Cats are seen as curious animals. The curiosity of a cat can quickly get them into trouble and even turn them into little furry thieves. Cat owners know exactly what we’re talking about. That delicious turkey sandwich you just set down and walked away from will become your cat’s victim. They can be swift and sneaky when it comes to stealing food. Unfortunately, the little furballs will sometimes take any snack you have out, including foods unsafe for cats.
What are the Worst Human Snacks for Cats?
Your cat simply cannot help itself when it smells or sees a tasty treat within its space. Some cats are more prone to thieving than others. You must stay alert and not leave any food out that could cause your cat harm. Such a mistake could cost you hundreds or thousands in vet bills. Let’s take a look at what the worst human snacks are for a cat.
Popcorn
We may eat popcorn as a low-fat and calorie choice over chips, but it isn’t such a great choice once we add butter and salt to the popcorn. Cats love butter for its creamy fat content and salt. They do not need either ingredient, and too much salt can lead to seriously high levels in their bodies. This can end in death. Butter is extremely fattening, and if it’s made from dairy, chances are that your kitty will have an upset stomach if too much is consumed. The popcorn kernels can get stuck in a cat’s throat; we all know how unpleasant that can be.
Bacon
Bacon derived from pork is a massive no-no for felines everywhere. Not only is it extremely high in fat and saturated fat, but pork can actually harm your cat. Pork is cured with salt and generally contains high amounts of it. This could negatively affect your cat’s heart, arteries, kidneys, or liver. If your cat insists on having ham, a small piece of lean meat is okay. Just be sure to stick with the diet your cat is used to.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni is terrible for everyone. It is high in fat, saturated fat, and sodium and can include nitrates and other preservatives. It also happens to have pork, which we just discussed as harmful to your cat. Pepperoni is packed with spices to make it taste great. It is an all-around bad idea to feed it to your cat. Besides the ingredients, pepperoni and other fattening snacks can lead to cat obesity. Turkey pepperoni is also on the unsafe list due to the preservatives, possible MSG, and the large amount of spices added.
Cheese
Most cats love cheese, and though it is not the most unhealthy or toxic mortal snack you could feed them, it’s not without its issues. It is derived from dairy, which is like kryptonite to cats since they are lactose intolerant. Even a small amount could upset the stomachs of especially sensitive cats. Cheese is also high in fat and saturated fat. A small piece from time to time should be okay, but don’t make it a habit.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a major problem for cats if they ingest even a tiny amount. This is because it contains grain and ethanol, which is toxic to cats. A cat’s liver and kidneys work overtime to clear the alcohol from the cat’s body. Your cat could develop alcohol poisoning with just a teaspoon of alcohol. If you believe your cat has drunk any alcohol, call your vet or get to an emergency vet right away.
Avocado
It may come as a surprise that avocado has made its way to this list. It is toxic to cats and can have serious consequences. This can become a triple threat if the cat taste tests some guacamole with minced onion or garlic and may require an immediate vet intervention. The lemon or lime juice used is also toxic. Avocados contain persin, mainly in the skin, pit, and leaves. If your cat ingests a large quantity of avocado, get them to the vet asap. If your cat sampled a tiny bit of plain avocado, it should be fine, but never let them lick it off the pit or skin. Avocado can also start up allergies in your feline friend. These allergies can be serious and affect your cat’s digestive and respiratory systems.
Chips
Chips or crisps are one thing cats seem to love. It’s the salt that they are after. Cats do not need a very tiny bit of sodium, so letting them eat chips could have negative consequences. Stomach upset, kidney failure, tremors, and seizures are all possible. Over 41 milligrams of salt ingested by an average-sized cat is fatal. Letting your cat have a tiny piece of a plain low-salt potato chip is fine occasionally, just not every day.
Deli Meat
Cats cannot resist begging when you break out the deli meat and make a sandwich. Meat is exactly what your carnivorous little feline needs for a healthy body, but deli meat is not safe. Deli meat contains a ton of salt, nitrates, and other preservatives. Some meat like bologna, salami, pepperoni, and ham should not be fed to your cat at all. Another concern when offering your cat deli meat is its potential to contain listeria bacteria. Your cat can pick up listeria and be asymptomatic. That makes it easy for them to spread the bacteria to you and anyone else.
What are the Best Snacks for your cat?
Can cats eat human snacks? They can but in extreme moderation. Stay away from dangers like chocolate, alcohol, and pepperoni. However, fruit, some veggies, and cooked lean chicken or turkey without any additives, oils, or toppings can be baked or boiled into an excellent healthy snack and given to your cat as a treat when they are eyeing your plate. You can freeze the meat and take out what you need while having a stock for later. A happy and healthy cat is much more critical in the long run than sharing your pizza.
