Some meals may be toxic and even lethal for cats. Anyone who suspects their pet has ingested any dangerous meals ought to be aware the quantity consumed and get in touch with their veterinarian or the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
Here are some widespread human meals that cats mustn’t eat.
Coffee and tea
Both drinks, in addition to espresso grounds and even used tea baggage, are unsafe for cats as a consequence of their caffeine content material.
Within one to 2 hours of publicity to caffeine, cats and different pets can expertise “mild to severe hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, tachycardia (elevated heart rate), hypertension (elevated blood pressure), abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) seizures, and collapse,” in keeping with the Pet Poison Helpline, a nationwide licensed animal poison heart.
Energy drinks
Many power drinks additionally include caffeine, which comprises methylxanthines (poisonous substances present in cacao seeds).
“When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death,” the ASPCA explains.
Chocolate
Chocolate additionally comprises methylxanthines. “Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest,” the ASPCA says.
Meat
Raw meat may be dangerous to cats as a result of it might include micro organism resembling Salmonella and E. coli.
Eggs
The ASPCA says: “Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems,” for cats and different pets.
Fish
Raw fish will also be dangerous to cats as a result of it comprises an enzyme that destroys thiamine, a necessary B vitamin for cats. Low ranges of thiamine may trigger severe neurological points, which may lead to convulsions and coma, in keeping with an article reviewed by veterinarian Amy Flowers on WebMD.
Canned tuna
While a bit of little bit of tuna is probably not dangerous, cats can get hooked on it and an excessive amount of might result in mercury poisoning, WebMD experiences.
Onions
Onions could also be harmful for cats as a result of they will trigger gastrointestinal irritation and result in crimson blood cell injury and anemia, the ASPCA warns.
Garlic
Garlic is taken into account to be about 5 occasions as potent as onions and is poisonous for cats. The Pet Poison Helpline explains: “Toxic doses of garlic can cause damage to the red blood cells (making them more likely to rupture) leading to anemia.”
Cats who ingest garlic might expertise nausea, drooling, belly ache, vomiting and diarrhea. “Signs of garlic poisoning can be delayed and not apparent for several days,” the Pet Poison Helpline says.
Fat
Cats licking fats trimmings off desk scraps or different meals mendacity round might be harmful. Fat, whether or not cooked and raw, can result in gastrointestinal upset in cats, together with vomiting and diarrhea, in keeping with WebMD.
Nuts
Nuts, resembling almonds, pecans, and walnuts, have excessive quantities of oils and fat, which may trigger vomiting and diarrhea in addition to probably pancreatitis in cats, in keeping with the ASPCA.
Bones
Cats nibbling on bones leftover from human meals will also be hazardous. They may both choke on the bones or “sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract,” the ASPCA warns.
Liver
While small quantities of liver are innocent, an excessive amount of consumption may be dangerous to cats. Eating an excessive amount of liver can result in vitamin A toxicity, which impacts cats’ bone well being and will even trigger loss of life. Symptoms can embrace deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and backbone in addition to osteoporosis, in keeping with WebMD.
Grapes and raisins
It has but to be decided why grapes and raisins may be poisonous for cats, in addition to canines.
The Pet Poison Helpline mentioned: “To date, dogs are the only species positively identified as being sensitive to these foods, but there are a few anecdotal cases of cats developing renal problems as a result of grape/raisin ingestion. This could also be, in part, to cats merely having no interest in eating these products.
“To be precautious, relying on the quantity ingested it’s sometimes beneficial to deal with feline ingestions in the same method to canines,” it adds.
Peaches
The stems, leaves and seeds of peaches contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats and other pets. They are “notably poisonous within the strategy of wilting,” the ASPCA says. Symptoms of poisoning can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock.
Tomatoes
While ripe tomatoes are non-toxic, tomato plants are poisonous. Symptoms include “hypersalivation, inappetence, extreme gastrointestinal upset, melancholy, weak spot, dilated pupils, gradual coronary heart charge,” the ASPCA says.
Yeast
Yeast dough can rise and lead to gas build-up in your cat’s digestive system. This can be painful, causing the stomach to bloat and “probably twist, changing into a life-threatening emergency,” the ASPCA warns.
Milk
Milk and other dairy products can be harmful because cats and other pets lack significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in dairy products. Having milk or other dairy-based foods can cause diarrhea or other digestive issues.
Alcohol
Alcohol and any foods containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death in cats and other pets.
“Under no circumstances ought to your pet be given any alcohol. If you think that your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center instantly,” the ASPCA warns.
Citrus
Citrus plants, including the stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds, contain different amounts of citric acid, which “trigger irritation and probably even central nervous system melancholy if ingested in vital quantities,” the ASPCA warns.
Coconut
Fresh coconuts and coconut milk include oils that may trigger upset abdomen, unfastened stools or diarrhea for cats, however small quantities are usually not prone to be dangerous. “Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet,” the ASPCA says.
Candy
Candy merchandise containing xylitol, a synthetic sweetener, may be harmful for cats. Ingestion of xylitol could cause a spike in insulin ranges, which may result in liver failure. “The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days,” the ASPCA says.
Gum
In addition to containing xylitol, chewing gum can probably trigger blockages within the throat if ingested by cats and different pets.
Salty snacks
Snacks resembling potato chips, pretzels, popcorn and different meals with excessive salt content material, needs to be prevented as a result of an excessive amount of salt consumption can “produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets,” the ASPCA notes.
Human medication
Medication utilized by people shouldn’t be given to cats except suggested by a veterinarian, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
“For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for people, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, may not be right for your pet and may even be harmful,” the FDA says.
Acetaminophen, the ingredient present in Tylenol, an over-the-counter ache killer, can be dangerous to cats. The Pet Poison Helpline advises: “Cats have a decreased ability to metabolize acetaminophen in their liver, making them much more susceptible to poisoning than most other species. Just one dose of this medication when given to your cat could possibly cause concern for toxicity!”
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