While it’s tempting to share our meals with our feline companions, many human foods are harmful and even toxic to cats. To keep your cat safe and healthy, avoid feeding them the following foods:

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death in cats. Keep all forms of chocolate out of their reach.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or in powdered form, can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Ingesting even small amounts can be harmful.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning in cats, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and even coma or death. Keep alcoholic beverages away from your cat.

4. Caffeine

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications. Ingesting caffeine can lead to restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, tremors, and death in cats.

5. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in cats, even in small quantities. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and a lack of appetite.

6. Bones

Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter and cause internal injuries or blockages if ingested by cats. Avoid giving your cat any bones.

7. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free gum and candy. It can lead to insulin release in cats, causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and even death.

8. Fat Trimmings and Table Scraps

Fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis in cats, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps or fatty trimmings.

9. Dairy Products

Many cats are lactose intolerant, which means they lack the enzymes needed to digest lactose in milk and dairy products. Feeding your cat dairy can result in digestive upset.

10. Raw Eggs, Meat, and Fish

Raw eggs, meat, and fish can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to food poisoning in cats. Cooking these foods eliminates the risk.

Always be cautious about what you feed your cat, and avoid sharing your meals unless you’re certain that the food is safe for them. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic substance or exhibits any unusual symptoms after consuming human food, contact your veterinarian immediately. It’s essential to prioritize your cat’s health and well-being by providing them with a safe and balanced diet tailored to their specific needs.