Foods to Avoid as Cat Treats

As cat owners, we want to spoil our feline friends with tasty treats. However, not all human foods are safe for cats. Cats have different nutritional needs than humans and their bodies don't process certain foods very well. Feeding cats the wrong treats can cause serious digestive issues or even be toxic. Here’s an overview of foods you should avoid feeding your cat.

Bones

Never feed your cat meat with bones, such as chicken wings or fish tails and heads. Bone splinters can easily puncture your cat’s digestive tract or get lodged in the throat. This can cause severe injuries or require expensive surgery to correct.

Salty Foods

Avoid salty foods like pretzels, salted nuts, chips or salted meats. Cats struggle to process excess sodium which can cause sodium ion poisoning. Signs of sodium poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. Keep all salty snacks out of your cat's reach. These are some of the foods to avoid as cat treats.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free foods like gum, candy, peanut butter and baked goods. While it is safe for humans, xylitol is extremely toxic to cats. At small doses, it can cause a dangerous insulin spike. Larger doses can lead to liver damage and bleeding disorders. Xylitol exposure requires immediate veterinary treatment. Check labels for xylitol and keep sugar-free foods locked away.

Alcohol

Alcohol has the same effect on cats that it does on humans - making them confused, off-balance and drowsy. However, even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for cats. Signs of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and death. All alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol like rum balls or Irish cream should be kept away from felines.

Onion & Garlic

Onions, garlic, shallots and leeks are all part of the allium family. When ingested by cats, allium plants can lead to a potentially fatal condition called hemolytic anemia. Garlic is considered even more toxic than onions for cats. These vegetables damage red blood cells and cause symptoms like weakness, lack of appetite and rapid breathing. Garlic and onion toxicity requires prompt veterinary treatment. Avoid letting your cat access raw, powdered or cooked onions or garlic.

Chocolate

When it comes to the list of foods to avoid as cat treats, chocolate holds a prominent place. Chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine - two stimulants toxic to cats. As little as a single ounce of dark chocolate can seriously harm a cat. Chocolate poisoning can cause hyperactivity, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. Untreated toxicity can even lead to death. All chocolate and cocoa powder should be kept away from curious cats.

Grapes & Raisins

While the exact cause is still unknown, grapes and raisins have consistently been proven to cause acute sudden kidney failure in cats. Even a small number of grapes or raisins can be dangerous. Within hours of ingesting these fruits, a cat may vomit, become lethargic or lose their appetite. Without treatment, kidney damage can become severe and irreversible very quickly. If you give your cat grapes or raisins, take them to the vet immediately.

Caffeine

Cats struggle to metabolize caffeine the same way humans can. Found in coffee, tea and sodas, caffeine acts as a stimulant in cats which causes elevated heart rate, restlessness and panting. Extremely high doses can lead to seizures. Even small amounts of caffeine can agitate some cats. Avoid letting your cat access drinks containing caffeine.

Milk & Dairy

While milk is a classic stereotype for cats, it’s actually a poor treat choice. Most adult cats lack the lactase enzyme to digest cow’s milk. Drinking milk may give them digestive upset including vomiting, gas or diarrhea. The sugars found in flavored yogurts and ice cream are also bad for cats. Only small amounts of low or non-fat plain yogurt or cheese should ever be fed as treats.

Cooked Bones

While raw meaty bones are fine for cats, bones that have been cooked become dry and brittle. They can then easily splinter when chewed by cats. Bones from pork, lamb or chicken that have been roasted, broiled or baked are especially dangerous. Stick to commercial bone treats designed specifically digestion by cats.

Final Words

Consult your veterinarian about the best diet and treats to feed your cat. When in doubt - if it’s unsafe for humans to eat raw, it is also not safe for feline consumption either. Stick to high quality commercial cat foods and treats only designed for cats to keep your kitty happy and healthy.