Anyone with a cat urged to never feed them 5 ordinary food items

Generally, the Cats Protection charity does not recommend feeding your cat human food. Many foods intended for human consumption can be harmful to cats and do not contain the nutritional value your cat needs. Cats need a balanced diet and have specific nutritional requirements to stay healthy, all of which can be found in complete cat food. 

While it may be tempting to give your feline a human snack from time to time, some can pose serious health risks. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are meat eaters and do not need treats such as dairy or vegetables in their diet. In light of this, the cat charity has shared some human foods to avoid giving your pet.

Dairy

While many pet owners think a chunk of cheese or a little milk will be a good treat for their felines, it’s best to avoid anything dairy.

According to Cats Protection, most cats are lactose intolerant and consuming dairy products such as cheese can upset their stomach.

They said: “It’s also best to avoid giving your cat lactose-free or plant-based cheese, as a lot of them may contain ingredients that could be toxic for cats.”

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Raw meat, fish and eggs

Uncooked meat and fish or raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that could make your cat ill.

Feeding raw bones should also be avoided, as it increases the risk of choking or a stomach blockage.

Grapes, raisins and currants

Grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure in cats, and those with chronic kidney disease may be at a greater risk.

These foods should never be consumed by felines and should be stored well away from them.

Avocado

Cats Protection said: “Avocados have a high fat content and contain a toxin called persin. If consumed in high amounts, it can cause health issues in cats.”

Chocolate, coffee and foods containing caffeine

Chocolate, coffee, and other foods that contain caffeine all have high concentrations of substances called methylxanthines. According to the experts, if eaten by cats, it can be extremely toxic.

The cat experts continued: “Some cats may be attracted to the smell or taste of human food, whether it is left on the counter or while you are enjoying your meal, and they may suddenly come to you and want to try it.

“The best you can do is store harmful foods out of your cat’s reach and cover or hide any leftovers.”