Big “Pitfalls” New Cat Owners Easily Fall Into – It’s Not Too Late to Learn Now ❗

Foods Cats Should Never Eat:

❌ Meat/Protein-Rich Foods:

• Crabs, shrimp shells (hard shells can splinter and damage the digestive tract, causing choking or internal bleeding).
• Fried chicken (high oil content leads to pancreatitis; seasoning like salt, garlic, or onion is toxic).
• Sausages (processed with preservatives, high salt, and additives harmful to cats’ kidneys).
• Fatty meat (excess fat causes diarrhea, obesity, or liver issues).
• Raw eggs (may contain salmonella; avidin in raw egg whites blocks biotin absorption, leading to skin problems).
• Sharp bones (e.g., from fish, chicken—can pierce the throat or intestines).
• Preserved eggs (皮蛋: high lead content damages cats’ nervous systems and kidneys).

❌ Fruits/Vegetables:

• Starfruit (contains neurotoxins that cause kidney failure in cats).
• Avocados (persin, a toxin in avocados, leads to vomiting, diarrhea, or even heart issues).
• Oranges (citrus fruits irritate cats’ digestive tracts, causing mouth sores or stomach upset).
• Grapes/raisins (even small amounts can trigger sudden kidney failure—symptoms include vomiting, lethargy).
• Onions/garlic (contain thiosulfate, which destroys red blood cells, leading to anemia).
• Spinach (high oxalate content may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible cats).
• Chili peppers (capsaicin irritates the mouth and stomach, causing pain or vomiting).

Essential Daily Care Tips to Avoid Mistakes:

• Keep the environment clean: Regularly scoop the litter box (daily) and deep-clean it weekly to prevent bacterial growth. Vacuum cat hair and dust to reduce allergies—cats with respiratory sensitivity (like Persians) thrive in clean air.
• Vaccinate on schedule: Core vaccines (feline distemper, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis) protect kittens from life-threatening diseases. Boosters are needed annually to maintain immunity.
• Deworm regularly: Internal parasites (roundworms, tapeworms) steal nutrients, while external parasites (fleas, ticks) spread diseases. Use vet-recommended dewormers—monthly for external, every 3 months for internal (adjust based on lifestyle, e.g., outdoor cats need more frequent care).
• Supplement fish oil: Cats need omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) for healthy skin and coats, reducing shedding and dryness. Choose high-quality, feline-specific fish oil (avoid human supplements with additives) and follow dosage guidelines to prevent vitamin A toxicity.

New cat ownership is full of learning curves, but avoiding these critical mistakes—especially toxic foods—and sticking to basic care routines will set your feline friend up for a long, healthy life. When in doubt, consult your vet before introducing new foods or changing their care plan!