Are you sometimes tempted to share your meal with your cat? Even if it starts with good intentions, it might be better only to do it if you know perfectly what is on your plate. Indeed, toxic foods for our little felines are hidden in our human diet.

Knowing about these dangerous cat foods is very important to avoid severe poisoning! So let's find out together which foods are considered dangerous or toxic for cats and which good practices to adopt daily.

Can you give your cat any food?

We often think that our pets, so close to us, can eat the same thing as us. However, this is false!

The cat is a strict carnivore, which means that in nature, it feeds almost exclusively on meat and fish. Their digestive system and metabolism are very different from those of a human. Therefore, foods that are harmless to us can be toxic to him and even deadly depending on the amount ingested.

Therefore, only give leftover meals to your little companion if you know the foods that can be good for his body. Your feline must be fed animal food intended explicitly for cats.

Foods that are dangerous or toxic to cats

Our cupboards contain hazardous foods for cats, which can even lead to their death in some cases. Discover the list of these prohibited foods you should never give to your cat or leave within reach without further delay.

Chocolate

Chocolate is potentially deadly for both cats and dogs. Theobromine can cause an increased heart rate, spasms, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Coffee, tea, and energy drinks

These drinks also contain theobromine and caffeine, which is also dangerous for the cat.

The alcohol

Alcohol can kill a cat, even in small amounts. It causes irreversible damage to the liver and has a powerful neurotoxic action.

The grape

Grapes in all their forms are a prohibited food for cats, as they destroy their kidneys. This is particularly the case with raisins which are appetizing for certain small felines because of their sweet taste.

Onion, shallot, garlic, and leek

Onion is particularly toxic to cats due to the presence of sulfur compounds which destroy red blood cells and cause severe anemia.

All other plants of the same family are also to be avoided because they are also dangerous foods for cats: shallots, garlic, leeks, chives, and wild garlic. Be careful if you have a chive plan. Some cats can eat it to purge themselves like it is catnip.

Raw meat and fish, plain egg white

Raw meat and fish present various dangers to the health of cats: the possible presence of salmonella, the Aujeczky virus or " pseudo-rabies " in pork, and proteins that prevent the absorption of vitamin B and cause serious deficiencies. Bones and ridges are also to be avoided.

Many fruits and vegetables

Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat are dangerous for cats. This list is not exhaustive :

-nuts ;

-fruit pips and pits;

-the lawyer;

-tomato and eggplant;

-spinach, sorrel, beans, and rhubarb;

-raw potato, mushrooms, and turnips;

-chestnuts and chestnuts.

-Salt, spices, and condiments

Salt consumption damages the kidneys of cats and therefore risks causing severe kidney failure.

Certain spices and condiments can cause serious cat poisoning: nutmeg, thyme, bay leaf, etc.

Xylitol

This sweetener causes a spike in insulin in cats, followed by hypoglycemia which can be fatal.

Foods not recommended for cats

Toxic foods aren't the only ones that pose a health risk to your little feline. Other foods can be challenging to digest without posing an immediate danger and making your cat sick.

Dairy products

We all have in mind the image of Épinal as a kitten happily lapping up a bowl of milk. But, in reality, can we give milk to cats? The answer is that it is better to avoid it. The kitten must be fed with its mother's milk, but as it grows, it loses the ability to digest lactose.

Milk causes him digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence. In addition, even if your cat seems to tolerate milk well, it is too fatty and caloric food that may cause excessive weight gain.

Fat food

Consumption of fatty foods such as French fries leads to obesity in cats. They can also be poorly digested and cause stomach upset. In extreme cases, the cat develops pancreatitis, which can be fatal.

Legumes and cabbage

These hard-to-digest foods cause bloating and diarrhea.

Tuna and other canned fish

Cats love canned tuna, but it should still be an exceptional treat. Indeed, this food is too salty for the kidneys of our little felines. In addition, it does not contain taurine, which is essential for good heart health.

Recommended foods for cats

The best way to protect your cat from poisoning is to provide it with quality food in the right amount. This way, he won't be tempted to steal the contents of your pantry or snack on foods that are not good for his body. But then, what to feed your cat?

Premium quality croquettes and pâtés

The easiest way to provide your cat with everything it needs without risking poisoning is to feed it with kibble and cat food. Choose premium quality products. They are ideally suited to your cat's metabolism due to their high meat or fish content.

This distinguishes them from first-price kibbles, which contain large amounts of cereal. In addition, premium croquettes and pâtés provide essential amino acids for the excellent health of your cat.

Be sure to choose appropriate products for your cat's age and health. There are kibbles for kittens, senior cats, sterilized cats, for those suffering urinary problems.

Catnip

Catnip is a plant that cats can eat to purge themselves. It promotes digestion, prevents the formation of hairballs, and helps the cat to regurgitate the balls already formed. You can therefore leave a pot of catnip available to your little feline. He will nibble on it when he feels the need.

Note: catnip or catmint should not be confused with catnip. It is a plant with euphoric effects, which causes a charming state in the cat. Therefore, you can give it to him from time to time for pleasure and not for digestion!

Natural treats

Opt for natural treats if you want to offer your cat a little sweetness. These foods are often pieces of dried meat and are ideally suited to the delicate organism of your little feline. You can also occasionally offer him a cat biscuit.

The cooked meat

If you run out of food for your little feline, you can always give him cooked meat or fish. It is also possible to add well-cooked rice in small quantities (no more than 15% of the ration) and certain cooked vegetables up to 15% of the ration (courgettes, carrots, peas, sweet potato).

What if my cat has eaten one of the toxic foods?

When you notice that your cat has consumed toxic food, the first instinct is to contact a veterinarian. It will tell you the symptoms you need to watch out for. However, do not try to make your cat vomit. You risk aggravating his condition.

If your cat has consumed this food in tiny quantities and does not show any of these symptoms in the following hours, make sure he no longer has access to the forbidden food.

On the other hand, if your cat develops symptoms or has ingested a large quantity of this food, do not wait to take him to the veterinarian. Indeed, some dangerous cat foods can cause death without appropriate treatment!