After seeing a post asking if bread is OK for cats I thought I would post the following although I appreciate many of you will know already but even if one person doesn't then it is worthwhile.:-
As people have become more health conscious, so have they been paying more attention to the health needs of the furry members of the family. To this end many animal lovers have become aware that the majority of commercial pet foods contain unhealthy ingredients and have shifted instead to sharing the refrigerator and cupboards. While natural, fresh food is far healthier than by-products and preservatives, keep in mind that the foods listed below are known to be toxic to cats and dogs because of the different ways animals metabolise them. Also cats MUST have cat food as it has taurine in it and without it cats it they can suffer brain damage and blindness.
Apple seeds: Can cause gastrointestinal irritation, poor co-ordination, difficulty breathing, shock, coma & death
Baby foods that contain onion powder:
Bones fish: can splinter and cause obstruction or laceration of stomach or intestines
Canned Tuna for human consumption: If fed in large amounts, can cause malnutrition because it lacks the proper levels of vitamins and minerals; can possibly cause mercury poisoning.
Cat food (for dogs): Too high in protein and fat for a dog.
Dog Food (for cats): If fed repeatedly may result in malnutrition and heart diseases
Chicken Bones: Though not toxic, chicken bones can get stuck in the roof of the mouth, throat and intestines, and should be avoided, according to many veterinarians. Splinters of chicken bones can also become lodged internally.
Chocolate: Although many people are aware that chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs, it's something that is commonly left on a table or counter top. Dogs may tear into a box of chocolates when the opportunity presents itself. I know this can be true when recently someone brought me a box of Thornton’s, I left them downstairs and a few mins later Badger (my dog) had torn the box open and was eating them, I was worried about Badger and also gutted at the loss of my precious cargo. Even a small amount of chocolate can.cause coma and death. In lesser quantities, it will cause gastrointestinal problems including diarrhoea. The degree of toxicity depends on the weight of the animal and the amount and type of chocolate consumed. Semi-sweet and bakers chocolate, for instance, contain more theobromine than regular chocolate, making them even more toxic to animals. Dogs love chocolate, so don't let taste be a test of what is healthy. Anything containing cocoa or chocolate should be avoided
Grapes & Raisins: Though it isn't clear to scientists just what makes grapes and raisins toxic to both cats and dogs, even a relatively small amount can damage the kidneys. For this reason it's unwise to feed these to your pet, even if small amounts are tolerated. Also avoid giving bits of cookie or other foods that contain raisins.
Garlic, Onions, and Powders: Whether fresh, cooked or powdered, garlic and/or onions can be found among the ingredients of many prepared meals, including baby food. Garlic and onions are toxic to cats and dogs because sulfoxides and disulfides found in them can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia. Onions are more problematic than garlic, but both should be avoided. If preparing a meal for yourself that will contain garlic or onions, consider preparing a side portion without these ingredients for your animals.
Human vitamin/minerals supplements containing iron: Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs, including the liver and kidneys.
Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are soft, light-coloured nuts often used in cookie recipes. They are considered toxic to dogs because they tend to cause gastrointestinal upsets, lethargy, vomiting and muscle tremors or stiffness.
Mushrooms: Various species of mushrooms are toxic to dogs, and can cause shock and death. Effects will differ depending on the type ingested, but avoid feeding any type. Pluck "backyard mushrooms" that might sprout on the lawn, as these are known to be toxic to canines.
Raw eggs: if fed regularly: Decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin) if fed regularly, which can lead to skin and coat problems.
Raw fish: if fed regularly: Can cause a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency, leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases death
Tomatoes and tomato plants: Tomatoes of all kinds are toxic to cats, as are parts of the tomato plant. Ingesting as little as a cherry tomato can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.
Xylitol: an artificial sweetener used in several brands of sugar-free candy and gum and in other products: In dogs, even a small amount can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which can lead to depression, lack of coordination, seizures, liver failure, and even death.
Yeast dough: Can expand in the stomach, possibly rupturing the stomach or intestineTreatments
Other foods to avoid include raw potatoes, especially those containing green spots; turkey skin; nutmeg; and anything with caffeine, including tea. Caffeine (and theobromine or theophylline) can affect the heart and nervous system Alcohol and hops should also be avoided as alcohol poisoning can lead to coma and death. Do not allow your pet to rummage through the trash, as mouldy food contains toxins that can cause serious illness.
Many cats have lost their life when given treatments for dogs, even worm treatments for dogs can kill a cat.
Since many of the signs of toxicity are similar, call your vet immediately if your pet appears distressed, lethargic or in pain. Bloomin stools or vomiting are also possible signs of toxic poisoning. Gastrointestinal problems can lead to gas build-up until the stomach becomes distended or bloated and hard to the touch. This is a painful condition that can cause the stomach to burst if not treated.
Sorry I did not realise how much I had posted.
