20 Foods That are Deadly to Cats
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16. Plums, apricots and peaches
The pits of plums, apricots and peaches contain cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds are better known as cyanide which is deadly for humans and animals. Cats may play with the pits and crack them open, releasing the toxins if swallowed. Signs of cyanide poisoning are salivation, dilated pupils, labored breathing, hyperventilation, dizziness, unconsciousness, coma, shock, siezures and possibly death.
17. Apple and pear cores
The seeds found in apple and pear cores are toxic to cats. They, like plums, apricots and peaches, contain a form of cyanide and can lead to the same symptoms of cyanide poisoning.
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18. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly found in cookies, cakes and other treats. They contain an unidentified toxin that is hazardous for cats and dogs. Ingesting just a few can lead to issues with the nervous system, digestive tract and in skeletal muscles. Symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning include depression, panting, muscle tremors, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and trouble walking. Keep all foods that contain macadamia nuts out of the reach of your cats. If you dispose of macadamia nuts in the trash, it is a good idea to double wrap them and as an additional precaution, make sure that they are disposed of in a trash can that has a durable lid that cannot be removed by your cat.
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19. Gum, Candy and products with artificial sweeteners
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is used in several different products. It is found in some gum, candy, toothpaste and other baked goods. Xylitol is toxic to cats. It can cause liver failure resulting from low blood sugar. It has also been known to cause seizures in animals.
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20. Liver
Liver is considered to be a healthy food for humans, but it can be deadly for cats. While it provides people with a good supply of iron, it also contains high levels of vitamin A. Cats who eat large amounts may lead to an overdose of vitamin A, which is toxic. Vitamin overdose can result in constipation, deformation of bones, stiffness in the spine and neck due to an excess in bone growth, anorexia and weight loss. These symptoms can result in compromised health and a shorter life span for your cat.
What you can do to prevent accidental poisoning
Cats are like children and they don’t understand which foods are good and which may be harmful. If they are hungry they will eat. There are some steps that you can take that will lessen the chance of your cat becoming the victim of food poisoning. Here are things that you can do to keep your pet safer.
1. Do not allow others to give your pet treats. This includes table scraps or bites of what they are eating. The best rule of thumb is to feed your cat approved formulations that are made to meet their unique dietary needs. They will be healthier in the long run and you won’t run the risk of accidental poisoning.
2. Keep all potentially hazardous foods out of your cat’s reach. This can be difficult, especially when you’re entertaining guests for a barbecue or other type of party. Consider keeping your cat in a room that is off limits to guests or a spacious kennel. You can’t be everywhere at once and this will keep your cat away from foods that could make him or her ill.
3. Dispose of scraps in a garbage disposal if possible. This eliminates the chances of your cat tearing through the garbage bag to get to the tasty morsels inside. It’s a cat thing and you never know when they might take the notion to grab a quick snack. If you don’t have a garbage disposal, double wrap dangerous items and place in a trash can with a firmly sealing lid that they can’t get through. If this is not an option, take it to the dumpster so it is out of the house.
4. If you own fruit trees, consider putting up a barrier so your cat will not have access to falling fruit. While some enjoy the taste of fruit, others just like to play with the pits. This can lead to cyanide poisoning so it’s best to remove the temptation or at least prevent access.
Final thoughts
Cat owners who know what foods are bad for their cats stand a better chance of enjoying their pets for years to come. Food poisoning is common and while it doesn’t always lead to death or permanent consequences, it’s best not to take the chance. Every day food items that most of us would never suspect are dangers that are around our cats daily. Gaining knowledge and implementing precautions are the best ways to show your pets how much you truly love them.
You can also read:
- What Do I Do If My Cat Ate String?
- How Much Water Should a Cat Drink?
- Why Do Cats Groom Humans?
- How Much Should I Feed My Cat?
- Can Cats Eat Peanuts? Here’s the Full Answer
image sources
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- Cat eating bone: © Shutterstock
- Cat drinking milk: © Shutterstock
- Cat drinking alcohol: © Shutterstock
- Cat eating ham: © Shutterstock
- Cats eating onions: © Shutterstock
- Cats eating garlic: © Shutterstock
- Cat eating avacado: © Shutterstock
- Cats eating tuna: © Shutterstock
- Cats eating grapes: © Shutterstock
- Cats drinking coffee: © Shutterstock
- Cats eating raw eggs: © Shutterstock
- Cats eating yeast dough: © Shutterstock
- Cats eating tomatoes: © Shutterstock
- cat-mushrooms: © Shutterstock