Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and when you’re a cat parent, your feline friend likely sits near the top of your Most Thankful For list. You may be tempted to include your cat in the food festivities, but before you let them indulge, stop and consider what ingredients go into your holiday dishes.

Many of the typical Thanksgiving foods and spices can be toxic to cats or at least upsetting to their systems. And though we want to share with our kitties, doing so could inadvertently hurt them. Keep your purr child safe when it comes to the holiday table with this list of Thanksgiving foods cats should never eat.

15 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Bad For Cats 

#1 – Onions & Garlic

Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks belong to the Allium family, and all of them are toxic to cats. While some argue there are benefits to feeding our pets garlic, the Pet Poison Helpline warns garlic is actually considered even more toxic than onions. Either way, both vegetables can cause serious problems in our cats. In addition to gastro upset, onions and garlic can cause damage to red blood cell membranes, leading to severe anemia issues in cats, according to veterinarian Dr. Renee Schmid.

“This makes the red blood cell fragile and causes them to burst,” explained Dr. Schmid. “Red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. When these cells are destroyed, important organs do not get enough oxygen. A low red blood cell count (anemia) results in increased heart rate, elevated respiratory rate and effort, weakness, discolored urine, kidney damage, collapse and even death.”

While the occasional small dose of onions or garlic probably won’t pose any serious problems, long-term consumption can lead to severe toxicity.

#2 – Milk & Dairy

Many cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming large amounts of dairy products can make felines very gassy and cause diarrhea. While you may not be thinking about giving your kitty a glass of milk, remember butter-filled mashed potatoes or a yummy baked mac and cheese are full of dairy. Your cat will be drawn to the dairy fat smell, so keep an eye for sneaky paws when it comes to dairy dishes and desserts.

#3 – Alcohol

Since wine is a popular treat for any occasion, it’s essential to make sure it and all other alcoholic beverages be kept away from our pets. Alcohol has the same effect on a cat’s brain and liver as it does a human’s; they only need to consume less than we do. The more a cat ingests, the greater the effects and the more likely the cat will suffer permanent damage.

#4 – Chocolate

This seems the most obvious of all the foods on this list, but it’s still worth listing. Believe it or not, chocolate consumption is just as dangerous for our feline friends as it is for dogs. During the holidays, many people spend a lot of time baking delicious desserts that contain chocolate, and baking chocolate is the most dangerous for our cats. Remember, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. While consumption of milk chocolate or white chocolate will likely lead to excessive vomiting and diarrhea, consuming even small amounts of dark baking chocolate can be fatal.

#5 – Cooked Bones

While bones might be something you’d more likely give your dog, a hungry kitty will undoubtedly take the tasty treat. But never, ever offer cooked bones to cats. A Thanksgiving food considered dangerous to cats, cooked bones can splinter and cause injuries to their mouths and digestive tract, not to mention becoming a choking hazard.

#6 – Fat Trimmings

Although many people consider the fat the most flavorful part of the meat, it’s really not a good idea to share it with your cat. Even though it’s probably one of the most common table scraps, excess cooked fat can lead to health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and obesity.

#7 – Caffeine

Often while socializing, we enjoy a nice warm cup of coffee or hot tea. Although cats don’t typically want these beverages, it’s crucial to ensure they don’t get into them. Caffeine can be fatal if consumed in excess amounts, and once the poisoning has happened, there’s no way to recover your kitty. So it’s better to be safe than sorry and keep these things out of reach! To learn more about the danger of caffeine for cats, check out Can Cats Drink Tea And Other Caffeinated Beverages?

#8 – Sugar

While sweet potatoes, yams, and pumpkin can be beneficial for your cat’s digestive tract, it’s important to remember that sugar is most definitely harmful. Candied yams and pumpkin pie should never be shared with your kitty, as sugar will likely cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Long-term sugar consumption brings the same results in cats as in humans – tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes.

#9 – Pumpkin Spice

Did you know pumpkin spice contains no pumpkin? We refer to it as pumpkin spice because it’s the spice blend used to create pumpkin pie. And while cats can eat pumpkin, the warming spices used to whip this Thanksgiving tradition into a pie are not suitable for cats.

Typical pumpkin spice blends contain cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove or allspice. While ginger isn’t harmful to cats in small amounts, the rest of these spices are either toxic to cats or at least have the potential for unpleasant side effects. While not classified as toxic, the Pet Poison Helpline reports cinnamon can irritate airways and skin. Nutmeg contains the toxin myristicin, which is harmful to cats in large quantities, possibly causing hallucinations, stomach pain, and possible seizures. As for cloves and allspice, both contain eugenol, which Dr. Charlotte Flint, DVM, warns “can cause liver toxicity in cats.” But it would take a lot of these spices for these reactions.

As Dr. Flint, explains, “It is important to remember the small amounts of these spices added to flavor foods usually will not be toxic to pets, and the risk of toxicity is highest if a pet gets into essential oils or the spices directly.”

Still, while you may love pumpkin spice, it’s best to keep your kitty out of the warming spice blend that so many fall for when the temperatures drop!

#10 – Oregano

The ASPCA lists oregano as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This aromatic herb used in savory recipes like stuffing and dressing can cause gastrointestinal upset with mild vomiting and diarrhea. While oregano isn’t the most harmful substance on the Thanksgiving menu, it’s best to keep your cat out of dishes spiced with oregano.

#11 – Grapes & Raisins

The fact that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs has become common knowledge among pet owners, but not too many people consider the fact they’re also dangerous for cats. While some kitties can consume grapes and/or raisins with no symptoms, it’s simply not worth the risk because consuming grapes or raisins can lead to irreversible kidney damage in cats. So it’s best to make sure these sweet treats remain out of reach for feline paws.

#12 –  Yeast Dough

Freshly-baked breads are a delicious part of any Thanksgiving feast, but take care to keep the unbaked dough far away from your cat. Yeast dough contains ethanol, and when consumed, it has the same effects as drinking alcoholic beverages.

#13 – Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries promote urinary health in cats, but cranberry sauce is another matter. This Thanksgiving staple is loaded with sugar. If your cat samples a small taste, it’s not the end of the world, but too much cranberry sauce can bring on the tummy upsets associated with sugar.

#14 – Eggnog

While eggnog is usually considered a Christmas treat, Thanksgiving does serve as a perfect moment to sip the festive dairy concoction. But don’t let your cat drink eggnog. Made with dairy products, cinnamon, and sugar, eggnog is full of ingredients that aren’t good for felines. This goes double for eggnog made with alcohol as it’s dangerous for cats.

#15 – Nuts

Pecan pie is tasty, and slivered almonds on vegetable dishes make a great flavor, but don’t share them with your cats. While nuts contain healthy oils and fats, those same oils and fats can upset cat tummies when consumed in excess. So, while cats can eat nuts if they happen to sneak one and may even enjoy a taste of peanut butter every once in a while, it’s best to skip nuts where your cat is concerned. Also, keep in mind, macadamia nuts are toxic to cats. Avoid them altogether when it comes to snacking with your kitty.

While this isn’t a complete list of foods toxic to cats, it gives a roundabout idea of what to avoid. In addition, though, don’t give kitties any foods that contain artificial preservatives or sweeteners. These and any other food chemical additives should not be fed to cats. Now that you know what Thanksgiving foods are bad for cats, what tasty bites can you share with your cat? Check out these 10 Thanksgiving Treats That are Safe for Your Cat and enjoy a snack with your kitty!

Holiday Plants That Are Toxic to Cats

In addition to delicious delicacies, the holidays also mean decorations and festive plants. While keeping your kitty away from toxic foods, remember to protect your cat from poisonous plants this holiday season too.

Avoid these holiday plants that are toxic to cats:

• Poinsettias
• Mistletoe
• Holly
• Lilies
• Amaryllis
• Daffodils
• Ivy
• Hellebore aka Christmas Rose
• Carnations

It’s worth noting, Christmas trees can be an irritant to feline mouths and stomachs as well. The pine oils can also cause gastro issues, while the needles can poke tender tissues. While the Christmas Cactus isn’t considered toxic to cats, the fibrous makeup of the plant can cause stomach distress in felines.

With Thanksgiving upon us, that means the winter holidays are on their way. When setting up the décor, remember these 10 Dos And Don’ts For Cat Safe Holiday Decorating.

Happy eating, and here’s to the happiest of holidays!

The post 15 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Toxic To Cats appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

There is a particular glare that can come from a kitty who is not impressed with the contents of their kibble dish. Cat lovers everywhere have seen it. Without saying a word, the disappointed cat expresses heaps of disdain, as if to say, “You expect me to eat this?”

Parents to finicky felines, get ready! We found a special little something that will please even the most difficult to satisfy feline. And on top of that, it gives a nutritional boost to your cat’s kibble. We call that a purr-fect combination!

Feed Meow Meal Enhancers

“I and love and you” aims to please the pickiest palate with Feed Meow meal enhancers. A savory topper that helps your cat look and feel his best is just the ticket for cats that tire of plain old kibble and could use a little excitement at meal time. Cat parents love it as much as their fur babies because each formula is packed with extra goodness that gives your kibble a step up in nutrition.

Feed Meow ‘Boost’

Feed Meow Boost is designed with a host of superfoods that help your cat be their most fabulous self. Healthy, whole food ingredients like turkey, chicken broth, turkey liver, cranberries, and pumpkin make this meal topper both delicious and nutritious.

Organ meat, such as liver, is a healthy component to a cat’s diet. In fact, organ meats typically deliver more nutrients and less fat than their muscle counterparts. Liver in particular has loads of vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, and phosphorus, all good minerals and vitamins for your feline friend.

‘Shine’ Meal Enhancer

Feed Meow Shine helps your kitty have healthy skin and a shiny coat. With Shine meal enhancers, your cat will be ready to impress and ‘dressed’ for success. Omega 3’s and fish oils come in strong and straight from the source with mackerel and fish broth as the first two ingredients.

Fish oil helps your cat in a number of ways. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce itchy skin and dandruff. Additionally, it adds shine to your cat’s coat and reduces shedding. Bust out that beautiful bowl. The cat is getting fancy tonight.

‘Tummy’ Cat Food Topper

If you’ve got a kitty with a sensitive tummy, this is the mealtime treat for her. Feed Meow Tummy helps keep tummy aches at bay when the meal is finished. Designed to support healthy digestion, this delicious chicken-based gravy has extra goodness to keep tummy trouble away.

Fructooligosaccharide is used both to add sweetness and as a pre-biotic. Feed Meow Tummy includes a healthy dose of this fruit-derived ingredient. Pre-biotics support your cat’s gut biome, keeping the good bacteria that reside there happy and well. This leads to more efficient, healthy digestion and fewer stomach problems. Prepare for plenty of tummy-rub inviting flops.

Jazz it Up with Meal Toppers

Topping your kitty’s usual meal with the occasional savory gravy will help him avoid food boredom and refusal. You can feel great about serving up “I and love and you” meal enhancers because they are thoughtfully crafted with wholesome, beneficial ingredients.

So go ahead. Cue up the music, break out the china, and get fancy. Soon your cat will sound like these farm cats begging for Feed Meow now!

The post Have a Picky Eating Kitty? We Have a Finicky Cat Fix appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

When it comes to giving treats to our cats, we’re always on the lookout for healthy, safe foods. With so many options available in pet supply stores, it can get a little overwhelming trying to chose what’s best for your cat. An emphasis on fresh, whole ingredients has taken precedence, and with good reason – these are the most nutritious foods for our feline friends. So why not take a look at some healthy snacks we can share with our cats?

#1 – Bananas

Bananas are one of the safe fruits for cats to eat. They are high in potassium and fiber and are sweet and easy for our cats to chew. Breaking off a tiny piece while you eat the rest offers a tasty snack that’s healthy to boot! Be sure not to give too much, as our cats really don’t need the sugar that’s in fruit, but a little here and there shouldn’t be a problem at all.

#2 – Melon

We’re covering watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melons here. All three are sweet, nutritious snacks your cat is likely to love. High in antioxidants and various other vitamins and minerals, melons are best served freshly sliced and without the rind. Your cat will likely enjoy the sweetness but you might have to cut it into small enough pieces for your kitty to chew comfortably.

#3 – Peas

Peas are a bite-sized snack your cat very well might love. They are nutritious little vegetables, being high in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They’re often found in your cat’s kibble as a staple ingredient, so there’s no harm in offering them as a nutritious, whole-food snack. If your cat likes them, serve frozen or steamed without any seasoning.

#4 – Spinach

Spinach is one of the best leafy greens available to humans and pets alike. Full of vitamins A, C and K, spinach is also packed with calcium and iron. It’s best to cook the spinach down a little bit, perhaps steaming it, and serving unseasoned. Your cat might not like it, but if they do, it’s a very healthy snack.

#5 – Blueberries

Blueberries are extremely high in antioxidants as well as vitamins A and C, making them a very healthy and tasty snack for our cats. In fact, blueberries are often one of the fruits included in commercial cat foods, so offering them as a treat is a great idea. They’re already bite-sized and delicious.

#6 – Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin is recommended for many pets experiencing gastrointestinal upset – cats included. This nutritious squash is loaded with fiber, helping your cat digest the rest of her food. Make sure the pumpkin is plain – not pumpkin pie filling – or your cat might get sick.

Cover photo: Chiot’s Run via Flickr

The post 6 Fruits And Veggies Your Cat Will Love appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

There are hundreds of thousands of cat food brands and formulas on the market today, which means choosing the best one for your cat can be quite the challenge. Only you and your veterinarian can decide what’s best for your cat, but it’s important to feed the proper diet. Sure, there are plenty of over-priced gimmick foods out there, but that doesn’t mean you should stick to the bare-bones grocery store brand if you can provide something healthier. Just like with people, cats that eat an improper diet for too long will start to suffer dangerous and sometimes irreversible health issues.

#1 – Obesity

Obesity is a growing health problem in both cats and dogs. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be taken as seriously by owners as it should be. Obesity not only inhibits your cat from moving around in day to day life, it can exacerbate a multitude of other health problems. Obesity is also linked to osteoarthritis and other joint disorders, as well as Diabetes Mellitus. The issue doesn’t come from feeding too much food alone, however. Cats eating the wrong diet won’t be able to digest their food properly or might be getting too much of one nutrient and not enough of another. These factors can contribute to obesity and what your cat is eating should be taken into consideration as much as the amount of food eaten.

Image source: Jan-Erik Finnberg via Flickr

#2 – Urinary Crystals & Stones

Urinary stones and crystals happen for a variety of reasons, but diet has been seen to play a huge role in their appearance. These may or may not be related to a urinary tract infection, but either way they are often uncomfortable for your feline friend. There are various types of crystals and stones but a major part in the treatment of all of them includes a change in diet. In fact, there are special diets formulated for cats that have recurring urinary issues. This is because the acidity or alkalinity of the urine can make the problem worse. Balancing the pH level through diet is a major way to keep these issues at bay.

#3 – Allergic Reactions

While food allergies are not the most common allergies seen in cats, they do happen. If you notice your cat is showing severe skin issues, you might want to seek veterinary care for allergy testing. Cats can be allergic to any ingredient, so you’ll want to make sure that if your cat does have a food allergy, you avoid those ingredients at all costs. More often than not, you’ll want to find a specialized diet that’s made for cats with food allergies.

Image source: ngzhengqin via Flickr

#4 – Gastrointestinal Upset

Just like people, the wrong diet will lead to an upset stomach. If your cat has prolonged vomiting or diarrhea (or both), you’ll want to seek veterinary attention right away. These two ailments are symptoms of a myriad of ailments, but they can also be caused by simply feeding your cat a diet that is poor quality or not ideal for your individual kitty’s needs.

#5 – Diabetes Mellitus

Cats can get Diabetes Mellitus just like people and it’s actually becoming more and more common as the obesity rates rise. Your cat’s diet has a lot to do with the diagnosis and management of Diabetes Mellitus so you’ll want to work closely with your veterinarian to determine what’s best for your feline friend. When left untreated, Diabetes Mellitus is fatal. Make sure your cat is not eating too many sugar carbohydrates such as grains and potatoes and stick to more nutritional ingredients in your cat’s food.

Image source: Mike Knell via Flickr

#6 – Immunosuppression

With a poor diet comes poor health overall as can be seen in any animal, including humans. Immunosuppression is the weakening of your immune system, and this will happen to cats overtime if they are constantly eating poor quality food. There have been some studies that suggests most, if not all, commercially prepared pet foods contain mycotoxins that act as immunosuppressants in the body, but as long as you have regular check-ups with your veterinarian, your cat should be fine on a high-quality food.

#7 – Nutritional Imbalances

Nutritional needs are relatively the same among all domestic cats, but they can vary individually as well. Poor-quality cat food is notorious for being full of unnecessary carbohydrates and have minimal nutrients. This leads to your cat feeling full but not being nutritionally satisfied. This is where you’ll find your obesity, Diabetes, immunosuppression and more come into play. Feed your cat a properly balanced, high-quality diet, and you’ll see them shine – literally! A cat that’s getting quality nutrition is going to be alert and active with a glowing, soft coat.

Related: The Best Dog Foods of 2022

The post 7 Health Problems Caused By Feeding The Wrong Cat Food appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

When it comes to picking the best food for our cats, the choices can become overwhelming. There are more cat foods available on the market than ever before and between your friends, the internet and your veterinarian you’re probably confused on which one is best. Thankfully, there are a lot of very good foods out there so you have a lot of room to make the right choice. What’s best for one cat might not be for another, so making sure you have something that works well for the kitties in your home is important. If your cats are doing just fine, there’s really no reason to change their food. However, you might be noticing some signs and symptoms that mean your cats would do better on another diet. If you’re seeing anything like these, it’s a good idea to give another food a try.

#1 – Upset Stomach

One of the most obvious signs your cat’s food is not agreeing with their body is an upset stomach. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea should be checked by a veterinarian because there are so many causes, but don’t be surprised if it turns out you’re feeding a food that just doesn’t sit well. Some cats are more sensitive to ingredients than others, so you might have to work with your veterinarian to determine which ingredients are causing the upset stomach.

#2 – Dry, Dull Coat

Your cat should have a soft, luscious coat (or healthy down fuzz and skin if you’ve got a hairless kitty). There are natural oils that keep it shiny and smooth and the wrong food can deplete these oils. If your cat isn’t getting the right nutrients, you’re going to start to see it in their coat. Dry, flaky, rough and sparse coats are a sign that something is missing in your cat’s diet. Whether it’s a food they can’t digest well or a food of poor quality, you’re likely to see something going wrong with your cat’s coat.

Image source: Toshihiro Gamo via Flickr

#3 – Lethargy

When getting the right nutrition, your cat should be full of life and energy. All cats have different activity levels, but you should know what’s normal for your cat. If they seem a little lethargic, it might be that they aren’t getting what they need out of their diet. If you notice any sort of lethargy, you’ll want to consult your veterinarian to rule out other causes. But perhaps adding some antioxidants or other nutrition boosts will help your cat feel better.

#4 – Unhealthy Weight

More and more cats are becoming obese and this is often due to overfeeding. With foods a better quality than ever, we’re not needing to feed as much as we think we do to achieve adequate nutrition and healthy weights. Too much food might mean your cat needs to go on a diet. While trying less of the right food is best, you might need to switch to something with fewer calories. On the flip side, some cats have trouble keeping weight on and they might need more food and a food with higher calories to add on the needed pounds.

Related: Smalls Cat Food Review

#5 – Itchiness

Food allergies are not extremely common in cats, but they also aren’t unheard of. If you notice your cat itching and scratching year round, you might want to consider whether their food has anything to do with it. Consult your veterinarian to rule out other causes, but also consider finding out if you cat has any food allergies. If they do, you can start avoiding the ingredients they’re allergic to and offer something that leaves them comfortable and nutritionally fulfilled.

Image source: Scott Wyngarden via Flickr

Cover photo: Ross Funnell via Flickr.

Related: The Best Rated Dog Foods

The post 5 Signs It’s Time To Change Your Cat’s Food appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

Cat owners are usually discouraged to share any food with their cats and there is good reason for this. Most human food is either very unhealthy or downright dangerous for our feline friends. However, sharing a piece of our food here and there, assuming it’s something healthy, can be fun for you and your cat. Always check with your veterinarian about giving your cat any human food, but once you’ve gotten the OK, feel free to give your kitty a taste of these safe treats. Like any treat, remember to feed them sparingly.

#1 – Lean Meat

Cats are carnivores, so feeding them lean meats is an excellent snack. Make sure you stick to ground beef, chicken, turkey, or fish and avoid things like bacon or ham. Too much fat can cause gastrointestinal upset and other issues, but a small piece of lean meat will be healthily enjoyed.

Image source: jonathan fisher via Flickr

#2 – Eggs

Eggs should be cooked and can be added to your cat’s meal or given as a treat every so often. Scrambled eggs are often the easiest and safest as they are cooked all the way through. If possible, hold off on any salt, pepper or other seasoning as these are unhealthy for cats. Most kitties love an egg snack here and there.

#3 – Cheese

Most cats love cheese treats, but make sure your kitty doesn’t have any lactose intolerance before feeding. Some felines can’t tolerate cheese at all, but there are plenty that do and enjoy having a piece here and there. Some people even find they enjoy training their cats with cheese.

#4 – Green Beans

Green beans are very low calorie and high in fiber and are a great choice if you’re looking for a healthy snack for your cat. Green beans are even added to some regular meals if owners are trying to get their pets to lose weight while still feeling full.

Image source: Dan Dickinson via Flickr

#5 – Bananas

Bananas are a healthy snack for cats if you can get your kitty to try one. They are high in potassium and are very easy to share! The texture is even ideal for older cats or felines with dental issues. Give your kitty a piece and see if they enjoy it!

The post 5 “People Foods” You CAN Share With Your Cat appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

Some cats are picky eaters while others will try to gobble down just about anything in sight. It can be tough to say no to the cute faces of persistent beggars, but owners are constantly cautioned against sharing people food. But fear not, there are some human foods that can make a safe snack for our cats, so long as they are only fed on occasion. As always, be sure to check with your veterinarian about changing anything in your cat’s diet.

#1 – Canned Fish

Photo credit: Feliciano Guimarães via Flickr.

Canned fish is a feline favorite and it’s perfectly safe to offer a small amount periodically. Make sure you purchase canned fish in water with no extra salt or other additives added, as those can be harmful for cats.

Click page 2 below for the next snack!

#2 – Green Beans

Green beans are actually a great diet food for cats and dogs alike, as they are full of fiber to make them feel full but lack the calories your cat is normally used to eating. If your cat will eat green beans, raw or steamed without seasonings would make a great snack.

#3 – Cheese

Photo credit: Jonathan Fisher via Flickr.

Dairy is a common allergen among cats, so make sure cheese won’t be a problem for your feline friend. If you’re in the clear, small pieces of cheese or a tiny bit of cream cheese makes for a delicious snack.

#4 – Bananas

Bananas are another sweet treat your cat might enjoy and a small piece here and there certainly shouldn’t cause any harm. If your cat seems interested in a taste of your banana, feel free to offer some.

#5 – Eggs

Photo credit: Shannon via Flickr.

Eggs are packed with protein and make an excellent snack for cats, so long as you hold the salt, pepper and any other seasonings. Lightly scrambled are the easiest to serve and should sit well with your kitty.

#6 – Broccoli

Broccoli is full of nutrition and even though it’s not a necessary food in your cat’s diet, they might enjoy the taste. Only feed broccoli raw or cooked without seasoning or oils.

#7 – Melons

Not all cats will eat fruit, but melons like cantaloupe and watermelon are particularly sweet and delicious. If your cat seems interested in trying any of your fresh fruit, you’re typically safe to offer small pieces of melon as a sweet treat.

#8 – Lean Meats

Lean meats are a great choice if you’re looking for a snack to share with your cat. Try to avoid heavily seasoned meats or deli meats with a lot of additional salt, as this isn’t as healthy as plain, cooked meats. Small pieces of chicken, turkey and lean beef with no seasoning is a great choice. Just be sure to never, ever feed any cooked bones as these are potentially very dangerous.

#9 – Spinach

Cats don’t need vegetables in their diet, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to give them some every so often. If your cat will eat leafy greens, raw or steamed, unseasoned spinach is a very healthy snack.

The post 9 Snacks You Can Spoil Your Cat With appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

Cats can be picky eaters and it often depends on a lot more than their dislike of the food being offered. In fact, there are many things that can cause our cats to lose their appetites. It’s very important to make sure our cats eat regularly, however, because even only a few missed meals can lead to dangerous health problems.

#1 – Placement is Important

Unlike dogs, cats can be very peculiar about where they eat their food. In the wild, cats feel most comfortable when they’re able to view their surroundings while eating because they can see predators coming. That means putting your cat’s food in a corner or closed area with his back to his surroundings might make him feel at risk for danger. Also, it’s important to make sure you don’t put your cat’s food near the litter box. After all, you don’t eat in your bathroom, right?

#2 – Use a Plate

Food bowls are probably the most common dish used to feed our pets, but a cat’s whiskers are very sensitive and when compressed in a food bowl can become painful. Cats are very stoic animals, so we might not notice that they’re in pain while eating, but it’s recommended to feed on a plate where their whiskers don’t feel the pressure of a small bowl.

#3 – Scheduled Meals

Photo by Flo via Flickr.

While all cat owners should consult their veterinarian about what sort of feeding schedule is right for their cats, it’s typically recommended to feed two meals per day. Free-feeding can lead to obesity and often means that one cat gets all of the food while the other gets none in a multiple-cat household. Scheduled feedings will help you keep track of how much each of your cats is eating. Ideal scheduled feedings should be every 8-12 hours.

#4 – Where’s the Beef?

Regardless of the type or brand of food you wish to feed your cat, it’s important that it includes at least one major meat source. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are required to eat meat in order to survive. Vegan and vegetarian diets can be done, but they are not ideal and many veterinary professionals heavily advise against them.

#5 – Utilize Different Rooms

As stated earlier, some cats will eat anything as quickly as possible and often leave their slower-eating housemates left with no food. If you have multiple cats, it’s advised to feed them in separate rooms so each has an opportunity to eat all of their food – and no one else’s.

The post 5 Things You Need To Know About Feeding Your Cat appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

Looking to share some holiday cheer with your feline friend? Dr. Don Waldron, chief veterinary officer at Western Veterinary Conference (WVC), lists which common holiday foods that are safe to share with your kitty, and which ones to keep on your own plate. As always, consult with your vet before feeding your feline anything new, and remember that moderation is key!

#1 – Turkey Skin & Bones – No

Turkey skin is difficult for a pet to digest and could lead to pancreatitis. This is a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas that is extremely painful for your pet with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Cooked  turkey bones can splinter if they’re nibbled, causing a serious choking hazard.

Image source: @WuinnDombrowski via Flickr

#2 – Onions & Garlic – No

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells if eaten in sufficient quantities, and . Lethargy and shortness of breath are two possible side effects. Make sure to keep any foods containing these ingredients out of reach of your kitty!

Image source: @DanielR.Blume via Flickr

#3 – Nutmeg – No

This favorite holiday seasoning has hallucinogenic properties for pets. A small amount may cause a bellyache, but larger amounts may lead to two days of painful symptoms like disorientation and abdominal pain.

Image source: Walmart.com

#4 – Chocolate – No

Methylxanthines within the chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, tremors, abnormal heart rhythm and seizures. Dark is the most dangerous, followed by milk and white chocolate.

Image source: @TimSackton via Flickr

#5 – Grapes or Raisins – No

These can cause kidney damage and should not be shared.

Image source: @Monica Arellano-Ongpin via Flickr

#6 – Bread Dough with Live Yeast – No

If eaten by your pet, raw bread dough can expand inside your their stomach, causing vomiting, bloating, and severe pain. Equally hazardous is the fact that as the yeast multiplies, it’s producing alcohol that can lead to intoxication.

Image source: @StacySpensley via Flickr

#7 – Xylitol – No

This is a sweetener that’s used in many sugar-free baked goods. Though it’s not harmful to humans, it can lead to a severe drop in blood sugar levels in cats. If taken in large amounts, liver failure may result. Symptoms such as loss of coordination and seizures could occur anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours after ingestion. Check out this list of products that contain xylitol.

Image source: MixedFitness.com

#8 – Plain Pumpkin – Yes

This is a great source of fiber for your pet. In addition, pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids, which promotes healthy skin and fur. Just make sure the pumpkin is plain, not sweetened or spiced.

Image source: @ann-dabney via Flickr

#9 – Sweet Potatoes – Yes

The benefits of sweet potatoes are numerous: They’re an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes can also provide an energy boost.

Image source: @JaniceCullivan via Flickr

#10 – Plain Mashed Potatoes – Yes

Just don’t add anything extra like gravy or sour cream, and your pet is in the clear. Your kitty probably won’t be tempted by raw potatoes, but it’s good to know that uncooked potato can actually be toxic to pets.

Image source: @DavidK via Flickr

#11 – Cranberry Sauce – Yes

Most pets will be unfazed by this holiday treat, but keep serving amounts low: Cranberry sauce can be high in sugar. Homemade cranberry sauce with little or no sugar can be enjoyed by your cat in moderation.

Image source: @Stopnlook

12. Plain Turkey

Plain, unseasoned turkey meat can be enjoyed by your cat in small amounts – chances are, this is the holiday food that she will crave the most! Just make sure that it’s not flavored with any of the bad stuff listed above!

The post 12 Holidays Foods That You Can & Cannot Share With Your Cat appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

We all love sharing our food with our felines, but not everything is kitty safe. Trupanion’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Kerri Marshall has provided a list of holiday goodies you can safely give your cat. That way, when everyone sits down to feast, your special kitty can have a plate too!

But remember all good things in moderation. Dr. Marshall recommends you give cats these tasty Thanksgiving foods in moderation and be sure your kitty’s portion doesn’t contain any added sugars, salts, or butter. Now, are you ready to treat your cat?

10 Cat Safe Thanksgiving Treats

#1 – Apple

Apples are safe in moderation, and pet owners should remove the seeds first, she says. Make sure the pieces are small enough that your cat can’t choke on them.

Image source: AlicePopkorn via Flickr

#2 – Pumpkin

We all know pumpkin is good for your cat. Just make sure you are not giving them pumpkin pie, which is loaded with sugar.

Image source: @RichBowen via Flickr

#3 – Sweet potato

Like pumpkin, sweet potato is very healthy. Just leave out the butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows that we like so well.

Image source: @MikeMcCune via Flickr

#4 – Turkey

Of course, cats can have turkey. Dr. Marshall says to not give your cat’s the bones and avoid the skin and dark meat. Also, make sure the seasoning you put on it is not toxic to cats.

Image source: @ReneSchwletzke via Flickr

#5 – Green beans

Steamed green beans are a great snack for any feline. Again, leave off the butter.

Image source: @MohammedMahdi via Flickr

#6 – Carrots

You can give your kitty carrots either cooked or raw. Like the apple, make sure the pieces are not a choking hazard.

Image source: @KariSullivan via Flickr

#7 – Cranberries

Dr Marshall says cranberry sauce is too sugary, so feed plain cranberries instead. However, most cats will not eat them raw so you can try cooking them and mixing them in with some pumpkin or another ingredient.

Image source: @AndrewMorrell via Flickr

#8 – Spinach

Before you turn this good-for-you veggie into a casserole full of cheese and butter, give some to your kitty. It’s best cooked a bit.

Image source: @DaniellaSegura via Flickr

#9 – Broccoli

Like spinach, you can serve up broccoli steamed or plain. Some cats will eat, and some won’t.

Image source: @whologywhy via Flickr

#10 – Cabbage

Cabbage is another one of those cruciferous veggies that are more easily digested when cooked, Dr. Marshall says. Steaming or boiling should do the trick.

Image source: @Bobwalker via Flickr

With this list of yummy cat-safe foods, you and your feline friend can celebrate Thanksgiving together. Tell your cat we said, “Happy Turkey Day!”

The post 10 Thanksgiving Treats That Are Safe for Your Cat appeared first on iHeartCats.com.