While it’s true that cats are definitely carnivores, many of us have experienced having curious kitties who are not very discerning about what they put in their mouth. Whether it’s the chips left on the table or that crunchy plastic bag, some cats will likely get a kick out of eating forbidden fruit... including actual fruit.
In addition to being potentially toxic, many fruits have a high sugar content that may cause cat obesity and be dangerous for senior cats with diabetes. If this sounds like your furry friend, you need to be very careful about the fruit you leave lying about in your home.While there are some safe fruits for them to chew, here are a few fruits that your cat should never eat:
Grapes & Raisins
Grapes and raisins are some of the most dangerous fruits that your cat can consume. The Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota says that grapes contain toxins which can cause minor to acute kidney failure.
Apples & Cherries
While apples, in general, are not lethal to your cat, their core and seeds contain arsenic that is not safe for your cat’s consumption. We often leave the apple cores uneaten, making them more likely to be chewed on by our cats. A cherry pit also contains cyanide, and because of their size makes them more likely to be consumed by unsuspecting felines.
Citrus Fruits
It’s no secret that cats hate the smell of citrus, and they do for a reason. Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, limes, and lemons all contain citric acid. In small amounts, citric acid only causes stomach aches. However, larger quantities can cause havoc on the nervous system of your cat.
Tomatoes
Most of the time, red tomatoes are alright for consumption for cats. So if your cat sneaks in a lick or two from the extra spaghetti, you don’t have to worry. However, tomato plant parts like stems and leaves can cause stomach issues.
How to Keep Toxic Fruits Away from Your Cat
Cats, especially Kittens, won’t always be able to tell right away which food is good for them or not. With this, you have to be very careful about preparing and discarding half-eaten fruit.While some fruits can be completely harmless and can serve as treat substitutes, other fruits can be potentially lethal when ingested by your feline friend. Here are a few ways to make sure that your cat never eats a bad fruit ever again:
Always Feed Them First
Most of the time, cats will only go searching for other food when they haven’t been able to eat first. Before preparing any meals in front of them, make sure their bowls are already full. When they’re satisfied with their food, they’re not going to want to take a bite of yours.Having a regular feeding time gives your cat the security of routine, which means they will less likely hunt for a snack in between meals.
Keep Them Away from Food Prep
While it’s cute to have a furry friend next to you while you prepare a meal, it’s not always the safest for them. Other than being able to sneak a lick or two from your fruits, they can also ingest other potentially dangerous food. Train your furry friend to keep their distance when you’re in the kitchen. Allocate a spot where they can watch and wait for you, out of reach from the food you are preparing. Plus, it’s best to keep out bacteria from their paws and fur out of your mouth.
Don’t Feed Them Off the Kitchen Table
Make sure that your family agrees on table manner rules for your cat. Whenever you have guests, make it a clear house rule that they should never give food off their plates to any of the cats (no matter how cute they are). Additionally, make sure they don’t get used to stepping and jumping on any banned surfaces. Not only will you keep your table cleaner, but they’re less likely to see any leftovers you may have left behind.
Don't Wait to Put Away Leftovers
Besides fruits, there are a dozen other things present in human food that are not good for your furry friend. With this, it’s best to avoid any risk of them taking a swipe at your plate when you’re not looking. Put away any uneaten food in containers, cover them, or throw them away. You can even go the extra mile by wiping down your table surface with a scented spray that puts them off from coming closer.
Invest in Closed-Top Trash Cans
If you haven’t already invested in a trash can that can withstand the prodding of curious cats, now might be the time to do it. Left uncovered, trash cans entice cats that can smell something they aren’t unusually allowed to eat.Get a closed-top or automatic trash can, so you’ll never have to worry about the leftovers you’ve thrown away end up in your cat’s stomach.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Part of being a responsible pet owner is watching out for your cat’s overall health. Not only does this include making sure they have a healthy diet, but it also means you must keep them away from potentially dangerous food. While there are a dozen other types of food that you should keep away from your feline friend, the fruits on this list are a great place to start. Provide your cat food with the nutrients that help them live longer with you, and skip everything that is not good for them. While it may seem like a lot of effort, it is worth it when you think about spending a lot more years with your cat.As with all things, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid the hefty emergency vet fees from accidental ingestions, make sure to practice good food preparation, storage, and disposal at your home. Keep your cups covered, put away leftovers, and make sure everyone knows the rules.Keep your cat happy, healthy, and happy.
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