What human foods are not good for kitties?

Our question this week was:

Hi Dr. Debra,

I love your daily letters. I really value the information that you provide. I have 4 kitties. The latest info on Christmas plants is very helpful. The question is, and I would love more information on this, what human foods are not good for kitties? I know about chicken bones and chocolate not being good for kitties for example, however, I have a lovely cat Jack who likes yogurt, none of the other cats like yogurt, and Jack really likes yogurt, is yogurt OK for him? In fact, he is pretty picky about kitty treats and yet yogurt really does it for him. And then I always hear opposing opinions on tuna and tuna water from the can, good or bad? Do kitties know not to eat what is bad for them, so is there any good logic in the statement, if they eat it, it probably is ok for them?

Thanks,

Carla Simonson

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email Carla. I appreciate your comments about our website and newsletters. We try hard to keep our cat lovers informed.

Your question was: “what human foods are not good for kitties”. I have an article on this and recommend that you read Dangerous Foods: Are They Harmful to Your Cat?.

First, I want to address your comment: “Do kitties know not to eat what is bad for them, so is there any good logic in the statement, if they eat it, it probably is ok for them?”

The answer to this is NO! I wish cats did have this knowledge but cats don’t always know what is best for them (like small children). Kids can be attracted to many poisons and toxins. So can cats. In fact, toxins such as antifreeze are slightly sweet and some cats like it. As little as one teaspoon can be fatal.

Also, cats will ingest nonfood items that can digest that can also be fatal. Many “foreign bodies” are surgically removed from cat’s stomachs and intestines. Common items are string, yarn, shoelaces, and toys.

An article that might be interesting to you is Gastrointestinal Foreign Body in Cats

There is nothing in yogurt, tuna, tuna juice, etc that he needs. He needs a good quality cat food. I do realize that treats are fun to give and there are many commercially available ones you can buy and several recipes for homemade ones.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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