Cats are very good at wrapping humans around their paws, and getting us to spoil them. We may never pinpoint what it is about these cute, quirky little balls of fur, but kitties have been delighting us for years with their cuddles and entertaining antics. One way that many people like to pamper their pets is by giving them treats. Store-bought treats are fine, but Fluffy can also have some other foods. A local Burlington, ON vet offers some tips on giving your feline pal snacks in this article.

Meat, Fish, And Poultry

Most types of meat, fish, and poultry are fine for your cute pet. However, there are a few exceptions. Don’t give your kitty anything high in fat or sausage, such as sausage or bacon. Organ meats, such as kidney, are only safe in small amounts, as they can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Also, only give your furry friend things that are cooked, deboned, and free of oils and spices.

Fruits/Veggies

Fluffy is a carnivore by nature, so she would normally only ingest these things via her prey. (She may also not really care much for produce.) That said, your kitty can have things like blueberries, spinach, peas, and bananas, if she likes.

Sweets

This one may be a bit purrplexing. Studies have shown that kitties can’t actually taste sweet flavors. However, some of our feline friends apparently missed that memo. Many furballs do seem to like things like cake and donuts. Most likely, it’s the fat content that Fluffy likes. No matter what the reason, keep these sweets away from your pet. Not only are many of them quite fattening, they often contain xylitol, which is toxic to cats.

Dairy

Despite all of the cultural references to kitties loving milk, the truth is that they are actually lactose-intolerant. Some of our feline buddies can tolerate small amounts, but it’s best to play it safe. Get Fluffy some cat milk instead.

Unsafe Foods

It’s important to be aware of the things that aren’t safe for Fluffy. That list includes grapes, currants, and raisins; meat on the bone; garlic and onion; chocolate; mushrooms; alcohol; avocado; and anything that contains xylitol. Anything high in salt, sugar, or fat is also a hard no. Ask your vet for more information. Is your kitty due for an exam? Contact us, your local Burlington, ON animal clinic, today!