Cats must not only remain vigilant to find prey, but also protect themselves from being hunted.
Most of us look forward to Christmas dinner as one of the main events of the day, you might want to include your feline friends in the festivities, but not all food is safe for cats to eat. We take a look at common Christmas foods which are safe or dangerous for cats.
DANGEROUS CHRISTMAS FOODS
CHOCOLATE
It's fairly common knowledge that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, the same goes for cats. Even small amounts of theobromine is toxic to cats, it can cause heart problems and kidney failure. Remove any risk; don't use chocolate coins as Christmas tree decorations, keep advent calendars out of reach, put selection boxes up high and avoid leaving wrapped chocolate gifts under the tree. Cats can climb so consider this when finding a place for your sweet treats, a cupboard would be best.
CHRISTMAS PUDDING, CHRISTMAS CAKE & MINCE PIES
Another food that is off the table for Christmas dinner, these contain dried grapes (currents, raisins and sultanas) which can cause kidney failure in cats.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
A lot of people don't realise that most cats are lactose intolerant so keep your cat away when leaving your milk out for Father Christmas.
STUFFING & GRAVY
These often contain onion which, whether eaten cooked or raw, can give your cat serious digestive upset.
SWEETS
In sugar free products, xylitol is often used as an artificial sweetener. This is poisonous for your cat so keep sweet treats well out of reach.
SAFE CHRISTMAS FOODS
As long as your cat is not allergic to the following foods they are safe and tasty! But remember everything should be given in moderation, lots of new foods can cause tummy upsets.
- Lean slices of cooked meat such as turkey and chicken
- Canned or cooked fish (boneless)
- Carrots
- Brussel sprouts
- Parsnips
- Peas
