Cats should not eat the following foods because they can be toxic or harmful to their health:
- Alcohol: Can cause severe liver and brain damage even in small amounts.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine which can cause seizures, heart problems, and death.
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks): Causes restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and tremors.
- Cheese and milk: Many cats are lactose intolerant, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Raw eggs, raw meat, raw fish: Risk of bacterial infections like Salmonella or E. coli; raw eggs also have enzymes harmful to nutrient absorption.
- Fat trimmings: Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis and digestive upset.
- Grapes and raisins: Can lead to kidney failure in dogs and are strongly advised against for cats.
- Onions, garlic, and related foods: Cause red blood cell damage and anemia.
- Xylitol (a sugar substitute): Highly toxic to cats.
- Cooked bones: Can splinter and cause internal damage or choking.
- Deli meats and processed meats: High in salt and preservatives harmful to cats.
- Tomatoes (leaves and skin): Contain solanine, which is toxic.
- Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, grapefruit): Very acidic and can upset digestion.
- Salt (in large amounts): Can cause sodium ion poisoning.
These foods can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to more severe effects like anemia, seizures, and kidney failure. Cats require food specifically formulated for their digestive and nutritional needs, and human foods not made for cats should generally be avoided or given only with caution and veterinary advice.
