As anyone that has ever owned a cat can attest, cats can be finicky eaters. This simply reflects the fact that the texture, odor, temperature, and flavor of food are strong influences on a cat's food preferences. 

It is important to remember that when it comes to diet and feeding behaviors, each cat is an individual with unique behaviors and different nutritional needs. As a rule of thumb, your cat should be fed a diet specially formulated for their life stage (kitten, adult, senior). But, with that said, there are certain foods that should always be avoided.

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“Contrary to popular belief, kittens and adult cats do not need milk. In fact, by about 12 weeks of age most kittens lose the ability to digest milk sugar (lactose). Therefore, while small amounts may be tolerated, too much milk can lead to intestinal upset and diarrhea because the cat cannot digest it properly.”

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Make sure to never feed your cat any of these harmful items:

• Dairy containing lactose
• Onion (all varieties)
• Garlic
• Chocolate
• Raw egg, meat, bone, and yeast dough
• Grapes and raisins
• Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages

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While not food items for us, cats enjoy munching on plants and flowers. Some are toxic to cats and should either be kept out of the home or inaccessible. 

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Common toxic plants and flowers for cats include: 

• Lilies
• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Marijuana
• Aloe vera
• Cilantro
• Azalea

If your cat happens to get into any of the aforementioned items or is showing signs of dehydration or illness, contact your Parker & Ace vet team immediately.

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