Top Ten Things Not To Feed Kitty This Thanksgiving

As I sit here with a foster kitten named Aimee dangling in a cloth burrito-like contraption hung around my neck to keep her warm and close while my two cats glare at this miniature intruder into their domain, I contemplate the upcoming holiday known as turkey and football day (aka Thanksgiving).  As the planning of a day of feasting and merriment ensues, I wonder how this great feast could affect my furry loved ones.  My girl, Raggedy Ann, is the consistent scrounger of human tidbits.  Not by my doing, mind you, but in part her own curiosity drives her to sniff out and try to consume anything forbidden.  Considering how many other fellow cat lovers are out there, I am positive this information could be of use to them as well.  Keep in mind these items could also affect felines' favorite playmates (canines) in a negative manner as well, we are focusing on cats because their metabolism is different.  The top culprits listed from numerous online references are:

1) Chocolate: The stimulants, theobromine and caffeine are the main offending substances in this delicious human treat that could, quite simply, cause toxic issues to the heart and nervous system.

2) Onions: Remember this because these tend to be in turkey stuffing, gravy, and mashed potatoes among other lovely items.  Onions contain a substance (N-propyl disulphide) which destroys red blood cells, causing a form of anemia.

3) Garlic: contains a similar substance as onions in a lesser amount.

4) Tomatoes and Green (raw Potatoes): these foods are members of a family of plants, which includes nightshade, and contain a poisonous alkaloid called Glycoalkaloid Solanine, which can cause violent lower gastrointestinal symptoms.  The leaves and stems are particularly toxic.

5) Raw eggs: contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin which can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

6) Raw Fish: eating raw fish can result in a thiamine deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.  *Don't forget the bones!  Bones can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.*

7) Grapes and Raisins: Per the ASPCA: "As there are still many unknowns with the toxic potential of grapes and raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount."

8) Baby Food: can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats fed baby food for an extended period of time.

9) Yeast Dough: can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

10) Fat Trimmings: can cause pancreatitis.

This is just a peek into the foods that we will encounter during this Thanksgiving holiday and the holidays to soon follow in the coming months but please keep these in mind as the merriment ensues.  Feel free to add in additional items to help educate and enlighten.  All my fuzzies give their highest regards, they are hungry and are demanding their dinner.  Happy Holidays!



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