7 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Cat

Feline Food Offender #5: Fat Trimmings

Feeding your feline fat trimmings could lead to gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis.

Feline Food Offender #6: Caffeinated Drinks

Some cats may be drawn to lapping up your coffee, tea or soda, but according to Dr. Perea, too much caffeine consumption can cause an increased heart rate and agitation in your kitty.

Feline Food Offender #7: Milk

In general, a cat’s digestive tract becomes somewhat lactose intolerant once a cat reaches adulthood, causing diarrhea and other stomach upsets.

Foods That Are OK to Offer Your Kitty

On occasion, Dr. Perea says it is safe to give your cat a little canned tuna or a small bit of cheese. But keep in mind that felines only need about 200 to 250 calories a day, so go easy on the portions, limiting treats to about 10 percent (20 to 25 calories) of their daily intake needs.

For more information on hazardous feline foods, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website. And post the organization’s phone number — 888-426-4435 — on your refrigerator for easy reference in the event of an emergency. The call center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.