Most human foods aren’t safe for our four-legged friends, but what when it comes to Halloween season?
Halloween treats bring joy to many families, but these same treats can be extremely dangerous and toxic for our cats.
Some ingredients found in candies and treats can upset their stomachs or even lead to toxicity and choking hazards.
Let’s explore some dangerous Halloween foods for cats that you should avoid at all costs and keep out of their reach.
Dairy-Based Treats Are A No-Go!
Most cats are lactose intolerant. In fact, they have low levels of the enzyme that helps their bodies digest lactose found in milk and other dairy products.
So, cats shouldn’t eat milk and dairy products. But, what does that have to do with Halloween treats?
Well, some Halloween treats may contain dairy products, and if a cat ingests such treats, they can experience digestive issues, vomiting, or an upset stomach. Therefore, it would be best to avoid feeding your cat Halloween treats and stick to its regular diet.
Forget About Chocolate Too!
Chocolate is one of our favorite Halloween treats, but it’s also the most toxic to our feline friends.
According to PetMd, chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and larger amounts of theobromine, which can cause chocolate toxicity to cats.
This can result in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, heart arrhythmia, muscle tremors, and seizures.
The ASPCA warns that dark chocolate is the most dangerous, as it has higher levels of these harmful substances. So, instead of chocolate, you can always feed your kitty cat-safe treats.
Xylitol Is Bad For Cats
Xylitol is a sweetener used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free candies and chewing gums. As sweets are toxic to our furry friends, most experts advise avoiding treats containing xylitol to keep your cat safe.
Keep Raisins Out Of Paw’s Reach
While raisins are a very healthy human treat, they’re very unsafe for our cats as they can cause kidney failure or toxicity. Because of that, it would be best to keep them out of your cat’s sight!
Potential Risks
Besides toxicity, our feline friends can also experience choking hazards because of the colorful and tempting candy wrappers.
Such candies and treats may intrigue our cats, and if they start chewing on the wrapper, they can choke on them.
However, if they ingest the wrapper, they may experience even worse outcomes like an intestinal blockage, which usually requires surgery.
A Friendly Reminder
In case your kitty eats a Halloween candy or treat, make sure you contact your veterinarian or take the cat to the nearest emergency pet hospital to ensure they’re okay.
It’s also wise to keep all candies and treats in jars with lids, making sure your cat cannot reach them.
However, our beloved kitties deserve treats as well. In that case, you can always stick to their regular treats. But if you want to do something nice for your cat, here’s a list of the best pumpkin cat treats and some homemade recipes!
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