Some of the “good” foods many cat owners treat their cats might me really harmful to their delicate bodies. Foods that are widely perceived to be good for cats such as dairy products like milk and cheese are not good for them at all!
According to Perth Cat Hospital foods that you should avoid giving to your cat are:
– Alcohol can cause brain and liver damage.
– Baby food containing onion powder – onion powder is toxic to cats and it can cause haemolytic anaemia.
– Chocolate – contains theobromine and caffeine which can cause heart problems, muscles tremors or seizures.
– Citrus oil extracts – can cause severe vomiting.
– Cooked bones – can cause obstructions and perforations of the gastrointestinal tract.
– Coffee, tea and energy drinks – contain caffeine which can cause restlessness, muscles tremors and heart palpitations.
– Diets that are predominately raw fish – are often deficient in thiamine due the presence of enzymes that break down the thiamine. If feeding raw fish, only offer once to twice a week or cook it before giving.
– Diets with excessive/large amounts of liver – liver is very high in Vitamin A which can be toxic to cats if fed in excess. Cats are allowed only small amounts of liver.
– Dog food – can cause severe nutritional deficiencies.
– Grapes and raisins – can lead to kidney failure.
– Garlic and onions – can lead to haemolytic anaemia.
– Mouldy food – like dairy products, bread, rice, fruits and nuts. Can contain mycotoxins which cause tremors, vomiting, rapid heart rate and breathing, and in even convulsions.
– Potato, rhubarb and tomato leaves and stems, green tomatoes – contain poisonous alkaloid glycoalkaloid solanine, which can cause violent lower gastrointestinal problems.
– Sugar-laden foods, high carbohydrate foods – high carbohydrate foods can cause obesity, dental problems, and diabetes mellitus.