastrointestinal symptoms.

Milk:

Although milk is not toxic to cats, it may have adverse effects. Adult cats fed a nutritious diet don't need milk, and many cats are lactose-intolerant, which means that the lactose in milk and milk products produces stomach upset, cramps, and gassiness. If your cat loves milk, and begs for it, a small amount of cream may be okay, two or three times a week. (The more fat in the milk, the less lactose it has.)

Raisins/Grapes:

These foods' toxicity has only recently been discovered, and although the only studies have been with dogs, it is also believed that these fruits may also affect cats adversely.

Raw Eggs:

Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Raw Fish:

Eating raw fish can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.

Mushrooms:

Mushrooms can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.

Fish Bones:

These bones can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

Dog Food:

If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart.

If you see your cat eating plants/bulbs take it too the vet as many common flowers are poisonous to cats.

Never use dog flea or tick medication on cats unless otherwise stated.