Do you know that you should not give your cat milk every day? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent.The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets.
Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your cat:
Bones from Fish or Poultry - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system
Canned Tuna (for human consumption) - Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency in cats.
Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system.
Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting. Cats are more sensitive than dogs.
Dog Food - If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart.
Fat Trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis.
Fish (Raw, Canned or Cooked) - If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
Milk and Other Dairy Products - Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products.
Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Raw Eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Rhubarb Leaves - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Salt - If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
String - Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."
Table Scraps (in large amounts) - Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Sugary Foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Yeast Dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Macadamia Nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Grapes, Raisins and Currants - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.
Baby Food - Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats .
Alcoholic Beverages - Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
Poison Control Hotline
888-232-8870 (TOLL FREE)
For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready.
