- Onions and Garlic: These can cause gastrointestinal upset and damage to red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats and can cause heart problems, muscle tremors, or seizures.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in cats.
- Alcohol: Even a small amount can cause intoxication, liver and brain damage, and potentially be fatal.
- Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, caffeine can cause rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors.
- Dairy Products: Many cats are lactose intolerant and can suffer from digestive upset after consuming dairy, including diarrhoea and stomach pain.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, xylitol can cause insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia, seizures, and liver failure.
- Raw Eggs, Meat, and Fish: Raw eggs can contain salmonella or E. coli, and raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine, an essential B vitamin for cats.
- Bones: Small bones can splinter and cause choking, or damage the digestive tract.
- Yeast Dough: Uncooked yeast dough can expand in the stomach, causing severe pain and potentially rupturing the stomach or intestines. The fermentation process also produces alcohol, which is toxic.
Always ensure your cat’s diet is appropriate and avoid feeding them human foods that could be harmful. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic.
