🐱 8 Foods Your Cat Should Avoid - Super Detailed Guide

Many cat lovers in Hong Kong desperately want to treat their cats well, often sharing their own food with their cats. But let me be clear: just because humans can eat something, cats can! In fact, cats' bodies are completely different from ours, and some foods can be poisonous to them, and in severe cases, even fatal.

We've compiled a list of eight foods your cat should absolutely avoid. These are all based on reliable information and Hong Kong cat-raising experience, so you won't make the same mistakes that harm your pet.

1️⃣ Onions, garlic, and leeks🧄🧅

Danger : It belongs to the Allium family and contains sulfides, which can destroy red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia.

• Symptoms : Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, and in severe cases, shock or even death.
• Common misconception : Some cats may accidentally lick the chopped onions and garlic that fall while frying, which is enough to cause harm.

Editor's note: Hong Kong people basically say "no scallions, no dish" when cooking, so the host must be careful and don't take it lightly.

2️⃣ Chocolate 🍫

Dangers : Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats.

• Symptoms : vomiting, rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors, convulsions, and in severe cases, death.
• Special note : Dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content and is more toxic.

Editor's perspective👉 Many owners in Hong Kong eat chocolate cookies and cakes. The owners are drooling while watching them in isolation, but please don't be soft-hearted.

3️⃣ Alcohol 🍷🍺

Danger : Cats are extremely sensitive to alcohol, and even a small amount can be fatal.

• Symptoms : Vomiting, unsteady gait, convulsions, difficulty breathing.
• Common misconception : Some owners think that "a little is okay," but for cats, any alcohol is dangerous.

Editor's thoughts 👉 Hong Kong people often have alcohol at parties, and cats are very curious, so remember not to give them the chance to lick you.

4️⃣ Milk and dairy products🥛🧀

Danger : Most cats are lactose intolerant and do not have the lactase in their stomachs to break down lactose.

• Symptoms : Diarrhea, gastroenteritis, dehydration.
• Myth : Cartoons often depict cats drinking milk, but this is not appropriate in real life.
• Alternatives : There is special "lactose-free milk for pets" on the market.

Editor's reminder: Many new cat owners in Hong Kong give their cats milk as soon as they get them home. As a result, the cats get stomachaches immediately, which is really not worth it.

5️⃣ Grapes and raisins 🍇

Danger : The cause is not fully understood, but there have been numerous cases in which grapes have caused kidney failure in cats.

• Symptoms : vomiting, abdominal pain, depression, and in the later stages, symptoms of renal failure may appear.
• Especially dangerous : Raisins are more toxic, so please don't compare them.

Editor's perspective👉 Hong Kong supermarkets often have raisins and dried raisin snacks. Owners enjoy eating them, but they must be kept away and not let their pets touch them.

6️⃣ Caffeinated drinks ☕🧋

Dangers : Coffee, tea, and energy drinks all contain caffeine, which is toxic to a cat's nervous system.

• Symptoms : Rapid heartbeat, restlessness, muscle tremors, and convulsions.
• Common misconception : Some hosts think that "drinks shouldn't be that serious", but in fact, even a small sip is enough to cause danger.

Editor's reminder: Hong Kong people love to drink milk tea and coffee. Your pet is very curious and will often stick its head out to sniff. The owner must stop it.

7️⃣ Raw fish and raw meat 🍣🥩

Dangers : Contains bacteria (such as Salmonella and E. coli), parasites, and may cause vitamin B1 deficiency.

• Symptoms : Vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, neurological problems.
• Misconception : Some people think that "cats are carnivores, so raw meat is natural", but in fact, the risks are extremely high.
• Correct method : Only use cooked, unseasoned meat.

Editor's Thoughts👉 Hong Kong people love eating sashimi, but remember, you can't share your sushi platter.

8️⃣ High-salt seasoning foods 🍲🥓

Dangers : Excessive salt intake can cause poisoning and increase the burden on the kidneys.

• Symptoms : Vomiting, convulsions, unusual thirst, kidney disease.
• Common foods : ham, sausage, potato chips, soup base.
• The right way : All cat food should be unseasoned.

Editor's perspective👉 Most Hong Kong people cook with a strong flavor, but please don't "share some" with your master, it will really kill him.

🐱 Cat Food Taboo Checklist 📝

✅Onions , garlic, and leeks☑️ are absolutely prohibited as they will destroy red blood cells and cause severe anemia.

✅Chocolate☑️ contains theobromine, which can cause poisoning or even death.

✅Alcohol☑️ Cats are extremely sensitive to alcohol and any amount is dangerous.

✅Milk and dairy products☑️ Most cats are lactose intolerant and prone to diarrhea.

✅Grapes and raisins☑️ can cause kidney failure and are highly toxic.

✅Caffeinated drinks☑️ including coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can affect the nerves and heart.

✅Raw fish and raw meat☑️ contain bacteria and parasites, and may also lead to vitamin B1 deficiency.

✅High -salt seasoning foods☑️ such as ham, sausage, potato chips, and soup base will increase the burden on the kidneys.

A final reminder: cats are dedicated carnivores . What they truly need is complete cat food and fresh water. Never "show your love" by using human food. As long as owners adhere to basic principles, they can enjoy a long and healthy life with you 🐱💖.