It should be no surprise to you that the entire team at Northgate Animal Hospital cares quite a bit about your pet’s diet! We take nutritional counseling, weight management, and overall wellness very seriously and we want to pass on any tips we think it’s important that you know.

We know cats can be picky eaters, and it’s important to find a food that is not only nutritious but that they enjoy eating! Of course, they’re most likely going to want whatever is on your plate, because nothing is better than human food! Before you sneak them a little taste of whatever you’re eating, please read the list below and take extra precautions to make sure these items stay out of your cat’s reach!

Onions, Garlic, Chives

Onions, garlic, and chives can all cause stomach upset in cats. And, regardless of the form of onion (powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated), it can break down your cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Alcohol

Alcohol has the same effect on a cat’s liver and brain that it has on humans. Just three teaspoons of whiskey could kill a 5-pound cat.

Caffeine

In large enough quantities, caffeine can be fatal for a cat, and there is no antidote. You’ll notice restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors if your cat has been poisoned by caffeine.

Chocolate

All kinds of chocolate, but especially dark, contain theobromine, which is toxic to cats.

Candy

The artificial sweetener xylitol can be found in candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods. In cats, it can cause a decrease in blood sugar and liver failure.

Raw Meat

Raw meats, including fish, can contain dangerous bacteria that can cause food poisoning in cats (and can also be dangerous for the humans in the house).

Tuna (yes, seriously!)

A cat fed a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can become malnourished, because the tuna doesn’t provide all the nutrients a cat needs. Additionally, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

Dairy Products

Most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot process dairy foods. Give your cat too much milk, and she may have an upset stomach and diarrhea.

Grapes

Both grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, which will sometimes reveal itself early on in the forms of vomiting and hyperactivity.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This Colorado Springs veterinary hospital takes your pet’s diet very seriously!