What should cats not eat? The comprehensive table

Every cat owner knows the feeling when their beloved furry friend sniffs their food with interest. But be careful, not everything that tastes good to us humans is also suitable for our four-legged friends.

Foods that are poisonous for cats include chocolate, tuna, onions and raw pork. In this article, you will learn which foods are dangerous for cats, how to recognize and avoid poisoning and how to act correctly in an emergency.

Why it is important to know what cats should not eat

Cats have a different digestive system than humans and therefore cannot tolerate all the foods we eat. Some foods that are harmless to us can be toxic to cats and lead to serious health problems or even death . That's why it's important to know exactly what your cat can and can't eat. So knowing the right diet for your cat is not just a matter of care, it can be life-saving .

Some of the dangerous foods can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or even more serious problems in cats. Here are a few examples:

• Chocolate can harm the cardiovascular system.
• Onions and garlic can cause anemia.
• Certain bones can cause injuries to the digestive tract.
• So it is of utmost importance that you educate yourself on your cat's nutritional needs to keep them healthy and happy .

The comprehensive table: What cats should not eat

Creating a comprehensive chart showing what cats cannot eat is very helpful. It serves as a quick reference to check whether a food is safe or not. Toxic foods should be clearly labeled and sorted into categories such as vegetables, meat products and household items.

For example, the table could list the following categories and examples:

• Vegetables: onions, garlic, raw potatoes
• Meat products: raw pork, raw fish
• Household items: chocolate, caffeine, alcohol Each item should also include information on toxicity and possible symptoms .

It is important that the table is easy to understand and always accessible . A clear and simple presentation helps you to act quickly in an emergency. This way you can ensure that your cat only gets what is really good for her.

Symptoms of poisoning: What you should look out for

If you suspect your cat has eaten something poisonous, it is important to recognize the symptoms of poisoning . The most common signs include gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea, excessive salivation and loss of appetite . Neurological symptoms such as tremors , convulsions or impaired consciousness may also occur. Also watch for breathing problems , weakness and bleeding , for example in the urine or from the gums.

The symptoms of poisoning can vary depending on the poison ingested. Here are some symptoms you should not overlook:

• Restlessness and increased salivation.
• Pale gray mucous membranes.
• Unsteady gait and seizures.
• Heart problems such as irregular heartbeat.
• dilation or constriction of the pupils.

If you see such signs, you should not waste any time and take your cat to the vet immediately , because quick action can save your life.

First Aid for Poisoning: What You Can Do Immediately

If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned , it is important to act quickly. Staying calm is the first step, as panic can have a negative effect on your pet. Check whether the cat is conscious and breathing. If it is unconscious , carefully place it in the recovery position and pull the tongue slightly to the side so that it does not choke on vomit. These measures will help to bridge the time until you reach the vet.

It is crucial not to waste any time and take the cat to the vet immediately . Along the way, you can try to gather information about the poison that may have been ingested. Knowing what substance your cat has ingested can help the vet act more quickly . However, avoid giving your cat any home remedies or inducing vomiting without prior instruction from a professional, as this could worsen the condition.

Prevention: How to protect your cat from toxic foods

To protect your cat from toxic foods , it's important that you take some preventative measures . For example, you should make sure that foods that may be dangerous to cats are always kept out of their reach . This may mean installing cat-proof locks on cupboards or making sure that food is not left out in the open. You should also avoid feeding your cat leftovers , as this could inadvertently contain dangerous substances.

It is also helpful to establish clear rules , for example that the cat does not jump on work surfaces where food is being prepared or eaten. Here are some simple measures you can implement:

• Keep the cat away from the kitchen while cooking and eating.
• Always store food in sealed containers or cupboards.
• Be especially careful during the holidays , as there are often more tempting foods available to cats during these times.

By taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of your cat coming into contact with toxic foods and endangering its health .

Answers to frequently asked questions about cat nutrition

Cat owners often wonder how to feed their pets properly . It is important to know that cats have special nutritional needs and not all foods that humans eat are suitable for them. For example, cats are carnivores , which means they mainly need meat . It is crucial to ensure that the food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates . Here are some points to consider:

• Cats need a lot of protein and few carbohydrates.
• Wet food is better for overweight cats because it has fewer calories.
• Dry food contains more energy but also less water.

Another common question is the amount of food a cat needs each day. This depends on various factors, such as the cat's age , activity level and health . Young and active cats need more energy, while older or less active animals need less. It is helpful to monitor food intake and adjust it if necessary. Some guidelines for the right amount of food are:

• Young animals and active cats need more food.
• Older or inactive cats need less.
• The amount of food should be checked and adjusted regularly.

The Most Toxic Food for Cats

Among the many foods that can be dangerous for cats, chocolate is considered particularly toxic. The reason for this is the ingredient theobromine , which is very difficult for cats to process and can cause severe symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea and even heart problems. Even small amounts can be life-threatening for a cat, which is why chocolate should always be kept safe and never used as a snack for cats.

Besides chocolate, there are other particularly toxic foods for cats that you should know about:

• Onions and garlic : Can cause anemia.
• Alcohol : Very dangerous even in small quantities.
• Caffeine : May cause nervousness, tremors and irregular heart rhythm.

These substances are highly toxic to cats and should therefore never appear in your cat's diet. It is important that you, as a cat owner, know this information and protect your cat from these dangerous foods .

What can cats eat from humans?

There are certain foods that you can safely share with your cat. These include cooked meats like chicken or turkey, as long as they are unseasoned and boneless. Cooked fish is also fine, but make sure there are no bones in it. Here are a few safe options:

• Unseasoned chicken or turkey (cooked)
• Cooked fish (without bones)

In addition to meat and fish, cats can also eat certain vegetables . Cooked carrots or broccoli, for example, are well tolerated. It is important that the vegetables are cooked until soft and not seasoned. Small amounts of cheese can also be OK, as long as your cat is not lactose intolerant. Some safe vegetable options:

• Soft-boiled carrots
• Cooked broccoli
• Small amounts of cheese (if tolerated)

Can cats eat cheese? A clear answer

Cats can eat cheese in small amounts , but it is important to see this only as an occasional treat. Please note:

• Not all types of cheese are suitable for cats; some may be indigestible.
• Lactose intolerance is not uncommon in cats, so low-lactose cheeses are preferable.
• The amount should be very small , about the size of a dice, and should not be given daily .

Long-term consequences of poor nutrition in cats

Improper nutrition can cause long-term health problems in cats that are not always immediately apparent. Possible problems include:

• Underweight due to insufficient intake of nutrients, often recognizable by shaggy fur
• Obesity caused by a high energy content in carbohydrates, whereby a limit of 5 milligrams per kilogram per day should not be exceeded
• Dental problems such as periodontal disease, which are promoted by a diet rich in grains and carbohydrates. It is therefore important to carefully monitor your cat's diet and ensure that the food is well-balanced to avoid such long-term consequences.

Understanding the nutritional needs of cats

To keep your cat healthy and happy , it is important to understand their nutritional needs . Cats are carnivores , meaning they primarily need meat . Their digestive system is specifically designed to process protein-rich foods , including:

• Sharp, pointed teeth for tearing flesh
• A relatively small stomach and a short intestine for rapid digestion

A balanced diet is crucial and should contain proteins , fats , vitamins and minerals . It is important to note that cats need few carbohydrates . Finding the right balance prevents overweight and underweight cats and contributes to a long, healthy cat life . Here are a few basic rules:

• High protein content in the feed.
• Low carbohydrate content.
• Balanced mix of vitamins and minerals.

How Nutrition Affects Your Cat's Health

Diet plays a crucial role in your cat's health . A balanced diet not only supports the immune system , but also promotes a healthy coat and strong muscles . Here are some ways in which a proper diet can affect your cat's well-being:

• High-quality proteins help maintain muscles and support regeneration .
• Essential fatty acids ensure a shiny coat and healthy skin .
• Vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system and support metabolic functions . Feeding according to needs is therefore essential to keep your cat fit and happy .

Natural and safe snacks for your cat

If you want to please your cat without risking their health, there are safe and natural snack options . Instead of sharing dangerous foods, you can offer cooked chicken or turkey without seasoning . Small amounts of cooked fish are also a good choice, just make sure there are no bones. For those who like their food plant-based, cooked carrots or broccoli can be a good snack alternative. Here are some safe snack ideas for your cat:

• Cooked chicken or turkey (skinless and boneless)
• Cooked fish (boneless)
• Soft-cooked vegetables such as carrots or broccoli
• Small amounts of low-lactose cheese if your cat can tolerate it By choosing these healthy alternatives , you will ensure that your cat stays happy and well-nourished without exposing him to unnecessary risks .

Ingredients in cat food: What to consider

When reading the ingredients in cat food, it is important to avoid harmful ingredients and interpret the information correctly. Here are a few tips on how you can do this:

• Make sure that meat or fish is at the top of the ingredients list, as this indicates a high meat content.
• "Animal by-products" can be anything from high-quality offal to low-quality waste - be especially careful here.
• Avoid food with sugar, colorings, flavorings and flavor enhancers as these are unnecessary and potentially harmful for cats.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you only feed your cat high-quality food that contributes to its health .

Holidays & Celebrations: Keeping Your Cat Safe

During holidays and celebrations, it is especially important to pay attention to your cat's diet . Access to dangerous foods is often greater and your cat may get hold of unauthorized snacks . To prevent this, you should take the following measures:

• Store food safely : Make sure that all foods, especially poisonous ones, are out of reach of your cat.
• Supervise cats during the party : Keep an eye on your cat when guests are present who may not be aware of what is dangerous for cats.
• Provide your cat with their own snacks : Offer your cat safe alternatives so that he doesn't feel left out. By following these tips, you can ensure your cat stays safe and healthy during special occasions.

Dealing with curious cats: tips to avoid dangers

Curious cats can be a challenge , especially if they tend to eat anything they find. To avoid danger , make sure that dangerous foods are not freely accessible. Here are a few simple tips:

• Put food away immediately after you have used it
• Garbage containers should always be closed
• Monitor your cat when new foods or plants come into the house These strategies will help keep your curious cat safe and healthy .

Keep your cat safe with Flappie

Flappie offers an innovative solution to keep your cat safe and healthy . Flappie's smart cat flap prevents your cat from bringing prey animals such as birds or mice into your home. This technology offers selective access control and uses cameras and artificial intelligence to detect prey animals. This keeps your home clean and prey-free .

The advantages of Flappies cat flap are manifold and contribute to the health of your cat :

• No unwanted prey animals in the house, which increases hygiene
• Reduced risk of diseases transmitted by prey
• Peace and security for you and your cat, as there are no more unpleasant surprises to be expected Thanks to the Flappie app, you also have the option to control the cat flap remotely and receive notifications and videos of your cat – for modern and controlled cat ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should cats definitely not eat?

There are a number of foods that cats should not eat because they are toxic to them. These include chocolate, tuna, onions, raw pork, garlic, raw potatoes, caffeine and alcohol. These foods can cause serious health problems or even death.

What is the most poisonous thing for cats?

The most toxic food for cats is chocolate. The ingredient theobromine, which is contained in chocolate, is very difficult for cats to process and can cause severe symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea and heart problems. Even small amounts can be life-threatening.

What human food can cats eat?

Cats can eat certain human foods, including cooked meats such as chicken or turkey as long as they are unseasoned and boneless, and cooked fish as long as they are free of bones. Certain vegetables such as cooked carrots or broccoli are also well tolerated, and small amounts of cheese may be OK as long as the cat is not lactose intolerant.

Can you give cats cheese?

Cats can eat cheese in small amounts, but it should only be seen as an occasional treat. Not all cheeses are suitable and many cats are lactose intolerant, so low-lactose cheeses are preferable. The amount should be very small and not given daily.