Food To Avoid Giving Your Cats This Chinese New Year
While we dive into the spirit of CNY and fill our tummies with Chinese new year goodies, cat lovers also need to take note that not all food are suitable for our furry friends! As much as we would love to share our love and joy with them, here's a list of food to avoid giving your cats:
Bak Kwa, also known as Barbecued Pork/ Meat Jerky
Bak Kwa are usually oily and rich in fats, which can cause pancreatic or heart problems if taken in excessive quantity. Your cat may have symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting after eating.
Mandarin Orange
Citrus of any kind is not good for cats. So, if you’re cooking with lemons or eating grapefruits and oranges you’ll want to keep your cat away from them. Citrus fruits of all sorts are bad for cats and will cause stomach upset and the risk of more serious medical conditions in the central nervous system.
Chocolates
Chocolate can be lethal for cats. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death. Symptoms includes vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity or even seizures.
Nuts (Pistachio/ macadamia nuts)
Though not as toxic as chocolates and alcohol, a mere handful of Macadamia nuts can lead to vomiting, muscle and joint pain, lethargy or even temporary paralysis in your pets. Pistachios are generally non-toxic but it is high in fats. Avoid giving them Pistachio that are still in the shell as it can cause digestive blockages which can be dangerous.
Alcohol
Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it is good for your cat. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms. They are toxic due to their smaller built as compared to humans and inability to process the intoxicating properties. Signs of alcohol poisoning are: Digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty in walking or standing, drowsiness, unable to coordinate themselves or slow breathing rate.
Fat Trimmings and Bones
Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. Both fat and bones may be dangerous for cats. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. And a cat can choke on a bone. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the inside of your cat's digestive system.
Too Many Treats
Eating too much too often can do the same thing to cats that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity and even diabetes.
Also, refrain from feeding any food to your friends or relatives’ pets during visiting, especially if you are unsure of their diet and allergies as some pets might have special diets to follow with. If you notice or suspect that your cat has eaten one of these foods, take her to your veterinarian immediately. While some of these foods may only cause your cat slight discomfort, others can be far more hazardous to her health. If in doubt, ask your vet for guidance.
Share this with your loved ones and have a Happy New Year!