Don’t Feed Your Cat Sushi and Other Awesome Things That Might Kill Them.
It’s a simple habit of slipping a piece of food into your cat while you cook, or letting him eat the rest of your plate instead of dinner. But while your cat (or dog) may love and beg for human food, many foods range from less nutritious to downright toxic to pets . Don’t even give your cat a piece of sushi that falls to the floor, because raw fish can be bad news for them (further proof thatcartoons are full of lies ).
According to veterinary experts at the University of Missouri Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service, the best approach to eating cat food is to stick to foods that are designed specifically for your cat. This ensures they are getting the nutrients they need and also avoids potentially harmful ingredients.
Foods your cat shouldn’t eat
While some of these foods can be tolerated in very small amounts, you won’t know how many will be too much for your cat. Some are toxic from one to two bites and can cause everything from gastrointestinal upset to nervous system damage . The safest option is to avoid them altogether.
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Dough
- Chocolate
- Coffee and caffeinated products
- Citrus
- Coconut (oil, water and fruit)
- Grapes and raisins
- Milk and dairy products
- Nuts
- Onions, garlic, garlic, green onions, shallots
- Raw meat, fish and eggs
- Raw bones
- Salty foods
- Xylitol
Note that this is not an exhaustive list, as many other foods can be toxic to your cat as well .
Foods that are (generally) safe for cats
While there are some foods you can give your cat , keep in mind that not all pets will tolerate them the same way. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian.
- Apples (pulp only)
- Bananas (pulp only)
- Blueberry (without stem)
- Strawberry (without stem)
- Watermelon (without seeds and rind)
- Peanut Butter (Xylitol Free)
- Boiled eggs
- Baked bread (plain, no additives)
- Cheese
Again, even “safe” foods can cause gastrointestinal problems in some cats, so be careful with vomiting, diarrhea, and other abnormal behaviors if you choose to feed anything other than cat food. Cats with other health problems can be especially susceptible to these adverse reactions. It’s best to stick to a cat food that your pet knows and check with your veterinarian if you have questions.