It's fair to say that many people love their pet cats.
After all, they're cute, cuddly and offer essential companionship. This is why many people go out of their way to keep them safe.
However, some common foods in your house could cause them a lot of harm. In fact, in some instances, they could be deadly.
A video recently shared by Flerken Cats on TikTok revealed six foods that can be super harmful to your feline friends. Without even noticing, you may have some items around the house that can be "toxic" to your pets.
Here's what you need to know about harmful foods. It's best to keep them away from your cats at all times.
Chocolate
As much as humans may love the sweet treat, chocolate is toxic to cats and can be fatal. This is largely due to the presence of theobromine - a stimulant that cats are highly sensitive to.
Chocolate comprises of theobromine and caffeine, which are stimulants that cats metabolize in a very different way to humans.
When consumed, the food can cause cats to experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate, restlessness, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can also lead to seizures, coma and even death.
Milk
While many cats can enjoy the taste of milk, it's usually not good for them due to lactose intolerance. Consuming it can cause digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
The majority of cats lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose (the sugar in milk). If a cat consumes milk, the undigested lactose can cause diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain.
Tinned tuna
While tuna can be a safe treat for cats occasionally, tinned tuna should only be given in moderation. In fact, some say it's better to avoid it completely.
This is due to potential mercury toxicity and the lack of essential nutrients for cats. Tuna, particularly larger varieties like albacore, can comprise of high levels of mercury, which can be toxic to cats when consumed in large amounts.
Tea and coffee
Tea and coffee shouldn't be given to cats as both contain caffeine, which is toxic to cats. It can cause various health problems, including restlessness, rapid breathing and even seizures.
Cats are much more sensitive to caffeine than humans, so they should never consume it. When too much is consumed, it could even lead to death.
Avocado
Avocados contain a toxin called persin that can be harmful to animals like cats and dogs. This is mostly found in the skin, leaves and pit of the avocado.
If a cat eats a lot of it, it can be super harmful. A tablespoon of the common fruit is said to be enough to do a lot of damage.
Alcohol
Though us humans many enjoy a tipple, alcohol is "highly toxic" to cats, with even small amounts being super harmful. Consumption can lead to serious health problems and even death in some cases.
They are particularly sensitive to the substance as they're so small, which means even a little can cause damage. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased coordination, difficulty breathing and, in severe cases, coma or death.
If you suspect your cat has consumed anything harmful, contact your vet immediately. You should always seek professional advice before trying to treat your pet.
