Top 5 Dietary No-Gos for Cats: What to Avoid!

Today, let's delve into the topic of foods that cats should never consume.

Here are some foods that cats should avoid:

1. Liver and Carrots Should Not Be Combined: Feeding cats a mix of liver and carrots can lead to rickets or even food poisoning. Studies have shown that the ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio in cat food is approximately 1:1. However, liver contains a much lower calcium content and a higher phosphorus content, with fresh liver having a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 1:36.

Longterm consumption of liver can cause calcium deficiency in cats, which manifests in several ways:

Cats may experience a weakened stomach function, leading to loss of appetite and weight loss.

Cats may appear less energetic and may be afraid of heights, avoiding jumping from high places.

In severe cases, young cats may develop downward slouching of the spine, a narrow pelvis, and constipation. During colder weather, they may exhibit weakness in their hind legs, potentially leading to paralysis, which is commonly referred to as rickets.

Liver is rich in vitamin A, and carrots contain betacarotene. In cats, one molecule of betacarotene can be broken down into two vitamin A molecules. If cats are fed a diet consisting of liver and carrots over a long period, they may suffer from vitamin A toxicity.

If your cat has a penchant for liver, you can gradually transition them to a new diet by mixing the new cat food with liver. Increase the amount of new cat food daily while reducing the liver, and continue this process until your cat adapts to the new food. This process typically takes about ten days.

2. Raw Fish and Raw Meat Should Be Avoided:

Raw fish contains enzymes that can destroy vitamin B1, leading to a deficiency in cats. This deficiency can cause seizures, heart disease, and intermittent shock. Additionally, consuming raw fish can expose cats to unnecessary parasites, which can cause significant trouble for both you and your pet.

The Agricultural University Veterinary Hospital has treated many cats suffering from liver diseases, most of which were caused by the consumption of raw fish. These cases often resulted in parasitic infections, leading to jaundice and hepatitis. Liver diseases can also lead to ascites and kidney diseases, which are considered incurable in cats.

Cats are known to be rather picky eaters, and they are indeed carnivorous animals. Therefore, meat should always be a part of their diet, as it is crucial for their health. Never assume that cats are vegetarian; they require a balanced diet rich in protein and nutrients.