Unless your cat has an underlying health condition, they will get all the nutrients they need from a balanced type of cat food. Wet cat food is the most beneficial food for your feline friend. As a cat owner, you do not need to add extra human food to their diet, but an occasional treat is okay. You need to keep in mind that there are some dangers in feeding your cat human food. Feeding your cat human food can lead to obesity, which should always be taken seriously. It can also be downright dangerous because it may be toxic for them or be food that they are allergic to.

If you are looking for some of the best cat treats for your pet, look for treats that are meant to boost nutrition or to help prevent certain issues such as hairballs. Human food wise, cooked salmon, small amounts of spinach, or small amounts of cantaloupe are all good options for your cat to get as a treat. Here are some foods that you should never feed to your cat:

1. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to a few of our furry friends like cats, dogs, and ferrets. Always keep these fruits out of your cat’s reach because they can lead to sudden kidney failure. Cats who already have a known kidney disease are more at risk of developing grape or raisin toxicity, but that does not mean that a cat without an underlying condition would not have a problem. The severity of the reaction comes from the amount of grapes or raisins they have eaten, but keep in mind that raisins are more concentrated than grapes and so they will likely cause more problems.

2. Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are more foods that should be always avoided. These vegetables (as well as leeks and chives) belong to the allium family and are highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Especially keep an eye out for garlic- garlic is about five times more toxic than onions in these animals. Signs of onion or garlic poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, elevated heart and respiratory rate, and weakness.

3. Raw eggs
While cats can eat small amounts of cooked egg as a treat, raw eggs are a complete no-no. Uncooked eggs can contain dangerous bacteria, such as salmonella. Feeding your cat a raw egg puts both your cat and yourself at risk of a salmonella infection. Additionally, in uncooked egg whites, there is a protein called avidin that can bind to vitamin B7, which can lead to a vitamin deficiency in your cat.

4. Raw meat and bones
Feeding your cat raw meat puts yourself and your cat at risk. Raw meat can carry parasites or bacteria, which can lead to food poisoning. Raw fish also carries an enzyme that destroys an essential vitamin in your cat (thiamine) which can lead to very serious neurological issues. Also, never feed your cat bones. Small pieces of bone can damage teeth or even become lodged in their digestive tract. Even cooked bones are not recommended because they can splinter and cause internal damage to your cat.

5. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine which cannot be naturally metabolized in cats or dogs. Even small amounts of this sweet treat can lead to serious problems. Smaller cats are more at risk of cocoa poisoning and dark varieties have much more theobromine in it making it far more dangerous. If your cat accidentally eats this, it is recommended that you take them to the veterinarian right away. Also, look out for signs of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, muscle rigidity, and a fever.

6. Caffeine
Caffeine is another dangerous substance to your cat. This is because this substance is a stimulant and can lead your cat to develop an increased heart rate and symptoms of hyperactivity. Severe symptoms caffiene can cause include an increase in blood pressure, seizures, tremors, and even developing cardiac arrhythmias. Drinks in your pantry that you should look out for include coffee, tea, sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks.