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Can Cats Eat Eggs? Human Foods That Are a No-No for Kitties

Cats love to eat human foods, but some can be poisonous and even life threatening.

By Kathy GPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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CATS are obligate carnivores which means that they have to eat a diet that's predominantly meat.

But that doesn't stop them from wanting to gobble up all kinds of human food.

Here's the lowdown on what's safe for your kitty to eat and what's definitely off the miaow-nu...

Can cats eat eggs?

Cats shouldn't eat raw eggs because they can harbour bacteria such as salmonella. They also contain a protein called advin which can bind biotin (vitamin B6), making it impossible for cats to absorb. Over time this could lead to a vitamin deficiency.

However, cats CAN eat cooked eggs, either boiled or scrambled, and they're actually quite good for them since they're packed full of protein and amino acids.

Just be careful with portion control and only give small portions of egg at a time so your kitty doesn't become overweight.

Is chocolate poisonous to cats?

While humans can delight in a bar of chocolate every now and then it's not so good for our furry friends. Chocolate contains Theobromine, which is most concentrated in dark and unsweetened varieties. This can cause seizures, heart problems or muscle tremors. A small amount of chocolate isn't likely to be fatal but larger quantities can be lethal.

Can alcohol kill a cat?

Image Credit: Vja2 via Flickr

Alcohol taken in large quantities can be dangerous for humans but even a small amount can be lethal for kitties. Just two teaspoons of whiskey could put a five-pound cat in a coma and three could be fatal. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause severe liver and brain damage in cats.

Can cats drink milk?

Image Credit: George Hodan

No. Cats are lactose intolerant, so although they might seem to love cow's milk and cheese, they're not very good for their tummies and can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Instead of dairy milk, opt for water or a specially formulated cat milk which can be purchased at your local pet store or supermarket. However, some cats are more tolerant of milk than others, so if your cat is one of them, it's okay to give them a small amount of goat's milk or unpasteurised milk as an occasional treat. Oat milk is also safe for cats but other non-dairy milks such as soy or almond should be avoided because cats don't digest plant proteins very well.

Can cats eat grapes and raisins?

Image Credit: Malingering via Flickr

There's no evidence to suggest that grapes are harmful to cats. But there have been cases of dogs eating raisins and grapes which have lead to severe kidney failure—so they're best avoided just to be on the safe side. Other possible symptoms to watch out for include lethargy, weakness, and seizures. If you notice this and suspect your cat has eaten grapes, it's best to seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Are onions and garlic poisonous to cats?

Image Credit: Bianca Bueno via Flickr

Cats can have digestive problems if they eat onions, garlic or chives. Large quantities of any type of onion, whether it's raw, powdered or dehydrated, can break down a cat's red blood cells and lead to anemia if eaten regularly.

Can cats eat tuna?

Image Credit: Toshihiro Gamo via Flickr

Cats love fish, especially tasty tuna, right? But just like humans, cats can be susceptible to bacteria and mercury poisoning when eating tuna raw. Cooking the tuna eliminates this risk but too much tuna in a cat's diet can lead to malnutrition as it won't have all the nutrients that kitties need. Also, if you're giving your cat canned tuna, you should avoid tins that are packed with brine or oil and salt and instead opt for tuna in water. Another option is tuna-flavoured wet cat food.

Is caffeine bad for cats?

Image Credit: Mr.TinDC via Flickr

Although coffee is a vice for many humans, it can be cat-astrophic for kitties. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include heart palpitations, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and restlessness. A few drops are unlikely to do any harm but larger quantities can be fatal.

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About the Creator

Kathy G

Kathy is an Irish writer and journalist who is crazy about cats and playing the ukulele. She loves to write about matters close to her heart and help fight the stigma against mental illness.

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