Info Magzine: 25 Human Foods Cats Should Never Eat

Some meals could be toxic and even lethal for cats. Anyone who suspects their pet has ingested any dangerous meals ought to note the amount consumed and contact their veterinarian or the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

Here are some frequent human meals that cats mustn’t eat.

Coffee and tea

Both drinks, in addition to espresso grounds and even used tea luggage, are unsafe for cats as a consequence of their caffeine content material.

Within one to 2 hours of publicity to caffeine, cats and different pets can expertise “mild to severe hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, tachycardia (elevated heart rate), hypertension (elevated blood pressure), abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) seizures, and collapse,” in response to the Pet Poison Helpline, a nationwide licensed animal poison middle.

Energy drinks

Many power drinks additionally comprise caffeine, which accommodates methylxanthines (poisonous substances present in cacao seeds).

“When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death,” the ASPCA explains.

Chocolate

Chocolate additionally accommodates methylxanthines. “Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest,” the ASPCA says.

Meat

Raw meat could be dangerous to cats as a result of it might comprise micro organism resembling Salmonella and E. coli.

Eggs

The ASPCA says: “Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems,” for cats and different pets.

Fish

Raw fish can be dangerous to cats as a result of it accommodates an enzyme that destroys thiamine, a vital B vitamin for cats. Low ranges of thiamine may trigger critical neurological points, which may end in convulsions and coma, in response to an article reviewed by veterinarian Amy Flowers on WebMD.

Canned tuna

While just a little little bit of tuna might not be dangerous, cats can get hooked on it and an excessive amount of might result in mercury poisoning, WebMD stories.

Onions

Onions could also be harmful for cats as a result of they’ll trigger gastrointestinal irritation and result in pink blood cell harm and anemia, the ASPCA warns.

Garlic

Garlic is taken into account to be about 5 occasions as potent as onions and is poisonous for cats. The Pet Poison Helpline explains: “Toxic doses of garlic can cause damage to the red blood cells (making them more likely to rupture) leading to anemia.”

Cats who ingest garlic might expertise nausea, drooling, stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea. “Signs of garlic poisoning can be delayed and not apparent for several days,” the Pet Poison Helpline says.

Fat

Cats licking fats trimmings off desk scraps or different meals mendacity round could possibly be harmful. Fat, whether or not cooked and raw, can result in gastrointestinal upset in cats, together with vomiting and diarrhea, in response to WebMD.

Nuts

Nuts, resembling almonds, pecans, and walnuts, have excessive quantities of oils and fat, which might trigger vomiting and diarrhea in addition to presumably pancreatitis in cats, in response to the ASPCA.

Bones

Cats nibbling on bones leftover from human meals can be hazardous. They may both choke on the bones or “sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract,” the ASPCA warns.

Liver

While small quantities of liver are innocent, an excessive amount of consumption could be dangerous to cats. Eating an excessive amount of liver can result in vitamin A toxicity, which impacts cats’ bone well being and will even trigger dying. Symptoms can embrace deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and backbone in addition to osteoporosis, in response to WebMD.

Grapes and raisins

It has but to be decided why grapes and raisins could be poisonous for cats, in addition to canines.

The Pet Poison Helpline stated: “To date, dogs are the only species positively identified as being sensitive to these foods, but there are a few anecdotal cases of cats developing renal problems as a result of grape/raisin ingestion. This could also be, in part, to cats merely having no interest in eating these products.

“To be precautious, relying on the quantity ingested it’s sometimes beneficial to deal with feline ingestions in the same method to canines,” it adds.

Peaches

The stems, leaves and seeds of peaches contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats and other pets. They are “notably poisonous within the means of wilting,” the ASPCA says. Symptoms of poisoning can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock.

Tomatoes

While ripe tomatoes are non-toxic, tomato plants are poisonous. Symptoms include “hypersalivation, inappetence, extreme gastrointestinal upset, despair, weak spot, dilated pupils, sluggish coronary heart price,” the ASPCA says.

Yeast

Yeast dough can rise and lead to gas build-up in your cat’s digestive system. This can be painful, causing the stomach to bloat and “probably twist, turning into a life-threatening emergency,” the ASPCA warns.

Milk

Milk and other dairy products can be harmful because cats and other pets lack significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in dairy products. Having milk or other dairy-based foods can cause diarrhea or other digestive issues.

Alcohol

Alcohol and any foods containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death in cats and other pets.

“Under no circumstances ought to your pet be given any alcohol. If you believe you studied that your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center instantly,” the ASPCA warns.

Citrus

Citrus plants, including the stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds, contain different amounts of citric acid, which “trigger irritation and presumably even central nervous system despair if ingested in important quantities,” the ASPCA warns.

Coconut

Fresh coconuts and coconut milk comprise oils that may trigger upset abdomen, free stools or diarrhea for cats, however small quantities aren’t more likely to be dangerous. “Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet,” the ASPCA says.

Candy

Candy merchandise containing xylitol, a man-made sweetener, could be harmful for cats. Ingestion of xylitol may cause a spike in insulin ranges, which might result in liver failure. “The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days,” the ASPCA says.

Gum

In addition to containing xylitol, chewing gum can probably trigger blockages within the throat if ingested by cats and different pets.

Salty snacks

Snacks resembling potato chips, pretzels, popcorn and different meals with excessive salt content material, needs to be prevented as a result of an excessive amount of salt consumption can “produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets,” the ASPCA notes.

Human medication

Medication utilized by people shouldn’t be given to cats except suggested by a veterinarian, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.

“For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for people, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, may not be right for your pet and may even be harmful,” the FDA says.

Acetaminophen, the ingredient present in Tylenol, an over-the-counter ache killer, can also be dangerous to cats. The Pet Poison Helpline advises: “Cats have a decreased ability to metabolize acetaminophen in their liver, making them much more susceptible to poisoning than most other species. Just one dose of this medication when given to your cat could possibly cause concern for toxicity!”