A smart pet won’t steal your food. They will watch you and make you feel so guilty about it; you’ll end up sharing your food with them anyways. But, when it comes to cats (and dogs, for that matter), human food isn’t always the best idea. Cats can’t eat people’s food because many of the chemicals in our foods can be toxic and harmful to them.
For your cat to be healthy, they need premium cat foods that give them the specific nutrients they need to thrive. Of course, the occasional human treat won’t kill them, but you have to learn which foods you can share and which ones are off-limits.
Human Foods That Are Toxic for Cats
The main reason you want to keep human food away from cats is that it can be toxic. Something that might be harmless for humans could be dangerous for your kitten. If you’re a cat owner, you want to stay away from these foods:
Onions
Garlic
Green tomatoes
Chocolate
Grapes
Raisins
Avocado
Milk
Sugar
Other foods to avoid that aren’t toxic but can cause digestive problems are: raw eggs, meat trimmings, and caffeinated beverages.
If your cat eats any of these foods, they’re likely to experience diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, have an upset stomach, or could die if they overeat it.
Foods You Can Share With Your Cat
On the flip side, if you’re looking for a healthy snack for your cat, there are plenty of foods that you might eat yourself that you could share with your furry friend. These are foods that won’t disrupt your cat’s digestive system, and that will strengthen your bond as your cat feels like any other family member. The best feline-friendly human foods include:
Salmon
Spinach
Cooked eggs
Cantaloupe
Chicken
Bananas
Oatmeal
Pumpkin
Cheese
Bread
Apples
Blueberries
Peas
Turkey
Rice
Carrots
Of course, while these foods are safe for your cat, it doesn’t mean they should be the bulk of their diet. Instead, they should be given occasional treats as part of their complete diet. Talk to your vet before introducing any of these foods into your cat’s diet to prevent them from experiencing any side effects.
What to Do If Your Cat Has Been Poisoned
If you think your cat ate toxic foods, talk to your veterinarian immediately. You could also contact the ASPCA National Animal Control Center right away (1-888-426-4435). Share any information you have, including the food you think they are and the symptoms you’re seeing. They might help you over the phone on how to handle the situation and what to do to help your cat. Keep in mind, there might be an additional charge for speaking with a specialist from the poison control line.
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Geraldine Orentas is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with backpack carrier, K9 Sport Sack.
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