A healthy diet is an important part of pet care. Even after being fed, cats are likely to sit beside their humans and beg for table scraps. While occasional tastes of people food can be healthy, some food items can pose a potential health risk, as cats' bodies are not the same as humans’ digestive systems. Below, learn more about three common foods that are harmful to cats and should never be shared with your feline.

3 Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Cats

1. Onions

Anything in the onion or allium family is toxic to cats. This includes onions, garlic, scallions, chives, and leeks. They contain a substance called thiosulphate, which, when consumed in large enough quantities, destroys the crucial red blood cell supply and leads to potentially lethal health conditions. To provide the highest levels of pet care for your cat, never give them any foods from the onion family, even those that may have trace amounts or concentrated forms of onions, like broth or dry spices.

2. Dairy Products

One of the most widespread misconceptions about cats is that they are natural milk-drinkers. Indeed, many stories and images of cats include obligatory saucers of milk from which the felines imbibe. But in reality, their stomachs can't digest lactose, a crucial sugar found in all standard dairy products. The only lactose a cat typically gets is from their mother's milk during their first few weeks of life. After that, they don't get lactose from any other source, so reintroducing it later into their diets can cause diarrhea or stomach issues.

3. Raw Meat & Bones

You might think that because wildcats don't cook their prey, then raw meat is safe for domestic felines, too. But big cats in the wild have entirely different digestive systems than cats in the home. Domestic cats, like people, can get very sick from consuming raw meat tainted with E. coli, salmonella, or other bacteria. Also, never give a cat a bone to chew on. They could choke, or the bone could damage internal organs.

If your cat consumes any of these items in High Point, NC, High Point Veterinary Hospital is here to help. Since 2004, they have been providing pet care services to the Tri-State Area. They provide wellness exams, vaccinations, pet grooming, bathing, and boarding, and they will treat your beloved companion like a member of the family. Call (336) 889-3832 or visit their website to schedule a pet care appointment.