20 Deadly and Toxic Foods for Cats

You probably know what it’s like: your cat is dying to know what’s on your plate. But not everything that people eat is good for the velvet paws. Quite the opposite. There are quite a few foods that can be unhealthy, toxic and even deadly for cats. Which things definitely do not belong in the cat bowl, you will learn here in our guide!

What should cats not eat?

From A- Z: Foods that are toxic and deadly to cats:

Alcohol

What happens when cats drink alcohol? Alcohol can cause poisoning, coma and death in cats.

Avocado

This trendy fruit is considered a superfood and cannot be missed in many households. For cats (and many other pets), however, avocado is toxic and can even be fatal. The reason for this is the ingredient persin, which is found in varying concentrations in all parts of the fruit. Among other things, the substance, which is toxic to cats, triggers severe heart muscle damage that can lead to death.

Bread dough and dough containing yeast

Yeast and yeast-containing doughs expand and can damage a cat’s stomach and intestines.

Energy drinks, cola, coffee, tea.

Caffeinated drinks and foods can cause the cat to become restless, breathe faster, have palpitations or muscle tremors.

Fatty edges

Cooked and raw fatty edges from foods such as ham, bacon or steak can cause indigestion with vomiting and diarrhea.

Dog Food

Strictly speaking, dog food is not a food for humans, but is in many households. Cats sometimes nibble on it. However, dog food is unhealthy for cats in the long run, because it does not contain all vital nutrients and leads to deficiency symptoms. Cats need vitamin A, taurine and arachidonic acid – all three are essential nutrients for cats that are not found in dog food.

Cocoa and foods containing cocoa, such as chocolate.

Cocoa and chocolate contain caffeine as well as theophylline and theobromine. They are toxic to cats and cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle tremors and seizures. Especially dark, unsweetened chocolate contains a high concentration of the toxic substances.

Garlic, leek, chives, onions (raw, cooked, as powder).

All representatives of the plant genus Allium contain the sulfur compound N-propyl disulfide, which is toxic to cats. N-propyl disulfide destroys red blood cells. Hemolysis triggered in this way can become noticeable through pale mucous membranes, shortness of breath, a weak pulse and trembling. In addition, the urine turns reddish brown. Vomiting and diarrhea are also possible. Caution is also advised with ready-made products such as cold cuts, baby food and the like, as they often contain garlic and onions.

Bones (raw and cooked)

Cats sometimes show interest in fresh and cooked bones. However, it is better to keep the cat away from them. Bones can be dangerous for cats. Vomiting and indigestion are possible after consumption. There is a risk for injuries, especially cooked bones splinter quickly. There is also a risk of choking.

Liver

Small amounts of liver are fine, but too much liver can cause vitamin A poisoning. This serious condition affects the cat’s bones. Symptoms include deformed bones, bone growth in the elbows and spine, and osteoporosis. Vitamin A toxicity can also lead to death.
Milk and dairy products such as cream cheese, yogurt, cheese and cream.

Most cats are lactose intolerant because they lack the enzyme lactase. Their digestive system cannot process the lactose found in milk and dairy products, and the result can be indigestion and diarrhea. Basically, the longer a dairy product (cheese) is aged, the less lactose it contains. Therefore, small pieces of aged hard cheese are fine for cats.

Raw eggs

Salmonella, E. coli and other pathogens can be transmitted to the cat via raw eggs. Vomiting and diarrhea are then the result.

Raw fish

Similar to raw eggs, various bacteria that cause food poisoning can also be found on uncooked fish. In addition, an enzyme found in raw fish destroys an essential B vitamin (thiamine). Thiamine deficiency can cause neurological problems and convulsions, as well as lead to coma.

Raw (game) pork

Raw or undercooked pork and wild boar meat may be infected with Aujeszky virus. In Germany, however, Aujeszky’s disease has been considered eradicated in domestic pigs since 2003, to the extent that it is extremely unlikely that your cat will become infected by eating raw pork. However, Aujeszky’s virus is repeatedly detected in wild boars. Humans are usually unaffected by the virus. In cats, however, it triggers Aujeszky’s disease, which is fatal. Initially, the symptoms resemble those of rabies. Therefore, the disease is also called “pseudo-rabies” or “pseudo-rabies”.

Salt

Salt and highly salty foods can lead to salt poisoning, which can be fatal. Signs that the cat may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cramps and tremors. For this reason, high-salt snacks such as potato chips, pretzels or salted popcorn should not be fed to cats.

Tuna

Many cats love tuna, but canned tuna and products produced for humans are unhealthy for cats. For one thing, regular consumption of tuna can lead to deficiencies because it does not contain all the nutrients a cat needs. For another, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. Complete cat food with tuna, on the other hand, is fine as long as it is not fed too frequently. In general, fish should make up no more than one or two meals a week in a cat’s diet. The reason for this is that fish is high in fatty acids, which can lead to vitamin E deficiency in cats and resulting health problems.

Unripe green tomatoes and potatoes

Unripe yet green tomatoes and potatoes contain the toxic glycoalkaloid solanine. It can cause digestive problems. Some cat foods do contain tomatoes, but in very small amounts and when ripe, so they are not a problem.

Grapes and raisins

Fresh and dried grapes can cause kidney damage in cats.
Xylitol (xylitol, xucker) and foods prepared with it.

This sugar substitute is especially common in low-carb cooking. In cats, however, xylitol can lead to a life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels, as the substance enormously boosts insulin production in the animals. Around 30 minutes after consumption, coordination problems, cramps and attacks of weakness occur. Liver damage is also possible.
Citrus fruits and citrus oil extracts

Citrus fruits, extracts and oils can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even comatose states.

Conclusion

Not everything that tastes good to us humans or is even healthy for us is good for the cat. Because the cat’s nutritional needs are relatively complex, it’s best not to give foods made for humans to your velvet paw and stick to ready-to-eat foods designed for cats.