Use Caution with Cats

Houseplants
There are too many houseplants that are toxic to cats to name here. Some aren’t toxic but, personally, I presume one is until I find out otherwise. Let your cat know the only plant it may call its own is a nice pot of wheatgrass or “cat grass”.

Herbs
Let me be very clear that not all herbs are bad for cats. But, because there are quite a few that are not recommended for them, I want to make sure you check an herbal reference book for cats to be certain the ones you’re interested in are safe for felines. There are many wonderful herbs that can be very useful in cat health. But, be sure they are specifically safe for cats before using.

Onions and Garlic
Ingestion of onions and garlic are related to destruction of red blood cells. They may also irritate the gastrointestinal system. There’s still debate about the harmful effects of garlic as many people including holistic vets have used it in cats without problem, but I do want to inform you of the potential risk. Our cats could probably ward off a vampire without the aid of garlic anyway! 

Raw Salmon
Salmon poisoning is an infectious disease caused by a rickettsia that uses a parasitic fluke on salmon as a host. It can cause serious illness and death.

Soy
Soy is found in various forms in many products. It contains compounds that may negatively affect cats by interfering with nutrient absorption, normal growth, thyroid function, and hormonal development. 

Sugar
Much research concludes that cancer cells thrive on sugar as do many other disease processes. And sugar comes in many forms, including beet, raw, brown, cane, fructose, corn sweetener, corn syrup, date, dextrin, dextrose, glucose, lactose, maltose, manitol, polydextrose, sorbital, sorghum, sucanat, sucrose, turbinado, barley malt, molasses, honey, and maple syrup. Xylitol, a sweetener made from carbohydrate should also be avoided.

(Continued on next page)