Dangerous Foods
Because they’re so picky eaters, we sometimes believe Persian cats know what’s good for them when it comes to nutrition.
But just because they walk away from a piece of spoiled meat doesn’t mean they’ll avoid an open can of tuna. And that can of tuna can threaten their health.
In fact, you will be surprised when you figure out which usual foods your Persian cats should never eat.
Tuna
Persian Cats may get addicted to tuna, whether it’s packaged for cats or humans. A little tuna from time to time presumably won’t hurt.
But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition since it doesn’t contain all the nutrients your Persian cat needs.
too much tuna can also cause mercury poisoning. Remember the saying, “Honest as a cat when the meat is out of reach.” Your cat will see an open can of tuna by the sink as an invitation to dinner.
Onion, Garlic, and Chives
Onions in all forms – powdered, raw, cooked or dehydrated – can destroy your Persian cat’s red blood cells, causing anemia.
The same applies to the onion powder found in some baby foods. Eating a large amount once or eating small amounts regularly can lead to onion poisoning.
Besides onions, garlic, which is 5 times more potent than onions, and chives can also cause significant and potentially life-threatening health issues.
Milk and other dairy products
What’s wrong with offering your cat a small plate of milk or a piece of cheese?
Most cats are lactose intolerant. Their digestive systems cannot process dairy products, and the result can be indigestion with diarrhea.
Alcohol
Beer, liquor, wine, foods that contain alcohol…. none of these are good for your Persian cat.
That’s because alcohol has the same outcomes on your cat’s liver and brain as it does on humans.
But it takes much less to do its damage. Just two teaspoons of whiskey can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and another teaspoon could kill your cat. The higher the strength, the worse the symptoms.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are often used as treats for pets. However, this is not something good.
Although it’s not clear why grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. And even a small amount can make a cat sick.
Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs. Although some cats show no ill effects, it’s best not to give grapes to your cat and to keep grapes and raisins off tabletops and other places accessible to your Persian kitty.
Caffeine
Caffeine in sufficient quantities can be dangerous to your Persian cat. And there is no antidote to deal with that.
Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, palpitations of the heart, and muscle tremors.
In addition to tea and coffee – including coffee beans and grounds – caffeine is also found in cocoa, chocolate, cola, and stimulant drinks like Red Bull. It is also found in some cold medicines and painkillers.
Chocolate
Chocolate can be deadly to your Persian cats.
Although most cats will not eat it themselves, they can be persuaded to eat it by owners and others who might believe they are giving the cat a delicious treat.
The toxic ingredient in chocolate is theobromine. It is found in all types of chocolate, even white chocolate.
However, the most dangerous types are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate.
Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and even death in some cases.
Bones and Fat Trimmings
Table scraps often contain fat and bones cut from meat. Both fat and bones can be troubling to your Persian cats.
Fat, whether cooked or raw, can cause intestinal upset with vomiting and diarrhea. And a cat can also choke on a bone.
Bones can also splinter and cause a blockage or cut inside your cat’s digestive system.
Raw Eggs
There are two issues if you feed raw eggs to your Persian cat. The first danger is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli.
The second is a rare problem where a protein found in raw egg whites, called avidin, can interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. This can cause health problems with your cat’s skin and coat.
Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and fish, have the same danger as raw eggs. They may contain bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Additionally, there is an enzyme in raw fish that destroys thiamine, which is an important B vitamin for your Persian feline.
A thiamine deficiency can cause serious neurological problems, leading to coma and convulsions.
Dog Food
Your Persian cat won’t get hurt by an occasional treat of dog food. But they can not be a substitute for your cat food.
They have a lot of the same ingredients. But cat food is specially formulated to meet a cat’s needs, which include more protein and some vitamins and fatty acids.
A constant diet of dog food can cause your cat to become severely malnourished.
Liver
Small amounts of liver are fine, but if you feed too much liver to your Persian cat, it can lead to vitamin A toxicity.
This is a dangerous condition that can affect your cat’s bones.
Symptoms include deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and spine, and osteoporosis.
Vitamin A toxicity can also lead to death.
Yeast Dough
Before bread dough is baked, it must rise. And that’s exactly what it would do in your Persian cat’s stomach if he ate it.
When it swells inside, the dough can stretch the abdomen and cause severe pain. Also, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol which can cause alcohol poisoning.
Medcine
Taking a medication prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats.
Just as you always do with your children, place all medications where your cat cannot reach them. And never give your cat an over-the-counter medication unless your veterinarian recommends it.
Ingredients like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often found in pain relievers and cold medicines. And they can cause death to your Persian cat.
Kitchen Pantry
Many nutritional items usually found on kitchen shelves can be harmful to your Persian cat.
Try to store food where your cat can’t reach it and keep pantry doors closed to protect your cat from serious illnesses.
If your Persian cat eats what it should not
No matter how careful you are, it’s likely that your Persian cat will find and swallow something it shouldn’t.
It’s a good idea to always keep the numbers of your local veterinarian, the nearest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center.
They may interfere quickly when your cat is in an emergency. And if you think your cat has ingested something poisonous, call for help immediately.
What your Persian Cat Can Eat
Persian cats are carnivores, so they need a source of animal protein to be in excellent health.
You need to find quality commercial cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age and health.
If necessary, talk to your veterinarian before choosing food for your cat, as he or she can assess your cat’s health and make sure you are giving him or her the right food.
Cats cannot survive or thrive on a vegan diet. They need meat to get the nutrients they need.
Paying attention to your cat’s diet is essential for its health and should therefore be an important topic for all cat owners. If you have doubts about what to feed your Persian feline friend, talk to your vet for more information.
