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Why leftovers can be dangerous for your cats
FEEDING cats from the dining table may feel harmless, but familiar meals can contain ingredients that cause illness, poisoning or long-term nutritional problems.
Cats are remarkably good at appearing whenever food reaches the table. A piece of fried chicken, spoonful of rice or flake of fish may seem like a harmless treat, especially when the cat is staring patiently beside the plate.
However, food prepared for people is rarely suitable for cats. It may contain toxic ingredients, excessive salt and fat, sharp bones or simply lack the nutrients cats require.
Fish and rice are not enough
The image of a cat eating rice mixed with fish remains common, but it should not be treated as a proper daily diet.
Plain, fully cooked rice is not poisonous to cats. The problem is that cats are obligate carnivores, which means they depend on animal-derived nutrients to remain healthy. A bowl filled mainly with rice leaves less room for the protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids they need.
Fish may provide protein, but fish and rice alone do not form a complete and balanced diet. Regularly relying on the mixture can create nutritional deficiencies, even when the cat finishes every serving.
The fish itself may introduce other dangers. Fried, curried or sambal-coated fish can contain salt, oil, chilli, onion and garlic. Small bones may become lodged in the mouth or throat, while cooked bones can splinter and injure the digestive tract.
Plain, cooked and deboned fish may be given occasionally, but it should remain a treat rather than the basis of every meal.
Onion hides everywhere
Onion is one of the most important ingredients to keep away from cats because it appears in so many everyday dishes. It can be found in soups, curries, gravies, sauces, fried rice, burger patties and spice mixtures.
Garlic, chives, leeks and shallots belong to the same allium family and pose similar dangers. These ingredients can irritate the digestive system and damage red blood cells, potentially causing anaemia.
Cooking does not make onion or garlic safe. Powdered forms are also dangerous and may be present in seasoning packets, stock cubes, processed meat and baby food.
Possible signs include vomiting, weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, an elevated heart rate and blood in the urine. Symptoms may not always appear immediately.
Skip the seasoned leftovers
Cats may enjoy meat, but leftovers from lunch or dinner usually come with ingredients they do not need. Fried chicken skin, fatty meat and rich gravy can cause vomiting or diarrhoea, while a particularly fatty meal may contribute to pancreatitis.
Processed foods such as sausages, nuggets, burger patties, deli meat and canned luncheon meat are generally high in salt and fat. Even canned tuna prepared for people should not become a regular substitute for cat food. Besides being nutritionally incomplete, some varieties contain added salt, oil or flavourings.
If sharing meat, offer only a small amount of plain, fully cooked chicken, beef or turkey with the skin, seasoning and bones removed.
Milk is not a natural treat
Cartoons have helped preserve the idea that cats should be given saucers of milk. In reality, many adult cats cannot digest lactose properly.
Milk, cream, cheese and other dairy products may cause bloating, diarrhoea or vomiting. Cats should normally drink fresh water. Special lactose-free cat milk can be offered occasionally, but it should not replace water or balanced food.
Sweets and drinks bring risks
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, substances that can cause an abnormal heartbeat, tremors, seizures and other serious problems. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain particularly high concentrations.
Coffee, tea and energy drinks also contain caffeine. Alcohol can affect the brain and liver, while raw yeast dough can expand inside the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants should also be kept away from cats. Evidence of grape toxicity is clearer in dogs, but veterinarians recommend avoiding them because the potential risk is serious.
Owners should also check sugar-free chewing gum, sweets, baked goods and some peanut butters for xylitol. Its effects are better documented in dogs, but there is no reason to expose a cat to the sweetener.
Feed the cat, not the stereotype
Complete and balanced commercial cat food remains the simplest everyday option. Safe human food, such as a little plain cooked meat or deboned fish, should only be an occasional treat and should not exceed about 10% of the cat’s diet.
If a cat eats onion, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol or another potentially toxic food, contact a veterinarian promptly. Note what was eaten, approximately how much and when it happened.
Do not wait for symptoms or attempt to make the cat vomit unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.