As fall arrives, many of us start indulging in seasonal treats and festive foods, even here in Florida, where the weather may not change but our menus certainly do! While enjoying your pumpkin spice lattes, apple pies, and hearty stews, it’s important to remember that not all fall foods are safe for your feline friends. Here’s a guide to the most common fall foods that can be dangerous to cats—and what you should keep out of reach during this season.
1. Pumpkin Pie and Spiced Treats
While plain, cooked pumpkin can be a healthy snack for cats (high in fiber and great for digestion), pumpkin pie and other spiced treats are a different story. Pumpkin pie often contains nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar—ingredients that can cause stomach upset or more severe reactions in cats. Nutmeg, in particular, can be toxic, causing hallucinations, disorientation, and even seizures in large amounts.
What to do: If you want to give your cat a taste of pumpkin, stick to plain, unsweetened, and unspiced canned pumpkin or freshly cooked pumpkin.
2. Chocolate and Candy
With Halloween just around the corner, candy becomes a household staple. Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance toxic to cats, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious complications like heart arrhythmias and seizures. Many other candies, especially sugar-free varieties, contain xylitol, a sweetener that can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar in cats.
What to do: Make sure to keep your candy bowls and Halloween loot far from your cat’s reach, and never offer them chocolate as a treat.
3. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These ingredients are common in savory fall dishes like stuffing, soups, and roasts. Unfortunately, they contain compounds that can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, and the effects might not be immediately noticeable.
What to do: Be mindful of any dishes that contain onions, garlic, or chives, and don’t let your cat lick leftovers or get into the trash.
4. Grapes and Raisins
Though it might seem unlikely, grapes and raisins (which are often found in fall baked goods and snacks) are highly toxic to cats. Ingesting even a small amount can cause kidney failure, leading to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
What to do: Keep baked goods containing grapes or raisins, like cookies or breads, away from your cat. Ensure that fruit salads or snack plates are out of reach as well.
5. Dairy Products
Although we often picture cats happily lapping up milk, most cats are actually lactose intolerant. Offering them dairy-based fall treats like whipped cream, butter, or creamy sauces can result in upset stomachs, diarrhea, or vomiting.
What to do: It’s best to avoid giving your cat any dairy products, including milk or whipped cream, even during festive feasts.
6. Alcoholic Beverages and Cider
Fall often brings about cozy gatherings, and it’s common to see seasonal beverages like spiced cider, beer, or wine on the table. Alcohol is extremely dangerous for cats, and even small amounts can cause alcohol poisoning, leading to disorientation, breathing issues, and potentially fatal consequences.
What to do: Keep alcoholic drinks out of your cat’s reach, and be cautious about leaving half-finished glasses unattended.
7. Fatty Foods and Bones
During fall gatherings, cats may be tempted to sniff around roasted meats, gravies, and rich dishes. While it might be tempting to let them have a bite, fatty foods can lead to digestive upset and even pancreatitis in cats. Additionally, bones (especially cooked bones) can splinter and cause choking or internal damage.
What to do: Stick to your cat’s regular diet and avoid giving them table scraps, especially fatty cuts of meat or poultry bones.
While you enjoy the seasonal treats and festive foods that fall brings, keep in mind that some of these foods can pose risks to your cat. By staying mindful of what you’re sharing with your feline friend and ensuring they don’t get into anything harmful, you can ensure that both you and your cat have a safe and happy fall season!
If you need a trusted cat sitter while traveling this fall, Cats and Crew is here to provide top-quality, in-home cat sitting services. We’ll make sure your cat stays happy, healthy and safe!
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