What shouldn't cats eat? 10 poisonous foods

What cats should not eat table

Chocolate – Sweet Danger

Chocolate is just too tempting. But what is a pleasure for us can be fatal for cats. Cats cannot break down theobromine , a compound in chocolate, as well as we humans can.

Dark chocolate and cocoa in particular contain a lot of theobromine and are therefore particularly dangerous. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat and, in severe cases, seizures or death.

Onions & Garlic – Spicy Risks

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked or dried, are part of the allium family and are extremely toxic to cats. They can destroy red blood cells and cause a form of anemia called hemolytic anemia. Symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. A leisurely dinner of spicy food can have fatal consequences for your cat if it nibbles on it.

grapes and raisins

Although it is not yet known exactly how it works, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, lethargy and reduced urination. Therefore, these fruits should be kept out of reach of the cat and guests should also be informed not to feed them any of them.

Raw meat and raw eggs

Cats should not be fed raw meat and raw eggs, as this can lead to health problems. These foods can be contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli, which can lead to digestive problems.

In addition, raw egg whites can destroy biotin because they contain avidin. This is an enzyme that reduces the absorption of biotin (also known as vitamin B7). This can lead to skin and coat problems. For more information on what nutrients cats really need , read this blog post.

Unripe tomatoes and raw green potatoes

Tomatoes and potatoes that are not yet fully ripe or are eaten raw contain solanine. This is an alkaloid that is poisonous to cats. Ingestion can lead to digestive problems, weakness and cramps.

Small amounts of ripe tomatoes can be fed without any concerns. However, cats should never be given unripe fruit or potato peels.

Raw pork

Raw pork can contain the Aujeszky virus , which is fatal for cats. The disease, also known as pseudorabies , leads to severe neurological symptoms and is usually fatal. Even though Germany is considered pseudorabies-free, you should still be on your guard. It is best to always feed pork well-cooked or, even better, avoid it altogether.

Caffeine – Stimulant with Fatal Consequences

Coffee, tea and energy drinks contain caffeine , which can cause cats to have a racing heart , become restless, tremble and, in the worst case, collapse in a fatal way. So always make sure that your cat does not have access to foods and drinks containing caffeine. Medications containing caffeine are also an absolute no-go.

Rhubarb – Sour Danger

Rhubarb may be delicious in cakes and compotes, but it can be dangerous for cats. Oxalic acid inhibits the absorption of calcium in the body and can lead to kidney problems . In case of poisoning, symptoms such as drooling, tremors and kidney failure can occur. Please keep rhubarb and dishes containing it away from your cat.

Avocado – Exotic but poisonous

Avocados contain healthy fats that are good for humans. However, they can be toxic to cats because they contain persin .

The result can be vomiting and diarrhea. The avocado pit can also be dangerous for cats and lead to choking. It is best to remove avocados from your cat's diet completely.

Bones – risk of injury in the bowl

It is tempting to give your cat a bone to chew on, but this carries significant risks. Cooked bones can splinter and cause injuries to the mouth, esophagus or digestive tract. This can result in choking, intestinal blockages or even internal injuries. As a safe alternative, there are special cat snacks that can be fed safely.

Alcohol can also be dangerous for your cat. Even small amounts can be fatal. As a responsible cat owner, you should be aware of the dangers in the home. What is harmless or even healthy for us can be life-threatening for our house cats. Make sure to store food safely and also inform family members and guests about the risks.

tips for everyday life

• Dangerous foods should be stored safely, for example in locked cupboards or high up where the cat cannot reach.

• Always be careful when cooking that nothing falls down. Food can fall down during cooking. Also make sure that your cat does not roam around the kitchen.

• Emergency plan: It is best to have the number of your veterinarian and the nearest animal clinic handy in case your cat eats something poisonous.

You are responsible for your cat's well-being. A look at the "What cats shouldn't eat" table will help you better identify risks. ❤️

A blog on the topic “ What can cats eat ” with safe alternatives will follow soon! 🐱