Cats have a habit of getting into everything from cabinets to pantries to tightly-sealed spaces, but did you know that their curious romps could result in your kitty being poisoned? Cats have a keen sense of smell and are usually intelligent enough to avoid toxic substances, but many things are undetectable to them, especially foods that are mixed with other ingredients. Most substances that are toxic to humans when ingested (cleaning products, medical syrums, etc.) are also toxic to cats, but cats also have a list of strange sensitivities that are not common knowledge. The following is a breakdown of the most common toxic substances to avoid in households with cats.
#1 Dairy: The age-old image of giving a bowl of cream to a kitten is certainly based in truth considering how much cats love the taste of milk products, but the sad truth is that adult cats can not digest the protein enzymes in cow's milk. Ice cream, cheese, milk, cream, sour cream, kefir, yogurt, and whey should all be avoided. Once cats have been weaned off their mother's milk, they no longer need the probiotics and proteins found in milk. Casein, a milk protein, actually interferes with a cat's ability to absorb other nutrients. So, all in all, it is best to avoid giving dairy treats to cats once they have reached adulthood.
#2 Houseplants: Many varieties of common houseplants are toxic to cats, which is unfortunate considering how much they love to nibble on grasses and hide in potted trees. The best way to keep a house feeling green and lively without killing your kitty is to furnish it with safe plants and give your kitty access to cat grasses, common seedlings which can be purchased for a few dollars at pet supply stores. Common plants that are toxic to cats include aloe vera, azalea, baby's breath, carnation, daffodil, hyacinth, marijuana, lillies, citrus fruits, tomato, and tulip. When ingested, these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and death. A complete A-Z list of toxic plants can be found here: House Plants that are Toxic to Cats.
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| Kitties love playing with houseplants, which is why it is especially important to know which ones can make them sick! |
#3 Onions and Garlic: The enzymes in onions and garlic destruct red blood cells in cats. Also, due to the mild intensity of their stomach acids compared to those of humans, garlic and onions severely irritate the stomachs and intestines of cats. Also, the intense flavors are overwhelming for them and can cause watery eyes and sneezing (much like in humans)!
#4 Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaloid that is toxic to cats. It also contains caffeine, which their little systems can not handle, and sugar, which they can not taste or process. No chocolate for kitty!
#5 Yeast: Cats can not tolerate this fungus and experience urinary problems, digestive issues, and allergic reactions when they ingest it. Keep kitty off the counter when baking with yeast!
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| Cats have a very short digestive tract and a sensitive system, so it is important to prevent them from ingesting irritable substances. |
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