Dog owners are used to sharing their food with their furry best friends or even letting them eat leftovers from dinner. However, it is important to understand that a cat is not a dog and that, in general, we must be much more careful when allowing them to try any kind of “human food.” Dogs are omnivores like us, which makes our diets more similar. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivores, and their liver has far more difficulty eliminating certain toxins that are harmless to humans. For all these reasons, here is a list of 5 deadly foods for cats that you should never allow your feline to eat.
1. Milk
Although traditionally associated with cats, milk is actually one of the most dangerous foods for them. Adult cats lack the enzyme required to break down lactose, which can cause severe digestive issues.
2. Chocolate, coffee or tea
Chocolate, coffee and tea contain high levels of methylxanthines (caffeine, theobromine and theophylline), natural stimulants that can cause dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and even ulcers. Fortunately, cats lack sweet taste receptors, so they rarely seek out these products on their own.
3. Allium vegetables (onions, garlic, leeks…)
These vegetables are toxic for both dogs and cats, but cats suffer much more severely. Onions, garlic and leeks destroy red blood cells, causing anemia. Symptoms include weakness, lack of balance, fatigue, dark urine and loss of appetite.
