Top 10 Foods Cats Should Never Eat: A Quick Guide
Not to Be Consumed: Foods That Pose Risks
1. Fruit Pits and Seeds: Many fruits, including apple cores, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, apples, and more, contain cyanide. Consuming large amounts of the stems, seeds, and leaves of these fruits can lead to poisoning. Symptoms may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, shock.
2. Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Onions contain a substance called propyl disulfide, which can damage a cat's red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia, leading to symptoms such as lethargy, hematuria, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other plants like chives can also induce hemolytic anemia in cats. It's advisable for pet owners to keep these foods away from their feline friends. For cats, even 5g of onions per 5kg of body weight can be harmful.
3. Grapes and Raisins: Both grapes and raisins contain toxic components that can lead to kidney failure in cats.
4. Persimmons: Cats should avoid eating persimmons, especially the seeds, as they contain substances that can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
5. Avocado (Alligator Pear): Avocado is a fatty acid derivative containing persin, which is toxic to cats. This includes the leaves, fruit, bark, and seeds. Symptoms of poisoning may include difficulty breathing and diarrhea.
6. Cured Foods (Sausages, Hamburger Meat, Ham, Bacon, Smoked Meat, etc.): These foods are high in salt, nitrites, MSG, artificial colors, and preservatives, which can place a heavy burden on a cat's digestive and metabolic systems. They can lead to numerous internal diseases and even have a cancer risk.
7. Alcoholic Beverages: Ethanol, found in alcoholic drinks, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Cats are much smaller than humans, and even a small amount of alcohol can have a profound effect on them, potentially leading to death. Symptoms may include an alcohol odor on the breath, excitement or depression, increased urination, slow breathing, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
