Feeding gourmet cats

AS THIS column has noted before, experts are hotly divided over what constitutes a “proper” diet for cats and what does not.

However, there are some things everyone agrees on.

First, some human foods are poisonous to cats. Chocolate is a big problem. It contains a compound called theobromine that causes seizures. Also, members of the onion family – like red onions, yellow onions, garlic and leeks – can be problematic, causing tummy upsets and allergies.

Fermented food can cause alcohol toxicity, a potentially fatal condition. Similarly, alcohol or food containing alcohol is a no-no. Those cute pics of cats with a beer can on the Net are just for fun.

Coffee is another dangerous substance. Although you might think cats wouldn’t go near it, there are reports of cats dunking whiskers in the coffeepot and having seizures. Maybe it’s the milk; maybe it’s Mondays. But keep your kitty out of your coffee cup.

Finally, although everyone argues about whether cats should eat raw, cooked or processed food, most agree that food cooked for human people tends to be too high in salt for pet companions. As cats are much smaller than us, and their bodies work differently, a dish that has been salted for our taste can cause high blood pressure and other dangerous problems in our pets.

So when you share a prawn with your kitty, make sure it’s plain boiled and not coated in garlic, salt and sauce.

If you happen to have a piece of roast of simple pan-fried meat, cut off the edges that contain salt and spices and offer the centre part.

On the whole though, it’s probably safer to avoid sharing one-pot meat and fish dishes as these are typically cooked with onions and other ingredients toxic to cats.

If your pet insists on having wider gustative horizons, learn to cook for your pet. It’s fun, and your pet will really appreciate it!