Top 5 Foods Cats Should Avoid: A Quick Guide

Below, we delve into the top five most dangerous foods for your feline friend, explaining how they can affect their health and what to do in an emergency situation.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are notorious for their harmful effects on a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia. While the severity of poisoning depends on the amount ingested, symptoms may include lethargy and a loss of appetite. The sooner you identify potential poisoning symptoms, the better. So, if you notice any unusual behavior in your cat, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Raw Eggs

Similar to humans, consuming raw eggs can expose your cat to Salmonella. The symptoms can vary, but they may include vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness. Salmonella can also be transmitted from animals to humans, so it's best to keep your cat away from raw eggs as much as possible.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be found in baked goods, and if your cat ingests yeast dough used to make bread, rolls, or pizza, it can ferment in their stomach, producing alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol, whether ingested through a drink or produced in the stomach, can be lifethreatening. Therefore, if you notice any severe poisoning symptoms, such as seizures, be sure to call your veterinarian right away.

Raw Fish

Just like raw eggs, raw meat and fish can lead to food poisoning in cats. Raw fish, particularly sushi, contains a compound that can break down thiamine, a crucial B1 vitamin for cats. Thiamine deficiency can cause severe neurological issues.

Tuna

A diet high in tuna can not only lead to mercury poisoning in your cat, similar to humans, but it can also cause malnutrition. This is because tuna does not contain all the essential vitamins and minerals that cats need. While an occasional bite won't harm them, it's best not to make tuna a staple in your cat's diet.