Safe And Unsafe Treats For Cats

With the holiday season ramping up into full swing, those delicious seasonal foods are popping up everywhere. We’re definitely ready for some of those yummy meals and appetizers! Your feline pal will also appreciate some special snacks. Just be careful with what you give your pet. Many popular foods are toxic to kitties! Here, an Ellicott City, MD vet lists some safe and unsafe foods for cats.

Safe Foods

Many of our feline patients will be paying close attention as their humans prepare things like turkeys, chickens, and Cornish hens. You can definitely share some of your main course with your cat. Just be sure to only give her cooked, plain meat, with no bones, skin, or fat. Shredded deli meats are also fine, as are most types of fish and seafood. Your kitty may also enjoy a bowl of sodium-free broth, or a can of plain tuna or chicken in water. Store-bought treats are also fine.

Dangerous Options

There’s actually a fairly long list of foods you should never give your cat. Meat on the bone is at the top here. Bones are very brittle, especially when they’ve been cooked, and can choke your pet or cause internal damage if swallowed. Cats should also never have garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; nuts; mushrooms; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; raw dough or yeast; or pitted fruits. Dairy products are unsafe as well. Despite popular belief, milk actually isn’t good for kitties. Finally, avoid giving your kitty processed foods; anything high in fat, salt, or sugar; and anything that contains xylitol.

Tips

Cats won’t always go for dangerous foods on their own, but may eat them if coaxed to. This can be a concern with children, as little kids sometimes try to ‘share’ their food with their feline buddies, not realizing the danger. Ask guests not to feed your pet, and keep a close eye on younger visitors.

Homemade Goodies

Why not make your cat some homemade treats? Here’s an easy one: combine a can of tuna in water with plain yogurt, ¾ cup whole-wheat or rye flour, and some parsley. You can also add an egg. Use a bottle cap to portion the treats out on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Voila! Happy Holidays! Please feel free to contact us, your Ellicott City, MD vet clinic, anytime.