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By Arden Moore, Vetstreet.com
Although it can be irksome for owners, being branded finicky could ultimately be a boon for cats — especially when it comes to ingesting potentially dangerous foods.
“The main drivers of palatability for cats are protein and fat content, with moisture and texture being important too,” says Dr. Sally Perea, DVM, DACVN, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at P&G Pet Care in Ohio.
Some “people food” is safe for cats in small amounts, but certain items — like raw fish and eggs — are definitely hazardous. Dr. Perea lists the top seven no-no foods for kitties.
RELATED: 10 Humans Foods Dangerous To Dogs
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RAW FISH
“Human-grade sushi is generally safe for people, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats,” says Dr. Perea. “There is thiaminase in raw fish that could break down an essential B vitamin called thiamine in cats. Thiamine deficiency can cause neurological problems — and even lead to convulsions.”
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ONIONS & CHIVES
Cats are considered two times more susceptible than dogs to the toxic allium components found in onions and chives, which can damage red blood cells even if a kitty only consumes a trace amount. “It doesn’t matter if the onion is cooked, raw or powdered,” says Dr. Perea. “Cats do not metabolize these compounds.”
For this reason, Dr. Perea cautions owners against offering human baby food to their cats to stimulate appetites, because it can contain onion powder, which could cause anemia in felines.
RELATED: Why Is My Cat So Finicky About Food?
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UNCOOKED EGGS
Cats benefit from protein, but raw eggs may expose them to salmonella and other parasites that could lead to an inflamed pancreas, known as pancreatitis. Dr. Perea adds that it's safe to serve your kitty cooked eggs — but only on occasion, and in small amounts.
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BONES
Bones can splinter and cause a cat to choke, as well as block the intestinal tract, possibly even perforating the intestines. “Never give a bone to a cat,” says Dr. Perea. “And never give them anything that is as hard as their teeth, because it can cause dental fractures."
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FAT TRIMMINGS
Feeding your feline fat trimmings could lead to gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis.
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CAFFEINATED DRINKS
Some cats may be drawn to lapping up your coffee, tea or soda, but according to Dr. Perea, too much caffeine consumption can cause an increased heart rate and agitation in your kitty.
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MILK
In general, a cat’s digestive tract becomes somewhat lactose intolerant once a cat reaches adulthood, causing diarrhea and other stomach upsets.
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Next: People Foods Safe For Your Cat!
Foods That Are OK to Offer Your Kitty:
On occasion, Dr. Perea says it is safe to give your cat a little canned tuna or a small bit of cheese. But keep in mind that felines only need about 200 to 250 calories a day, so go easy on the portions, limiting treats to about 10 percent (20 to 25 calories) of their daily intake needs.
For more information on hazardous feline foods, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website. And post the organization’s phone number — 888-426-4435 — on your refrigerator for easy reference in the event of an emergency. The call center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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8 Comments
Is that Chuck?!? (Our cat of 14 years that looks like the grey tabby. She loves canned tuna and our daughter loves to sneak her a bite every now and then....okay, I guess she also enjoys it when I "accidentally drop some on the floor" .
August 03 2012 at 9:41 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyGood advice, all.
August 03 2012 at 2:26 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThey (Vets) say that male calico 's are rear. That's great I have a MALE Calico that I would sell for the right price., and according to my Wife 6 figures is not enough in other words, she wouldnt sell it for any amount of money. True Cat Lover. We called many people who insisted that we do have a special cat. Pictures to follow.
August 03 2012 at 1:12 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMy cat would kill for coffee. Since I've learned it's not good for him I have to take great lengths to keep him away from it. When he smells it, he comes running. He will even jump up on the kitchen chair , which he knows he's not allowed to do and usually never does. I cant put coffee on my night stand either. He loves it.
August 02 2012 at 9:02 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI am not aware of any cat that would drink or at least continue to sip a caffeine filled drink. None of my cats have ever had any desire to try coffee or tea. Not that i would give it to them but I've seen them sniff my tea before and turn away with a disgusted look on their faces. I don't see any cat doing this unless out of desperation of having no other beverage around. Milk however they do like and I try not to give it to them cause I have heard and heard it again in this article about the unhealthiness of milk to cats
August 02 2012 at 8:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMy cat gets a drop or two here and there of milk when I finish my morning cereal, if there are even any drops left. I usually clean my bowl out quite well when I eat though. One thing she really loves though are BBQ potato chips. I can't eat them with out sharing with her. My other cat loves McD's french fries. I don't eat either often, so I don't feel so bad sharing a little piece here or there with them.
August 02 2012 at 8:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI have two cats raised from birth four years ago. I read about milk being bad for cats. People laugh when I tell then that it is bad for cats to have milk. "Oh I had a cat for years and always gave it milk." My cats won't even drink milk and prefer water. I am a senior citizen now and these are the first pets I have had since a teenager when we had a toy Pekingese. They are like little people. I talk to them and they seem to listen-smile!
August 02 2012 at 5:30 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHow do I email t his article to a couple of friends??
August 02 2012 at 4:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIf you're cat's really a milk lover you can put just a couple drops of 2% milk into a half cup of water for them. Don't do it too often and it won't upset their stomach.
August 02 2012 at 3:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply