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Though they may not come up to you with a rope of drool hanging from their mouths, cats are no strangers to begging for food off your plate. While it might seem easier to give in to their incessant cries, knowing what cats can eat is very important when it comes to sharing snacks. Before you slip your cat a bit of your dinner, know that not all human foods are safe for cats and even those that are might not be the best choices for them. Here’s what we mean by that.
Understanding Cat Nutrition
Cats, just like us and other animals, need specific nutrients to survive. The six categories include: protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and free access to fresh water. They need a lot of some, (ie. protein) and a little of others (some vitamins and minerals). Providing these nutrients in a complete and balanced way is of utmost importance to your cat’s health. Fortunately, most pet food companies are well aware of this, so a good quality cat food should provide your kitty with all the nutrients they need in one handy formulation.
While getting the correct nutrients is important, feeding your cat the correct amount of food plays a role in their overall health as well. How much food your cat can eat varies based on a variety of factors, so talk to your vet if you’re unsure.
Most healthy cats shouldn’t need any extras in the form of human food to get their proper nutrition, and some human foods can be very dangerous.
Foods Cats Cannot Eat
Again, cats don’t need human foods to be healthy, but we completely understand that there are times when you just can’t resist those begging eyes. In those cases, here are some foods to avoid.
Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, leeks and all members of the Allium family contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide. This compound is really tough on the digestive system and the red blood cells potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and anemia. Raw, cooked and even dried forms are all considered toxic.
Raw Eggs, Meat, and Fish
Cats are obligate carnivores meaning they need lots of animal protein to survive, this means meat and eggs. So why do they make this list? It all comes down to the raw part. Raw meats and fish can contain bacteria or parasites that can create some real problems for kitties, including digestive issues, weight loss, or even more serious consequences. Fortunately, thoroughly cooking meat, eggs and fish gets rid of these potential risks.
Chocolate
You’re likely aware of the risks of chocolate for dogs, well the same holds true for cats. Cats just can’t deal with the caffeine and theobromine present in chocolate. It can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea and even seizures and death. Dark chocolate is higher in these compounds than milk chocolate, but you really don’t want your cat to eat any of it. Fortunately, cats can’t taste sweet, so eating chocolate will likely be more out of curiosity than a craving.
Alcohol
Cats also can’t metabolize alcohol, so even small amounts can have them feeling the effects of intoxication. This can include vomiting and diarrhea, which can progress to liver and kidney damage, seizures and death.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid, which can cause kidney failure in some cats and dogs. Toxicity is highly variable depending on the type of grape, the ripeness and how much a cat eats. Fortunately, similar to chocolate, cats typically won’t like the taste of grapes, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try one or more.
Milk
A cat lapping milk from a saucer paints an age-old picture, but it’s a complete misconception as most adult cats are actually lactose intolerant. As cats pass out of kittenhood, they produce less and less lactase which is the enzyme needed to break down the milk sugar lactose. If a cat eats enough dairy, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain.
Yeast Dough
Cats love to “make biscuits” while sitting on your lap but that’s as far as their contact with bread dough should go. Yeast dough is dangerous to cats because the yeast ferments inside their warm bread oven of a tummy into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This can lead to alcohol poisoning and bloat.
Other Considerations
Even if you’re eating some of the foods you can share with your cat, it doesn’t mean you should. They typically don’t need any extras as far as nutrition goes, and they definitely don’t need the extra calories. Along these same lines, eating a lot of human food can take up real estate in a cat’s stomach where their more nutritious, feline-specific food should reside.
Some cats can also harbor food sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients which can set off a cascade of digestive problems or skin issues that can time, patience, and a lot of veterinary visits to get to the bottom of. Before giving your cat even a little taste of your food, consult your veterinarian first. They will be able to tell you if the food of choice is safe, how much you can give, and help you monitor them for potential reactions.
Keeping Your Cat Safe
No treat is worth putting your cat in danger, so avoid giving them foods that you know are toxic or that haven’t been approved by your vet. We completely understand that cats don’t always stick to your proposed diet plan and may help themselves to any human food that they come across. That’s why it’s important to store your food properly so that your cat can’t get to it. Pick up food that has dropped on the floor and get all family members and visitors on the same we-don’t-feed-the-cat-human-food page.
If your cat still happens to find themselves a tasty yet potentially toxic morsel, consult your veterinarian. There is some longstanding ‘advice’ out there that you should make your cat throw up when they eat something they shouldn’t. The truth is, vomiting something back up can be just as dangerous or even more so. Instead, follow your veterinarian’s instructions on what to do next.
Foods That Are Toxic to Cats & Pet Insurance
Eating one of these toxic foods, or even something you’re not sure about, warrants a veterinary consultation which can lead to extensive treatment. If your cat were to ingest something toxic like chocolate, the necessary veterinary treatment, including emergency examination and potential hospitalization, could easily cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 or more, depending on the severity and the care required. But don’t worry, pet insurance for cats is here for you.
Embrace Pet Insurance offers a variety of policies to help cover costs associated with emergency issues, such as illness and injury, plus optional, non-insurance pet wellness plans to help with preventative care and customizable plans for everything in between. These policies offer quick reimbursement of a portion of the costs so that you can have financial peace of mind and focus on your cat’s wellness.
What Can Cats Not Eat?
Cats are often considered members of the family, but that membership shouldn’t extend to dining privileges. Rather than sharing human food with your cat as a way to boost their nutrition, feed them a good quality cat food that covers those bases, and keep human food securely stored where your cat can’t access it.
If sharing is your thing, know that there are some human foods that are safe for kitty, but speak to your veterinarian first about what they are and how much you can give. Ultimately, knowing what cats can't eat is the key to ensuring their nine lives remain happy and healthy.