Eight forbidden foods for cats

Cats can reach all sorts of unexpected places thanks to their agility, so controlling absolutely everything they eat is no easy task. Here you have a list of forbidden foods for cats:

1. Chocolate. Theobromine is a compound present in chocolate that is toxic to animals. The alterations suffered in the organism when eating it can cause nausea, tachycardia, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and convulsions.
2. Cow’s milk. And they say that cats love milk…Well, maybe they do, but whether or not it’s good for them is something else entirely. Adult cats naturally stop producing lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration can be symptoms of milk poisoning in cats.
3. Garlic and onions. These foods contain sulphur (as do their close cousins leeks and chives), which is toxic to cats. The most common symptoms are pale mucous membranes, blood in the urine, tachycardia, panting, diarrhoea and vomiting.
4. Grapes and raisins. Grapes contain a substance that causes kidney damage, anorexia, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea in cats.
5. Meat and fish Bones. Although our cats love them, the more brittle bones can cause ulcers and perforations of the gut.
6. Alcohol. Who on earth would give alcohol to a cat? Possibly no-one. But just in case, be warned - it’s extremely dangerous! Alcohol causes neurological changes, co-ordination and orientation problems, changes in respiratory patterns, liver problems and even coma.
7. Avocados. The persin contained in avocados, which is found in the skin and the stone, can cause poisoning with the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and anorexia.
8. Dog food. Although it isn’t toxic, you do need to bear in mind that the nutritional needs of each species are different. In fact, dry dog food lacks many nutrients that are important for cats.

As they say, prevention is better than cure, so keep your cat away from everything on this list. Remember that a balanced diet based on healthy, high quality food is the best thing to help your cat to have a better, longer life. And of course, if you do suspect your cat’s eaten something they shouldn’t have, don’t think twice, take them to the vet!