Food that cats must not eat
Although cats are true gourmets, they sometimes eat food that is not good for them. Therefore, keep an eye on what your cat eats.
Why are certain foods bad for my cat?
Food can be dangerous for your cat in different ways. It may be indigestible, causing constipation or diarrhoea. Soft bones create splinters in her digestive tract. And then there is food that causes an allergic reaction or even poisons your cat. Therefore, pay close attention to what you give her and what she gets hold of on her own.
What food is my cat not allowed to eat?
Foods that your cat must not have because they make her ill:
- chocolate
- onion
- garlic
- grapes
- raisins
- leek
- chives and shallots
- raw potatoes
- avocado
- raw pork
In addition to food that is dangerous for your cat, cats naturally eat little to no plant-based food. Her digestive system is not set up for that.
Raw food may contain bacteria or parasite eggs.
Cats, like humans, sometimes suffer from a food allergy. If your cat does not react well to a certain food, have her examined by your vet and choose an alternative.
What about cats and milk?
Do not give your cat cow's milk, not even as a kitten. For kittens, it contains too few calories and proteins to replace mother's milk. If a kitten no longer wants to drink from its mother or the mother does not allow it, opt for special kitten milk. It contains all the nutrients she needs. For adult cats, cow's milk, especially as they get older, is difficult to digest due to the lactose. This causes all sorts of stomach and intestinal problems. Only give your adult cat fresh water to drink. If you still want to give milk, give special cat milk.
What dangerous snacks can a cat encounter in the garden?
In gardens too, your cat can come across unhealthy snacks:
- insecticides
- slug pellets
- cocoa shells
- tomato plant
- mouse and rat poison
You have no control over what your neighbours do in their garden, but make sure your own garden is safe for your cat.
Can I give my cat table scraps?
Our food is far too salty and spiced for cats. In addition, she has very specific nutritional needs, where the proportions are also very important. It is virtually impossible to meet those needs with your own meal. Therefore, preferably give your cat specific cat food, tailored to the correct life stage, which already contains all the necessary nutrients and vitamins.
What should I do if my cat has eaten dangerous food?
Call your vet immediately if your cat has eaten dangerous food. The doctor will ask what your cat has eaten and how much. The vet will often ask you to come in with your cat and the possible packaging of what she has consumed. If you do not know exactly what or how much your cat has eaten, the vet will observe which symptoms your cat shows and decide whether action is needed.
Is eating too much bad for my cat?
You probably already knew that your cat can become overweight from eating too much. But eating too much at once is also bad for her. The stomach cannot cope with large amounts of food. Most cats never eat too much at once. They are used to eating small amounts spread throughout the day. However, some animals cannot resist a full bowl of kibble. If your cat really cannot resist the temptation, give her 3 to 4 small meals a day instead. Or give a play ball in which you put the kibble. By playing actively with the ball, she gets one piece of kibble out at a time. Gobbling is out of the question.
Extra vitamins and minerals
If you give your cat quality cat food, she in principle does not need extra vitamins and minerals. Ask advice in your store to choose the right food. For cats with an illness or condition, nutritional supplements and an extensive food range are available. Consult the vet as to what your cat might need.