6 Human Foods That Are Bad for Cats

Can human foods be bad for cats? Can our food be toxic for our felines? The simple answer is yes, some foods can be really bad for your little furry friends. As cat owners, we want to spoil our kitties with tasty treats like chocolates or ice creams but not all human foods are safe for them.

Some foods may seem harmless, but they actually can cause serious health issues for your felines. Cats have unique dietary needs so their digestive systems are not designed to handle certain ingredients that we like eating.

Here is a list of 6 common foods that are bad for cats.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is definitely a delightful treat for you, but for your cats, it is one of the most toxic foods. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine that a cat’s body cannot process, and in turn, they might suffer from digestive issues. You love your furry friends, and out of pure love, you might offer them a small piece of it, but keep in mind that even a small amount can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, and irregular heartbeats.

When it comes to dark chocolate, it is even dangerous for your beloved furry friends. Dark chocolate contains higher concentrations of these toxic compounds. So, be careful what you feed to your cat.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic, whether it is raw, cooked, or in any form, are bad for your cats. Cats don’t need enhancers in their foods. Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. even eating a small amount of these foods can cause weakness, reduced appetite, and lethargy over time.

3. Grapes and Raisins

Fruits are unsuitable for a cat’s digestive system. Grapes and raisins may seem like healthy snacks, but they can cause acute kidney failure. Sometimes, we give grapes to our cats as treats, but a small amount of it can result in symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol might allow you to fly high, but for your loved cats, a tiny portion of it can be highly toxic. Alcohol can cause severe liver and brain damage in your cats. Avoid feeding them foods containing alcohol, such as certain desserts and cooked foods. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats can be vomiting, confusion, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, coma or death.

5. Cooked Bones

Some cats like eating bones. Feeding them bones might look natural, but cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Cats like to chew on things, so it is always safe to give them dry snacks to crunch on. Sharp fragments from bones can even damage the digestive tract or lead to blockages. On the other hand, raw bones carry harmful bacteria that can cause infections, making them equally unsafe.

6. Raw Eggs

Some cat foods contain eggs but feeding raw eggs to your cats is not a good idea. Raw eggs can expose them to harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli that can make them sick in their stomachs. Raw egg whites have a certain type of protein called avidin that interferes with the absorption of biotin. For your cat’s skin and coats, biotin is required. So, feeding raw eggs can cause harm to their skin and coats.

What human foods are safe for cats?

While some human foods are unsafe, there are some that you can share with your feline in moderation.

Cooked chicken or Turkey: Chicken or turkey is one of the best protein sources for your cats, so cooked poultry without seasoning can be a great treat for them.

Cooked fish: Small amounts of plain, cooked fish like salmon or tuna can be given to them, but don’t feed raw fish.

Steamed vegetables: Vegetables like carrots or green beans, cooked without seasoning or any spices, are safe and healthy for cats.

Plain rice or oatmeal: These can be gentle on a cat’s stomach or their comfort meal if they feel unwell.

Signs your cat May have eaten something toxic

Although we always keep checking on our beloved cats, they might eat something toxic while playing or just out of curiosity. If you suspect your cat has eaten something harmful, watch for these signs:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Seizures or tremors

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

How to keep your cat safe and secure

1. Store food properly

Cats are explorers and curious in nature, and as a result, they love sniffing out foods or something else that can lead them to trouble. It is not always possible to stay behind them and keep an eye, so store harmful foods and keep them in places where your cats can’t reach them. For instance, keep chocolates or raisins in a container that they can’t open. Don’t keep leftover food on countertops.

2. Avoid feeding table scraps

You might like sharing food with your loved furry friend while eating, but remember that a bite of your meal might meddle with their digestive systems. Human food often contains ingredients that are unsafe for cats, such as spices or salt. So, avoid feeding them cooked meals and stick to foods that are specifically designed for cats. Remember, what’s delicious for us might be harmful for them.

3. Educate your family

A well-informed household is always the key to your pet’s safety. If you have cats or multiple pets at home, make sure everyone in the family, including children, knows which foods are toxic to them. For your cat’s safety and to inform everyone, share a list of items like grapes, raisins, and caffeine that are harmful to cats.

4. Consult your veterinarian

It is better to be safe than to be sorry, so when in doubt, always seek professional advice immediately. Cats have unique dietary needs, and most of the human foods can be hazardous for their digestive systems. Before offering your feline friend any new food, check with your veterinarian to ensure it is safe.

Final words

It is tempting to share food with our loved cats, but before feeding them any kind of human food, make sure that food is suitable for them. A cat’s digestive system is different from a human so the dietary needs are also different. Cat foods are tailored according to a cat’s requirements, so feeding and sticking to it is always better.

If you are unsure about certain foods, never feed them to your cats. By keeping harmful foods out of reach and providing a balanced diet, you’ll ensure your feline friend stays happy and healthy for years to come.