Seven things your cat is not supposed to eat

Aren't cats supposed to capture raw meat, kill it and eat it? Are they not fond of milk, cheese and cream? Sadly, some popular human' foods in cats can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or can activate a range of other health problems. Learn more about the foods that your cat should not be served.

Our cats are family friends, our companions and confidants. And it is only normal for us to want to spoil them as their caretakers. But some foods and treats can pose serious health risks to them. Here are seven foods that your cat can stop eating.

1. Milk, cheese and other products of the dairy industry

Many of us have grown up with the illustration in cartoons or picture books of kittens drinking milk or cream. But in fact, they don't mix cats and dairy products. Most cats are naturally lactose intolerant, which means that their stomachs can be disturbed by cow's milk and milk products made from it such as cheese or cream, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.

And what about little kittens? The same law applies: it is advised to avoid cow's milk and by-products. For kittens who are too young to consume solid foods and don't have a supply of their mother's milk, veterinarians suggest feeding kitten-specific milk formulas, which provide vital nutrients for developing kittens and are gentle on their tummies.

2.Chocolate 

While most people find chocolate irresistible, two ingredients that are dangerous to cats include this cacao-based treat: theobromine and caffeine. Some dangerous symptoms can be caused by both milk chocolate and dark chocolate, including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Increased temperature in the body
• Speedy respiration or heart rate
• Convulsions

In cases of high exposure to theobromine and caffeine, heart failure, fatigue or coma may also occur in cats.

3. Eggs, beef or fish raw

You might think it's safe to feed them raw eggs, meat or fish if your cat loves hunting-after all, what could be more normal than raw? However these raw foods can contain dangerous E. Coli and salmonella bacteria that can cause cats to suffer diarrhoea, vomiting, and lethargy. It may even prove fatal to expose your cat to these pathogens.

A protein called avidin is also found in raw egg whites. Avidin can prevent your cat from eating the B vitamin biotin properly if ingested, potentially causing skin conditions and a dull coat.

4. Food for dogs

Chances are your cat has sampled their food from time to time if you also have a dog. But while your cat will probably not be affected by an occasional nibble, a regular diet of dog food instead of cat food can cause malnutrition. Vitamin A, taurine and arachidonic acid are required for cats. Many of the necessary nutrients that dog food does not have.

If only dog food is consumed by your pet, they are at risk for developing many conditions:

• Skin problems, a dull coat, muscle degeneration or night blindness may be caused by a lack of vitamin A.
• A deficiency of taurine can cause degradation of vision, heart disease, unhealthy coat or skin, and lethargy.
• A lack of arachidonic acid may cause problems with the liver and kidneys.

5. Yeast and bread

On occasion, cats can consume bread safely, but remember that bread does not have any nutritional value for them it has virtually no fat or protein), so they should not substitute their regular diet for cat food.

Yeast and raw bread dough are not suitable for cats; the dough will rise in a cat's stomach after it is eaten and cause dangerous digestive problems.

6. The Tuna

What cat doesn't have tuna to enjoy? This fish might serve your cat as an occasional treat, but you should avoid feeding a tuna-heavy diet to them. Tuna lacks some nutrients that cats need to remain healthy and can lead to mercury poisoning from too much tuna. And you should never give raw tuna to your pet, as mentioned above.

7. Garlic and Onions

Onions, garlic and other members of the allium family can cause anaemia in cats, such as chives and leeks. Garlic and onions can destroy the red blood cells of a cat, whether they are fresh, fried, powdered or dehydrated, and can also cause nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Remember that most cats are curious creatures, and love to investigate food that’s been left out on countertops or in sinks. If your cat can easily jump on a table or counter, make sure to keep dangerous or toxic foods well out of reach – sealed behind a closed pantry door or kept in a high-up cabinet.

Have you got any ideas at home for coping with fleas? In the comments below, let us know.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos