CAT TREATS VS POISON – A PET HEALTH INFOGRAPHIC

CATS: VS TREAT POISON Let's face facts- cats are adorable. So who can resist giving theirs a treat? But before you give in to those big, longing eyes, be sure you know which household foods are fine for a healthy treat and which ones can do more harm than good. FURRY FACTS Your cat's intestines are 2.5 times the length of its body. 20% 2.5x 412 Treats should The number of essential nutrients cats must eat in their food. only make up one fifth of your cat's daily food intake. TREAT vs POISON CAT FOOD An occasional bite won't hurt, but eating dog food can lead to severe malnourishment. An obvious choice, but cats need essential nutrients from meat and commercial cat food. DOG FOOD Contains: insufficient Contains: protein, vital nutrients, fatty acids protein and fatty acids NNED FISH Liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. This potentially fatal condition causes deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and spine, and osteoporosis. Canned fish contains vital protein and fatty acids for your cat's health, but keep portions small. LIVER Contains: protein, Omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, trace metals Contains: vitamin A WET MEATS Mix things up at dinner time with some moist meats Toxins in chocolate, particularly dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate, cause arrhythmia, tremors, seizures, and death. like fresh lamb. The moisture promotes a healthy urinary tract. CHOCOLATE Contains: water Contains: methylxanthines, 9 theobromine, caffeine COW'S MILK MILK & 'CAT Low in calories, catnip is a great treat. If your cat throws it back up, Cats love milk, but their digestive system isn't so keen. Most cats are lactose intolerant, which means upset CATNIP. don't worry - some cats just do that. tummies and diarrhoea. Contains: nepetalactone Contains: lactose MELON BONES Satisfies your cats need to chew on greenery and plants. As an occasional treat, and in small doses, melon can help with digestive issues. Once cooked, bones splinter more easily which can lead to tearing and choking. The fat in them will stretch your cat's waistband. Contains: fibre, vitamins A and C, potassium 9 Dangers: sharp bits LEAN DELI Aside from food poisoning, Jazz up the menu with lean, healthy meats. Use as a treat, keep portions small, and check for preservatives, flavourings and other additives. enzymes in raw fish destroy thiamine. Deficiency causes serious neurological problems, convulsions and coma. RAW MEAT & FISH Contains: protein O Contains: thiaminase „GARLIC EGGS Even a curious lick can spell disaster for your kitty. The allium damages red blood cells and can cause Heinz body anaemia. Scrambled and hard-boiled & eggs are excellent for giving your feline a dose of protein. Avoid using butter or cooking spray during preparation. Contains: thiosulphate, 9 n-propyl disulphide Contains: protein JEGETABLES Baked carrots, steamed asparagus, broccoli, green beans, winter squash and chopped greens are great for cats. RAISINS AND Toxicities can cause the sudden development of kidney failure within 48 hours of snacking - and researchers still don't know exactly why. Contains: vitamins K, A and D, fibre Contains: toxins that can lead to kidney failure 9 If you suspect your cat has consumed this item, you should contact a vet immediately. RAW MEATY BONES These chewy treats offer a number of healthy benefits, but they're not without risks: PROS CONS Mouth Keeps jaws strong, teeth clean and gums healthy. Cracking Large bones or marrow bones can break a cat's teeth. Mind Chewing relieves boredom. Constipation Too much can cause digestive problems for cats. Draws attention from other chewable items, like your house plants. There is a high risk of choking or splintering. Choking TREATS FOR TRAINING Use treats as rewards after tasks like claw trimming or bath time to associate those activities with good feelings. Don't let your cat's curious appetite get the better of them. Watch what they eat and know what's right for your little troublemaker. VET-MEDIC www.vet-medic.com Sources for this infographic can be found at www.vet-medic.com/blog/2014/11/cat-treats-vs-poison-infographic Ce O O This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License - www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 GRASS COOKED MEATS CHIVES ONIONS GRAPES