It might seem like your cat is always ravenous, but before you let her lick the leftovers off your plate, you should know that there are some foods that could seriously harm her health. Keep her away from the following:
1. Onions
While this veggie adds a punch of flavor to meals, it’s actually really dangerous to felines. Onions (whether they’re raw, cooked, or even in powder form) can break down a cat’s red blood cells, causing anemia.
2. Dairy
Believe it or not, most kitties are lactose intolerant. So while you might have an image in your head of a cat lapping up milk from a bowl, it’s better to keep her hydrated with water because dairy can cause tummy troubles and diarrhea.
3. Alcohol
Okay, this one is pretty obvious, but it’s still worth repeating: Don’t let your cat anywhere near your glass of wine. According to PetMD, two teaspoons of whisky could put a five pound cat into a coma (and just one more could kill it). Yikes.
4. Grapes
This tasty fruit can cause kidney failure in cats, as can raisins. So stick to treats especially formulated for felines when you want to reward your pet.
5. Caffeine (and Yes, That Includes Chocolate)
You know that jolt you feel after your morning cup of Joe? Well, that can be deadly for a cat. And remember, caffeine isn’t just in coffee; it’s in tea, chocolate, soda, and even some painkillers.
6. Candy
Sugary sweets contain xylitol, which can cause your cat’s blood sugar to drop and cause liver failure. So keep candy safely stored in a drawer where you cat can’t claw her way in.
If you think your cat has eaten something it shouldn’t have, contact your vet or the ASPCA’s emergency line at 888-426-4435 immediately for help.
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