Human Food For Cats: What’s OK and what’s not OK
Every feline parent knows what it’s like when you’re having a meal and your kitty comes around for a treat or three. He/she may even push the guilt buttons if you deny them a morsel. Is it ok? Depends on a lot of factors. What are you giving them? How much? Is it occasional/exceptional or regular/routine?
While in some cases, you are not doing Patches any harm – depending on the ingredients of your dish – you could be contributing to some serious health issues. Not to mention that overfeeding your pet table scraps and extra calories (over and above their regular required amount) can lead to obesity, feline diabetes among other major health concerns later in life.
Below are some of the healthy and unhealthy foods for pets according to some medical experts.
Chocolate is a NO-NO
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which can be potentially dangerous to cats. The following symptoms that will tell if your cat has ingested chocolate: Vomiting, fever, diarrhea, rigid muscles, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, or becoming comatose. If you think that your cat has ingested chocolate -take them to a vet asap!
Garlic and onions are NO-NO’s too!
So if your supper contains any of these (which most do), please don’t let your cat have a taste. You are not doing them a favor! It is common for most us to begin cooking a great meal with garlic and onion since they are proven to be good and healthy for us humans but, in fact, when felines ingest just a small portion of garlic or onion, they can cause major organ damage or failure, which can lead to death.
Grapes and raisins are very bad too!
Some cat owners question why grapes (or raisins) are poisonous for cats. Studies show that if a cat, dog, or ferret consumes grapes or raisins it may cause sudden kidney failure.
So don’t give in to the pleading – as much as they may love them – it’s just not worth the outcome!
Caffeine, like they’re not stressed enough!
Although this is not an item that we would normally and intentionally feed to our felines – be sure not to leave a cup of this Java around just in case they get thirsty and lap some of it up. Complications arise because their small bodies are unable to process caffeine causing elevated heart rate, hypertension, fever, hyperactivity, vomiting, and seizures.
Unsalted canned fish is perfectly OK!
Any whole protein such as tuna, salmon, crab etc. is a really healthy food for cats. If and when you are out of the regular pet food brand – feel free to open up a tin of tuna for your little feline friend! It’s a great substitute while you’re waiting for that online delivery. Just make sure that’s it has no additives like salt – vinegar – seasonings and such.
Skinless chicken breast is also a super substitute!
Spoil your kitty with a freshly made batch of chicken breast – they’ll be your friend forever!
As long as you don’t add any spices – it’s all good! Since breast is a low-fat meat, this is a great weight control food for cats.
Cooked Eggs (no ham)!
Green light for boiled eggs (no salt or mayo please).
Hard boiled eggs are a wonderful and healthy treat for your feline friends.
The yolk in particular provides a super source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Thought for the day:
Keep you kitty happy – feed them as they come
But check the food you feed them
Make sure that it’s wholesome!