Understanding which foods are harmful to your cat is crucial, as some can be toxic. It is important to ensure their diet does not contain any of these. This article details the toxic foods to avoid to preserve your pet's health, thus preventing serious compromises to their well-being.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is on the list of toxic foods for cats (and dogs), and must be kept strictly out of their reach and should not be given to your cat. It is recognized as one of the most toxic products for cats.

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound similar to caffeine, which acts as a stimulant for the cardiovascular system. Ingesting this food, depending on the dose, can be fatal for the animal.

Ingestion of 50 grams of dark chocolate is a toxic dose that can be deadly for our feline friends. A dose of less than 2 grams per kilogram of body mass can cause neurological disorders and an increase in heart rate.

Signs of poisoning can appear a few hours after consumption, and symptoms of intoxication include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, convulsions, spasms, balance and coordination disorders, as well as an irregular pulse.

2. Milk

Although some cats love milk, it is not suitable for all due to the lactose it contains, which can trigger digestive discomforts such as diarrhea and vomiting. It is also possible for cats to show intolerance to milk proteins.

Young kittens tolerate their mother's milk well, but may have difficulty digesting cow's milk, which can impair their digestion.

It is important to distinguish between lactose intolerance, which results from an inability to metabolize the lactose sugar in milk, and milk protein allergy, an immune reaction to the proteins contained in milk.

Is it advisable to give it to your cat? For those who enjoy its taste, substitutes such as milk specifically designed for cats exist. This milk, low in lactose and often enriched with taurine, allows for good digestion while supporting the heart function of cats. As for kittens, it is beneficial for them to continue ingesting their mother's milk.

3. Canned Tuna

This canned food is frequently consumed by humans; however, it is not recommended for cats. Although it is an important source of protein and fat, this type of product does not contain all the nutrients cats need, such as taurine, vitamins A and D, and calcium. Giving only canned tuna to your cat can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies.

Furthermore, canned tuna contains mercury, an element harmful to cats (and also to humans). It is also very salty, which can cause serious kidney problems in cats. It is therefore advisable to offer canned tuna only in small quantities, as an occasional treat.

In addition, some varieties of canned tuna include Bisphenol A, a chemical that could be carcinogenic, as well as arsenic and cadmium, which are other toxins. It is therefore dangerous for cats and should be limited to protect their health.

4. Avocado

We humans love avocado for its taste and its many well-known beneficial properties. But it can be harmful to cats because of a toxin it contains: persin.

Persin is found in all parts of the avocado tree, including the leaves, fruit, and pits. Consuming it can cause heart and respiratory problems in cats.

Even when consumed in small quantities, avocado can be risky for your feline. It is therefore advisable to avoid feeding your dogs and cats avocado (in all its forms).

5. Onion, garlic, shallot and chives

Cats risk poisoning if they ingest onions, whether raw, cooked, dehydrated, or powdered. The presence of thiosulfate, a sulfur chemical, is the cause of potential gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, and can lead to anemia in these animals.

Even a small dose can be dangerous for their health. An intake of 5 to 10 grams per kilogram of the cat's body weight can be considered a toxic dose and capable of inducing symptoms of intoxication. Thiosulfate, present in onions, attacks the cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Other vegetables such as garlic, leeks, and chives, belonging to the same botanical family as onion, can jeopardize their good health, whether fresh or powdered.

6. Coffee, tea, alcohol

Tea and coffee, like chocolate, contain theobromine, causing similar effects and symptoms. If a cat ingests eight spoons of coffee, it can be intoxicated. Similarly, some sodas also contain caffeine.

Alcohol ingestion by a cat also poses a considerable threat to its health, potentially severely damaging its liver and brain. A single teaspoon of alcohol can make a cat sick, while a tablespoon is enough to cause alcoholic coma or even death. As cat owners, we must know which foods are dangerous for their health and keep them out of their reach.

Typically, signs of alcohol poisoning manifest within an hour of ethanol consumption (with a blood alcohol level of about 1 to 1.5 g/L), leading to a change in behavior, including whining, vomiting that can lead to dehydration, and in the most severe cases, death by respiratory arrest.

7. Egg white

It is not recommended to give egg whites to cats because they contain avidin, a compound that interferes with the assimilation of biotin (vitamin B8), which is crucial for protein and fat processing. If your cat shows symptoms of digestive problems after ingesting eggs, an allergy could be the cause. In this situation, it is recommended to remove eggs from their diet.

8. Raw potato

It is strongly advised not to give raw potatoes to your cat. This food contains solanine, a chemical compound harmful to both cats and humans. Solanine can trigger gastrointestinal difficulties, diarrhea, as well as neurological complications.

The presence of calcium oxalate in raw potatoes is another concern, as it can lead to the formation of kidney stones in cats. The consequences on the urinary system are notable, with the possibility of crystal formation in the kidneys, bladder, or along the urinary tract, endangering the urinary well-being of your four-legged friend.

However, ingesting cooked potatoes poses no danger to cats (or humans!), and can be incorporated into their diet without risk.

9. Grapes

Grapes, whether fresh or dried, pose a danger to your cat. The specific toxic agent has not yet been determined, but consuming grapes can trigger severe kidney failure in cats.

Signs of grape poisoning include gastrointestinal problems, lack of appetite, increased thirst, and increased frequency of urination.

The danger of grapes for cats is considerable, even a small dose can lead to serious repercussions. If your cat has eaten grapes, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian without delay.

10. Nuts, especially Macadamia nuts

Foods at risk for cats include nuts, which are harmful in certain varieties. Macadamia nuts, for example, can cause severe reactions such as increased body temperature, accelerated heart rate, and general weakness.

Nutmeg, on the other hand, can induce hallucinogenic experiences.

Overall, nuts pose a digestion problem for them, due to their high phosphorus concentration. Thus, it is wise to remove them entirely from these animals' diets.

What about the rest?

Other risky fruits and vegetables: tomatoes, onions and more

In addition to those already mentioned, there are other ingredients that can be toxic and dangerous (even deadly) for our feline friends.

Take tomatoes, for example: they can be dangerous. Unripe tomatoes and the green parts of the plant are particularly toxic.

Although ripe tomatoes are tolerated by felines, it is best not to give tomato sauce to your cat, as it is high in calories and salt.

It is also advisable to keep citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, tangerines, and grapefruits away from our cats, as they can cause digestive problems.

Fruits with seeds and pits should be avoided, as they contain cyanogenic glycoside, a toxic substance that can be fatal if ingested by the animal.

Raw or cooked meat?

The question of feeding cats raw or cooked meat is quite nuanced. Naturally carnivorous, they have an appetite for raw meat. However, this option is not without risks, as the raw version can carry bacteria such as salmonella or toxic and dangerous viruses like Aujeszky's disease.

Conversely, cooking meat largely eliminates bacterial risks, although it can lead to a loss of certain vital nutrients. In addition, cooking reduces the water content of the meat, thus impacting the amount to serve your feline.

It is essential to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option, taking into account your cat's tastes and following your veterinarian's recommendations.

Can I give my cat yogurt?

You can give them plain yogurt, provided it has no added artificial flavors, sugar, or sweeteners. Yogurt provides beneficial probiotics that can aid digestion. However, it is crucial to serve it in small portions and only sporadically.

Nevertheless, due to its high fat and sugar content, yogurt should not be a regular part of your pet's diet. As a dairy derivative, it does not provide essential nutrients.

As with giving milk to your cat, it is important to consider that some of them might be intolerant or allergic to yogurt. In these situations, it is advisable to remove it from their diet.

Furthermore, the probiotics and live cultures present in yogurt can have positive effects on their digestive system. Therefore, a small amount of yogurt could help manage certain digestive problems, such as diarrhea.

It is vital not to offer fruit yogurt, as they frequently contain added sugars harmful to them. It is particularly recommended to avoid strawberry or blueberry flavored yogurts, which are full of sugar.

The danger of seemingly harmless foods

Several common ingredients seem harmless but can harm your pet. Smoked salmon, for example, which is rich in salt, can lead to dehydration and harm the animal's kidneys.

This list is not exhaustive. It is also prudent to be wary of products such as sweets, bread (especially raw dough), cheeses, and cold cuts… Knowing harmful foods is key.

It is recommended to consult a veterinarian for advice and to avoid giving them meal scraps. Prioritize treats specifically designed for them, even if the temptation to share your own meals with them or to give in to their pleading looks can be strong!

Opting for quality dry food, adapted to your feline's age, physical condition, and activity level, can prevent many problems such as obesity or overweight, which can lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Be vigilant to prevent your cat from ingesting toxic food.

As cat owners, it is essential to be properly informed to ensure a healthy, balanced, and safe diet for them. Indeed, several foods that we humans eat, which are good for our well-being, are harmful to them (and also to dogs), potentially causing serious ailments.

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