Top 21 toxic foods for cats

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We all want what’s best for our pets, but sometimes we misunderstand the fact that they can’t eat all the food in our table.

That said, here are 21 toxic food for cats:

21. Gum

Gum, toothpaste, candy and even your usual baked goods may contain xylitol, which is extremely deadly to cats.

Not only does xylitol cause liver failure, but it can lower your cat’s sugar levels while increasing insulin levels. The signs of xylitol intoxication include loss of coordination, lethargy, vomiting and seizure.

20. Chocolate

What’s deadly to dogs can also be deadly to cats. Chocolate is one of the worst offenders to pets as it contains theobromine.

The compound theobromine is found in all forms of chocolate, whether it be dark, white or the milk variety. It’s toxic for cats because it can cause seizures, irregular heart rhythms, involuntary shaking and death.

19. Raw Eggs

As a general rule, anything raw should be double-checked. The reason for this is because these food items may contain harmful bacteria and organisms.

Raw eggs in particular may contain salmonella, and ingesting it can lead to poisoning and unusual lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, too much of avidin enzymes can cause skin and hair issues with your beloved feline.

18. Garlic and Onion

All forms of onion and garlic, e.g., cooked, powder or dehydrated must be avoided at all costs.

These foods contain disulphides and sulfoxides, which break down your cat’s red blood cells and cause weight loss, various gastrointestinal problems, lethargy and anemia.

17. Weed

Don’t give your cat weed as it’s simply not for animal consumption.

The compound contains hundreds of chemicals, most of which can affect your pet’s nervous system and lead to vomiting and slowed heart rate.

16. Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine are the same as weed- only humans should ever drink them.

A glass a day may be healthy for us, but for cats it can damage their liver and brain quickly. As little as two teaspoons of whiskey can lead to coma and death.

15. Caffeine

Caffeine in tea, coffee and soda can make your beloved pet extremely jittery, nervous and jumpy.

It only takes a small amount of caffeine to cause rapid breathing, heart palpitation and restlessness. A considerable amount is deadly for cats and dogs alike.

14. Dog Food

We often see dogs sharing their food with cats, but this is a no-no in real life.

Dog foods are specially designed for canines, which means your cat will get very little nutritive values out of them. Regularly eating dog food can lead to serious malnutrition.

13. Mushroom

The reason why cat’s mustn’t eat mushroom is simple- there’s about a hundred or so varieties, with each one having its own compounds and chemicals.

Wild mushrooms are the worst offenders and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, drooling and liver damage.

12. Cooked Bones

It’s a common misconception that dogs and cats can eat bones, but in reality it’s a deadly proposition.

Cooked bones can break up into shards which may puncture your cat’s throat or digestive tract.

11. Avocado

Considered a superfood for humans, avocados are toxic to cats.

Persin, a compound found in avocado is deadly to felines even when not ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal issues, heart fluid buildup and respiratory problems in varying degrees depending on how much was consumed.

10. Medicine

Medicine are designed for human use and should never be given to animals, including cats and dogs.

Side effects of taking medicine are unpredictable, which means these products should be kept as far away as possible (and out of reach).

09. Yeast Dough

Cats usually stay away from flour and dough but it’s best to keep these ingredients out of reach.

When ingested, yeast can rise and expand quickly. Even more disconcerting is the fact that alcohol is a usual byproduct, and this can cause poisoning and death.

08. Processed Foods

Doctors tell us too much processed foods isn’t good for our health, and the same goes with our pets.

These foods contain lots of salt and preservatives, all of which can contribute to poor health and conditions like diabetes and liver damage.

07. Baby Food

Baby food is a likely alternative for kittens but it’s better to stay away from them.

The formula may contain onion powder and other derivatives that can be toxic when ingested in large amounts.

06. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes contain trace amounts of alcohol, a substance that’s deadly to cats, dogs and other animals.

A raisin’s skin has a toxic substance that can cause kidney damage. It’s worthy to note that currants and similar foods are a no-no as well.

05. Potatoes

Potatoes may be a staple for humans but they’re generally toxic to pets. The reason for this is because potatoes contain glycoalkaloid solanine, a substance that can lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Green tomatoes also contain this toxin and should be avoided as well.

04. Milk and Cheese

Cats and milk seem like a match made in heaven but you’ll quickly know that your pet could be one of those that are lactose intolerant.

If this is the case, then they won’t be able to digest the compound and usually leads to diarrhea and vomiting. Also, cheese is high in fat and cholesterol and can contribute to obesity.

03. Raw Meat

All things considered, raw meat is probably okay to eat as long as they’re prepared in a safe and clean way. Be careful of bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella though, and always ask where the meat came from.