Hi there! Dr. B here, your friendly neighborhood veterinarian. I've dedicated my life to caring for animals, and I'm passionate about helping pet parents keep their furry companions happy and healthy. One of the most common questions I get is about what foods are safe for pets, and today, we're diving into the world of feline nutrition with a focus on what cats shouldn't eat.

## Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat

While cats can be notoriously picky eaters, it's crucial to remember that their bodies are designed to process a specific type of diet. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found primarily in animal products. Feeding them inappropriate foods can lead to a range of health problems, from mild stomach upset to severe illness and even death. Here’s a rundown of the most common foods toxic to cats and why it’s crucial to keep them far away from your feline friend:

1. Alcohol:

* Why it's toxic: Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious damage to a cat's liver and brain. Alcohol poisoning in cats can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, difficulty breathing, coma, and even death.
* Keep in mind: Never leave alcoholic beverages unattended, and be cautious about using alcohol-containing products around your cat, such as mouthwash or certain medications.

2. Chocolate:

* Why it's toxic: Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which cats metabolize much more slowly than humans. This can lead to a buildup of theobromine in their system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, panting, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
* Keep in mind: Darker chocolate and baking chocolate contain higher concentrations of theobromine and are therefore more toxic.

**3. Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine Sources:**

* Why it's toxic: Like theobromine in chocolate, caffeine is a stimulant that can have toxic effects on cats. Caffeine poisoning can cause restlessness, hyperactivity, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, tremors, and seizures.
* Keep in mind: Be cautious about leaving coffee grounds, tea bags, energy drinks, or medications containing caffeine within reach of your cat.

4. Grapes and Raisins:

* Why they're toxic: The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is unknown, but ingestion can lead to sudden kidney failure in cats. Even small amounts can be dangerous.
* Keep in mind: Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and decreased urination.

5. Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks:

* Why they're toxic: These members of the allium family contain compounds that damage red blood cells in cats, leading to a condition called Heinz body anemia.
* Keep in mind: Symptoms may not appear immediately but can include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and increased heart and respiratory rate. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.

6. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener):

* Why it's toxic: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products like gum, candy, and some peanut butter brands. It causes a rapid release of insulin in cats, resulting in a sudden and potentially life-threatening drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
* Keep in mind: Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can include vomiting, weakness, lethargy, incoordination, seizures, and liver failure.

7. Raw Dough:

* Why it's toxic: Raw dough containing yeast can ferment in a cat's stomach, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This can lead to bloating, pain, and potentially life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a condition where the stomach twists on itself.
* Keep in mind: Unbaked bread dough can also be a choking hazard.

8. Bones:

* Why they're dangerous: While cats are carnivores, cooked bones can easily splinter and cause serious internal damage. They can get lodged in the throat, stomach, or intestines, leading to choking, punctures, or blockages.
* Keep in mind: Raw bones, while less likely to splinter, still carry a risk of bacterial contamination.

9. Fatty Trimmings and Skin:

* Why they're unhealthy: High-fat foods can upset a cat's digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis, a potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas.
* Keep in mind: Offer lean protein sources as treats instead.

10. Milk and Dairy Products:

* Why they're often problematic: Most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. This can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea, gas, and vomiting.
* Keep in mind: While some cats tolerate small amounts of dairy, it's best to avoid it altogether.

## A Final Word

Preventing your cat from accessing these harmful foods is crucial for their health and well-being. Here are some tips to keep your cat...read more >>

What not to feed your catAlcohol. As little as a tablespoon of alcohol can lead to problems for your cat. ... Chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine. ... Coffee, tea and energy drinks. ... Dairy products. ... Fat trimmings, raw meat, raw eggs and raw fish. ... Grapes and raisins. ... Onions and garlic.read more >>