The golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated does not apply to everyone. Spoiling our furry companions by offering them certain foods can have unexpected effects on their health. Here is a list of unsafe foods for your cat.
Chocolate is arguably the best-known product to be banned of all, but it is not the only one: other foods, which are among the favorites of the French, endanger the health of cats. So before you fall for the sweet eyes of your little cat, here are the 10 foods that you must absolutely avoid giving him.
1 / Cheese (as well as all products containing lactose)
Contrary to what one might think after seeing The Aristocats in particular, the “crème de la crème à la Edgar” (a creamier milk preparation) is dangerous for cats: they are almost all allergic to lactose with the exception of cat's milk which contains less lactose than that of the cow. Let's not even talk about cheese, a food that's way too fatty for our hairballs that can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
Also Read: These 10 Things Cats Hate
2 / Goodbye chocolate
Fondant, mousse, log, tablet… Avoid sharing them with your little kitty. According to a study by the American Institute of Health, cocoa contains a molecule, theobromine, which is harmful to them and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Rest assured, this deprivation is not really a deprivation. In fact, cats hardly detect a sweet taste, their lips are more sensitive to salty foods. They are therefore unlikely to devour your candy bars.
3 / A glass of red wine… Or alcohol in general
Do not drink especially with your furry friends! Alcohol is toxic to them, even a small tablespoon can cause a coma and damage the liver and brain.
To go further, read this article on Doctissimo: My cat got intoxicated
4 / The coffee
Good espresso isn't for everyone, and especially not for cats. Also present in cocoa, theobromine and theophylline are toxic to them. That said, we have rarely seen a cat addicted to coffee.
6 / Spices
Nutmeg, cinnamon, and curry, among others, are made from seeds toxic to cats that can cause upset stomach and nausea. So avoid stuffing them with homemade gingerbread or brioche, even if they ask you to.
7 / nuts
Like spices, a few are enough to cause vomiting because they contain a toxin that attacks the digestive system and bones of our pets. According to a study by the American Institute of Health, the high phosphorus content of nuts can cause kidney damage in cats. Not to mention that, as with children, these foods can encourage a wrong path.
See also: 5 mistakes to avoid to keep your cat healthy
8 / Potatoes
Calcium oxalate damages the urinary tract of cats and can cause kidney stones as a result. Gratins, potato-based soups, creamy purées, fries are therefore prohibited!
9 / Foie gras
Even though this salty treat is appetizing for cats, like cheese, it is way too fatty!
10 / Raw pie crust
The pleasure of sharing your homemade “cookie-dough” or letting your cat lick what's left of the raw preparation at the bottom of the bowl is not worth the risks, according to the specialist site Aspcap which brings together many scientific works on animals. These preparations could cause stomach swelling, lethargy, hypothermia and difficulty breathing.
11 / Raw fish and meat
Just because your cat is crazy about steak tartare, like you, does not mean you have to give in to his pleading meows! It's quite the opposite. We must resist. These raw foods often contain parasites that lodge in the intestinal walls and pose a real danger to their health.