If Your Cat Eats What It Shouldn’t
No matter how cautious you are, it’s possible your cat can find and swallow what it shouldn’t. It’s a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — 426-4435 — where you know you can find them in an emergency. And if you think your cat has consumed something that’s toxic, call for emergency help at once.
Your Cat May Have A Dental Issue
Similarly, many diseases of the mouth can make cats stop eating altogether.
Cats can develop tartar and gingivitis, as well as inflammation in other tissues of the mouth that can be quite painful. Sadly, cats can also develop cancerous tumors in the mouth.
Clues to watch for include:
-
Bad breath
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Nausea
Nausea may also be caused by kidney disease or medications .
Cats that are nauseous may seem interested in food, but then refuse it, or they may drool and lick their lips often.
Can My Cat Eat Raw Meat
This question will elicit a weary smile from proponents of the BARF diet they offer their cats a daily meal that is as natural as possible, consisting of fresh meat and appropriate ingredients. BARF fans will even put raw chicken in their cats bowl . But not all cats tolerate raw meat equally well. Cats that are used to eating prepared food often do not get on with the natural microbial content in raw meat compared with cats that have followed a BARF diet and whose digestive tracts are accustomed to these bacterial demands. Immunocompromised animals are particularly at risk and can suffer serious illnesses including blood stream infections. But what meat are cats allowed to eat raw? In principle they can eat anything the only exception is pork and wild boar meat. These varieties of meat should not be fed raw due to the risk of Aujeszky’s disease , which can be fatal for cats. This disease has been eradicated in domestic pigs, which act as hosts for the herpes virus , however cases of the Aujeszky virus do occasionally crop up in wild pigs. In addition, it is impossible to guarantee that pork has not been sourced from abroad.Note: The risk of infection is always higher from raw meat than from prepared food. The possibility of transmitting germs to humans can also not be ruled out, which is a relevant consideration particularly for pregnant women, new-born babies, and older people. The same caution should be applied for preparing meat in general.
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Can Cats Eat Chocolate
Cats cannot eat chocolate as it contains milk and theobromine, an ingredient which is found in cocoa. Theobromine is highly toxic to cats and can cause liver failure. If your cat has digested chocolate, they may show the following signs:
- Restlessness
Contact your vet immediately if your pet is showing any of the above symptoms.
Foods That Are Toxic To Cats
There are some known foods that are toxic/poisonous to cats and should never be fed to them, these foods are: grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions/garlic, bread dough , alcohol, xylitol, caffeine, liver, trimmings, and human medicine. Do note that xylitol can be found in yogurt and sweet foods as a added sweetener. In addition, you should never offer your cat human medications.
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Can Cats Eat Dog Food
Dog food is not toxic for cats, so you dont need to panic if your cat occasionally helps himself to whatever is in the dogs bowl. However, this shouldnt become a regular habit because standard dog food does not have a suitable nutrient profile for cats. Cats need food that is very high in protein and taurine because they cannot synthesise amino sulfonic acid themselves. Semi-moist complete dog food can also contain propylene glycol as a preservative. This is not suitable for cats.
What Human Food Can Cats Not Eat
We already have mentioned above the foods that your cat should avoid but let us summarize it for you. The most common foods that your feline friend cannot eat include the following:
- Alcohol-based food and drinks
- Coffee, tea, and energy drinks
- Milk and cheese
- Raw fish, raw meat, and raw eggs
- Raisins and grapes
- Garlic and onions
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Proteins That Are Safe For Cats:
- Beef
- Xylitol
- Yeast dough
In addition to the foods on the list above, there are some foods which may be okay in small amounts or for certain cats. For example, some cats can eat hard cheeses and yogurt, though other milk-based dairy products may be a problem. Many cats are lactose intolerant, however, so be mindful of this before you feed your cat any dairy products. You should also be careful about how you prepare the people foods you offer your cat. Grains, vegetables, and proteins should all be cooked prior to feeding to increase digestibility. Fruits can be fed fresh as long as you remove the seeds and peel.
How Much Chocolate Is Too Much For A Cat
A small amount of chocolate is not fatal to cats. Your kitty will not have to have his stomach pumped for eating a few Hersheys Kisses. However, eating too much can become a medical emergency.
The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Baking chocolate is considered the worst and has the highest level of theobromine.
In the order of theobromine toxicity, heres a list from worst to least:
- Baking chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate
So, how much chocolate is too much for a cat? It depends. Factors include the weight of the cat plus the kind and amount of chocolate consumed. As little as 20mg of theobromine per pound of pet weight can cause side effects and health problems.
That means you should call the veterinarian if your 10-pound pet consumes:
- 1.5 tablespoons of dry cocoa powder
- One square of unsweetened baking chocolate
- 20g of 70-85% dark chocolate
- 25g of 60-69% dark chocolate
- 33g of 45-59% dark chocolate
- A thin slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
- 78g of milk chocolate candies
- 5 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
- 23 Hersheys Kisses
- 2 packages of regular M& Ms
- 2 whole 3 Musketeers bars
- Reeses Pieces contain only trace amounts of theobromine
These are intended only as rough guidelines , but you can see how the toxicity ranges depending on the darkness of the chocolate.
However, I really hope pet owners would consider any amount over zero to be too much. Even if your cat eats a little chocolate here and there, its still not healthy.
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Pros And Cons Of Homemade Human Foods For Cats
Human Foods are a great option to diversify your cats diet, regulate her appetite, prevent her from sticking to certain cat foods and rejecting others.
It will also make your cat happy if you stick to suitable food groups and cooking or serving forms.
For example, cooked pieces of chicken mixed with her dry food or a piece of apple you will give as a treat for her to enjoy will be beneficial!
However, unlike the readymade cat foods, almost none of the human foods you will give your cat contains all the vitamins, minerals, proteins and other micronutrients necessary for her health.
For example, Taurine, which is an essential amino acid for your cat and found in meat protein, loses its effect in the cooking process.
For this reason alone, you may need to give your cat additional supplements of taurine on a regular basis.
If the amount of calcium in the meat you give is insufficient, your cats bones may weaken or if there is an excess amount of calcium this may cause calcification in the spine and joints.
In short, a portion of home-cooked human food or a snack on its own is not the best choice for a healthy and balanced diet for your cat.
Having a portion of food you cooked for your cat or even a small piece of strawberry under your control means that you have full information about its content. This is a good way to keep preservatives, excessive salt or sugar out of your cats diet, which may be harmful to her.
What To Do If A Cat Eats Something She Shouldnt
You know your cat shouldnt eat the above foods, but that doesnt mean she never will. You might spill some milk by accident, and shell get to it before you can.
In most cases with the above foods, occasional, infrequent consumption wont cause serious problems. She may experience digestive upset, so monitor her for any symptoms and call your veterinarian if they persist.
If you think your cat ate a bone, call your veterinarian right away so they can evaluate her and decide what course of treatment is needed.
Remember, its okay to treat your cat. Just make sure youre giving her safe foods to eat and that shes also eating a complete and balanced cat food and getting plenty of fresh water each day.
For more tips and information on cat nutrition from our experts, visit our Pet Expertise page.
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Can Cats Eat Chocolate Or Anything Chocolate
Can cats eat chocolate? What about chocolate-flavored foods like ice cream? Is a little chocolate okay? There are many delicious foods that humans enjoy that can be poisonous to cats. In the realm of pet poisonings, you hear more about dogs and food toxicity because they comprise the majority of the cases. But there are several food-related poisonings that occur with our cat companions each year.
Your friends at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services take a closer look at the foods that are off limits to cats and answer the question, can my cat eat chocolate?
Raw/undercooked Meat Eggs & Fish
Raw meat, raw fish and raw eggs often contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to both humans and immunocompromised pets.
Fetch by WebMD explains that raw eggs contain an enzyme that decreases the absorption of biotin , which can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw fish also contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine, another essential B vitamin. Without thiamine, a cat can develop neurological problems that could lead to convulsions or coma.
Are Raw Food Diets Safe for Cats?
There are safe ways to feed your cat raw foods. Prepared, raw diets made specifically for pets are regulated to ensure that they do not contain harmful bacteria. You can learn more about raw diets for cats in our blog post: Should You Feed Your Cat a Raw Diet? 11 Questions to Ask First.
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Final Thoughts: Human Food That Cats Can & Cannot Eat
Feeding human food to your cat is not bad at all! Just make sure the people food your providing isnt toxic or dangerous to your cats health.
The good thing is that the list of dangerous food for cats is actually pretty small.
An easy rule of thumb to keep in mind is to feed your cat only up to 15% of human foods.
Here are some reminders when giving your cat human food:
- Do everything in moderation
A Healthy Wholesome Diet
Branded products in the form of both wet and dry foods are available for owners to purchase. They offer a balanced meal as well as enough nutrition and nourishment to let your cat live a healthy, happy life.
For cats with certain dietary requirements, such as hyperthyroidism or problems with their urinary tracts, food products exist that can also support their health concerns.
Also, if you have certain preferences towards ingredients, products are available which are grain-free or protein-rich.
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Are Bananas Good For Cats
The short answer: Yes, cats can eat bananas. According to the ASPCA, bananas are not toxic to cats. So if your cat really wants a small piece of that banana you’ve been eating, it’s fine. … But if you find your cat does appreciate a bite of banana now and then, frozen pieces can make great cat treats!
Can My Cat Eat Raw Meat Or Fish Not Recommended
Meat and fish are some of the primary ingredients in many of the best cat food recipes. What you have to remember, however, is that these products are cooked to make them safe for your cat to ingest. Never feed your cat raw meat or fish because it could transmit food-borne pathogens like salmonella. If you choose to feed your cat a raw or frozen raw food diet, make sure to store the food properly and follow basic food handling safety precautions.
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Is The Smell Of Oranges Bad For Cats
Cats may avoid the smell of oranges because of their sensitive noses. Does that make it bad for them, though? Should you avoid any citrus scents around your feline?
There is little evidence to suggest that the smell of oranges alone is enough to harm cats. Even if it did, most cats avoid the smell anyway. This is not necessarily because the smell is dangerous. Rather, its likely too fragrant.
Can Cats Eat Turkey
Cats can eat turkey, and this lean protein is an excellent choice for a snack. Opt for cooked turkey breast that has not been seasoned. The fewer seasonings, the less chance for there to be something that upsets your cats digestive system. While its not necessarily unsafe to give your cat deli meat, that type of turkey does have a lot of sodium, so its best avoided.
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When To Go To The Vet
Some cats will eat citrus without exhibiting any symptoms. However, if you believe that your cat has ingested oranges, make sure to supervise it for the next 24 hours.
If it begins displaying symptoms of orange poisoning, call your vet. There are no tests made specifically to diagnose orange poisoning in cats. Instead, your veterinarian will rely on the information you can give. If possible, note down what and when your cat ate and any symptoms that your cat has exhibited. Symptoms of orange toxicity include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Weakness
If your vet wants to confirm the reason behind your felines symptoms, the expert may use an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin tube that allows a vet to look inside your cats stomach. If the fruit hasnt been digested yet, your vet may see pieces of orange and can safely diagnose citrus poisoning.
What Your Cat Must Have In Her Ideal Diet Plan
Vitamins : Vitamin A, especially, is vital for cell development in your cats body. Since a cats body cannot produce vitamin A, it is needed much more than the other vitamins.
Protein and Amino Acids: Meat, the main food source of cats, provides all the protein cats need. Meat group must be present in the diet of a cat. The protein in meat also contains an important amino acid that cats cant produce on their own: Taurine. Taurine is vital for the development and repair of body tissues and for the hormonal system along with other amino acids such as niacin. Lack of taurine in a cat can lead to serious health problems in many organs, especially the eye and heart.
Micronutrients : All micronutrients, especially Calcium, are very important for a cats bone development and dental health. They are also effective in the healthy functioning of her hormonal system and metabolism. Although a high amount of intake is not required, the lack of any micronutrient in a cats diet can lead to significant health problems.
Fiber: Lack of fiber in a cats diet can lead to many problems in the digestive system, constipation being an important one. Cooked vegetables and grains contain high levels of fiber.
Fats: Fats are an extremely important source of energy in maintaining the health of a cat. Fats are generally obtained from meat.
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Can Cats Eat Meat Yes
Not only they can, but they should!
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they cannot survive without meat.
Its one of the safest human foods a cat can have!
The best is poultry , but you can feed your cat turkey or any other kind of meat, too.
Just make sure the meat has not been salted as cats should not consume salt or any other spices.
Can My Cat Eat Spinach Yes
Often labeled a superfood, spinach is loaded with healthy nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. To improve digestion for this ingredient, steam the spinach first. You should also be mindful of feeding your cat too much spinach if he has a history of calcium oxalate bladder stones because this vegetable is high in calcium.
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Human Food Cats Can Eat That Are Rich In Protein
It bears repeating. Cats are obligate carnivores. They need meat to live. Not only is it safe for your cat to eat the following foods but the ingredient list on her cat food should name one of these as a primary ingredient. Just remember to cook everything thoroughly and trim off the fat so it doesnt give Kitty a tummy ache.