Top 10 Foods Cats Should Never Eat - Stay Safe!
Which is better: human food or cat food?
When it comes to comparing human food with cat food, it's generally better to opt for cat food. While homemade meals can be delicious and offer a level of control over the ingredients and freshness, it's crucial to consider the nutritional balance when feeding cats. This balance must be tailored to the cat's age and any health conditions it may have. If you're confident in your ability to achieve this balance, homemade food can be a viable option.
However, achieving nutritional balance can be quite challenging. For this reason, I would highly recommend feeding your cat commercial cat food, especially those varieties that are specifically formulated to provide a complete range of nutrients. By doing so, you can ensure your cat receives a wellrounded diet that meets its nutritional needs.
There are certain human foods that are toxic to cats and should never be fed to them. Here's a list of foods to avoid:
Allium vegetables (onions, scallions, garlic, chives, leeks, etc.)
Avocado
Chocolate
Raw eggs
Shellfish
Dog food
Cats, like dogs, should never be fed these foods. Allium vegetables can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, anemia and hematuria. Even cooked, these foods can be harmful, with onions being particularly toxic when they dissolve into dishes. Avocado can also cause similar symptoms and, in extreme cases, can be fatal to cats. It's essential to be cautious with these foods.
Chocolate is another nogo for both cats and dogs. It can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and in high doses, sudden death. However, cats seem to have less interest in chocolate compared to dogs.
Raw eggs can cause diarrhea, skin conditions, and conjunctivitis, but cooked eggs are safe for cats.
Shellfish can also lead to skin conditions.
It's also important to avoid feeding cats dog food, as this can lead to a deficiency in taurine, an essential nutrient for cats.
Regarding fish and milk, it's generally safe to give cats a small amount of milk, but be cautious with the quantity, especially for kittens. Cats and dogs lack the enzyme lactase to properly digest lactose in milk, so too much can cause diarrhea.
Many people associate cats with a love for fish, but feeding cats only fish can lead to nutritional imbalances. While fish in moderation can maintain a cat's health, it's important to occasionally introduce other types of food to ensure a balanced diet.
Additionally, cats should not consume highmagnesium foods, such as dried squid, dried sardines, and dried mackerel, as these can lead to kidney stones.
Preparing a nutritious and delicious meal for your feline companion requires knowledge and care. With the right information, you can spoil your pet with a meal that's both satisfying and beneficial to their health.