Human Foods for Cats ?: A Guide to Safe VS Toxic "Table Scraps" for Cats

By Franny Syufy, About.com Guide

Let's face it: some cats are inveterate "bums" and will beg and plead most appealingly while you try to eat. While I will (rarely) give a cat a tidbit of chicken or turkey from my plate, it's a practice I don't encourage as a regular habit for a few reasons. First, because cats need the nutrients specifically provided for them in good, premium cat foods, and any "extras" that they consume will take away their appetites for their regular meals. A sliver of turkey or chicken from your dinner plate certainly won't kill a cat, but you're helping him develop bad habits. What happens when Aunt Phoebe comes for dinner and Simon jumps on her lap to scarf up her meal ?

However, the main reason I'd discourage feeding cats "people food" is that there are a number of foods that are toxic to cats. You may have forgotten that the gravy slathered over your Thanksgiving turkey used broth that was flavored with onion, among other things. While it is tasty and harmless to humans, onions are very toxic to cats. The following is a list of foods that cats should never eat:

Onions, Garlic, & Related Root Vegetables

Onions contain a substance (N-propyl disulphide) which destroys red blood cells in the cat, causing a form of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Garlic contains a similar substance in a lesser amount.

Green Tomatoes, Green (raw Potatoes)

These foods are members of the Solanaceae family of plants, which includes the Deadly Night shade, and contain a bitter, poisonous alkaloid called Glycoalkaloid Solanine, which can cause violent lower gastrointestinal symptoms. The leaves and stems are particularly toxic. (Tomatoes in pet foods are ripe, and should cause no concern because they appear in relatively small amounts)

Grapes and Raisins

These foods' toxicity has mainly been found in dogs, in quantities of varying amounts. The ASPCA advises: "As there are still many unknowns with the toxic potential of grapes and raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount." That's good enough for me.

Milk

Although milk is not toxic to cats, it may have adverse effects. Simply put, adult cats fed a nutritious diet don't need milk, and many cats are lactose-intolerant, which means that the lactose in milk and milk products produces stomach upset, cramps, and gassiness. If your cat loves milk, and begs for it, a small amount of cream may be okay, two or three times a week. (The more fat in the milk, the less lactose.) Another compromise is CatSip, a product made from skim milk with an enzyme added that helps the digestion of lactose. Catsip is available in supermarkets such as Safeway, Albertson's and A&P, as well as pet products chains, such as PetSmart and Petco.

Chocolate for cat ?

The short answer is no. Chocolate contains naturally occurring methylxanthines caffeine & theobromine. The concentration of theobromine is much higher than that of caffeine, but both cause toxicity in cats (and dogs).

Dogs are generally more susceptible than cats, no doubt because they are more likely to consume large quantities of chocolate, whereas cats are generally more finicky eaters & therefore less likely to voluntarily consume chocolate, especially in large quantities.

Different kinds of chocolate contain different levels. Cooking chocolate contains the highest levels of methylxanthines, followed by dark chocolate, milk chocolate & white chocolate.

If you suspect or know your cat (or dog) has ingested chocolate seek veterinary advice immediately.

What does methylxanthines do?

• It acts as a diuretic, causing the body to lose fluids.
• Cardiac stimulant; causing the heart to race.
• Central nervous system stimulant;  

Methylxanthines cause central nervous system stimulation, diureses, cardiac muscle stimulation & smooth muscle relaxation.

What are the symptoms?

• Vomiting & diarrhoea.
• Hyperactivity.
• Restlessness.
• Frequent urination & or urinary incontinence. 

These can progress to more severe symptoms including:

• Cardiac dysfunction.
• Muscle tremors.
• Seizures.
• Coma.
• Death.

How is methylxanthine poisoning diagnosed?

How is it treated?

• If ingestion of chocolate has been within 2 hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting in the cat, including administering activated charcoal to prevent any further amounts of methylxanthine being absorbed.
• Intubation & artificial ventilation.
• Medications to control tremors & seizures.
• Cardiac monitoring (ECG)

These are the most commonly seen "people foods" that are potentially harmful to cats. The bottom line is to feed your cat nutritious food developed with his needs in mind and choose treats designed for cats instead of table scraps.

References:

Symptoms vary on the age of the cat (kittens are more susceptible than adults), and the quantity ingested. If enough is ingested, death can occur. The first signs of methylxanthine poisoning can include: