When it comes to your furry family member, you want to be certain you're feeding them the right foods. There may be times when you're tempted to give them some of your delicious table scraps and treats, but there are certain foods that can be poisonous to them.

So what foods can you feed them that doesn't pose a serious health risk?

Here are 18 toxic and dangerous foods that you should avoid feeding your Kitty cat.

1. Onions and Garlic

Feeding your cat onions and garlic is extremely dangerous to cats as well as dogs. They are in the Allium plant family and allium can cause an upset stomach and damage red blood cells, which results in anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, dehydration and even death. Any amount of onion will cause red blood cell damage.

Cats with symptoms of lethargy, weakness, reduced appetite, pale gums, and orange to dark red urine should be taken to the vet immediately.

2. Avocado

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, avocados contain a toxin called Persin. If a cat or dog eats Persin, the effect is not life-threatening but it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreas of stool obstruction.

3. Raw Eggs

Just like for humans, consumption of raw eggs can expose your cat to harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli poisoning. Feeding your cat raw eggs can expose you, your family and other pets to harmful bacteria.

Symptoms of the illness vary but can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Raw eggs also contain advin that can lead to skin and coat problems in your cat.

The safest way to serve eggs to cats is to ensure they are always cooked properly.

4. Raw Meat

Feeding your cat raw meat poses a significant risk of bacterial infections like salmonella and listeria from contaminated meat. All it takes is one serving with Salmonella or E. coli to infect your cat. Once infected or simply inoculated and carrying the diseases, your cat can also infect you and your family via contact with your cat's food or feces.

It also presents a danger of malnutrition due to improper balancing of nutrients.

Most veterinary professionals strongly advise against feeding raw meat to cats.

5. Bones

I've never thought about giving my cats bones, but bones are dangerous for cats because they can splinter and cause internal injuries. Sharp bone fragments can tear the stomach or intestines, causing internal bleeding. Bones can also cause choking and infections, and gastrointestinal blockage that requires major surgery to resolve.

Cooked chicken bones are even more dangerous, because they are more brittle and splinter easily. However cats love chicken and turkey, so give them a little white meat for a treat once in awhile, but make sure it is cooked well and without bones.

6. Chocolate

Chocolate is an absolute No, No, as it contains caffeine, methylxanthines, and theobromine (the principal alkaloid of the cacao bean), which can be fatal. These ingredients are stimulants, and when absorbed in a cat's body, it becomes highly toxic.

7. Caffeinated Drinks

Giving your cat coffee or tea is extremely dangerous and toxic to cats. Symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid heart rhythm, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death in severe cases. Caffeine, it is absorbed into their body rather quickly and can cause symptoms to rapidly develop.

Beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks can all contain caffeine, and if your cat drinks enough of any of these beverages, it can potentially lead to caffeine poisoning. Even small amounts of caffeine can be harmful due to their sensitive systems, so it's critical to keep all caffeinated beverages out of your cat's reach.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested caffeine.

8. Xylitol

Xylitol is another food life threating subsance that if injested by your cat can lead to vomiting, lethargy, weakness, difficulty walking, collapse, unsteadiness, sleepiness, tremors, seizures and a coma.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that causes a cat's pancreas to release insulin, which leads to a rapid drop in blood sugar. This condition is called hypoglycemia.

Xylitol can be found in candy, gum, some peanut butter, nut butters, protein bars, baked goods, ice cream, flavored water drinks, ketchup, barbecue sauce, syrup, strawberries and mushrooms.

If your cat has eaten anything that contains Xylitol, seek your veterinarian immediately.

9. Chives

Chives are also toxic to cats, they also belong to the Allium Family. These plants can damage red blood cells in cats. To prevent your cat from chive poisoning, keep them out of her reach and avoid using them as a cat treat.

10. Alcohol

This danger drug is not only toxic to humans, it's also toxic to cats. Anything that contains alcohol if ingested, even in small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, disorientation, trouble breathing, coma, and can even be lethal. This pertains to all alcohol. Alcohol poisoning can occur when your cat ingests just 1 teaspoon.

In any circumstance, do not give alcohol to your cat. Secure all alcohol in a safe place that your cat cannot get to.

Time is of the essence if you suspect your cat drank alcohol or if they are showing any signs of poisoning. It is crucial that you call your ve and Pet Poison Helpline® immediately.

11. Raw Dough

Raw dough is another toxic food to cat. Do not feed your cat or dog raw dough. Dough rises, and it will rise in your pet's stomach which can result in an obstruction.

In addition, yeast feeds on the sugar contained within the dough, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol, in a process called fermentation. This can lead to high levels of alcohol and carbon dioxide being absorbed by your cat and result in alcohol poisoning.

If you think your cat has ingested even a small amount of raw dough, take her to the vet immediately.

12. Milk and Dairy Products

They say milk is harmful to cats. But the truth is, most cats are fine with milk and dairy products, and have been enjoying it for centuries. I've had cats all my life and whenever I adopted or rescued one, the first thing I did was feed them milk. I've never had one that had any kind of reaction and I've had up to 5 of them for over 65 years. Even as a child we had cats and my mom would always give them milk, straight from the milk man's hands.

In the mid 70's I took three of my cats to the ice cream parlor often so they could enjoy a baby cone together, and they were always healthy. Lactose tolerance was barley heard of back then.

However, in today's society, humans as well as cats have become lactose intolerant. But only some. Most people have heard that it was bad for cats, and the cost of milk has risen so high, they decided to take that as truth.

I'm not afraid to give my cats milk now and then, because I've never experienced a problem, and I know milk is nutritious, good for the bones, and has a host of health benefits. I drink it constantly; it tastes good and it's a wonderful thirst quencher.

But, if you're afraid, either don't give them any, or try it once to see how they react. It won't kill them, trust me. And you may find that is your cats delight.

13. Grapes and Raisins

Even the smallest amount of grapes or raisins can cause serious kidney damage and failure. Within 12 hours of ingestion, vomiting sometimes occurs. Other signs that develop within 24 hours include lethargy, diarrhea, reduced appetite, abdominal pain, decreased urination and abdominal pain.

Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, and even a small amount can make a cat ill. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs. Although some cats show no ill effects, it's best not to give your cat any grapes and to keep grapes and raisins off countertops and other places accessible to your cat.

14. Macadamia Nuts & Walnuts

Macadamias and walnuts are both toxic to cats, whether raw or roasted, and this includes macadamia and walnut oil. Eating these, your cat could could experience lethargy, vomiting, shaking and overheating. Nuts also present a choking hazard for cats, and the high levels of fat can cause vomiting or diarrhea, so it’s best to keep all tree nuts away from your kitty.

15. Peanuts

Peanuts aren’t toxic to cats, but cats can have a peanut allergy just like people can! And like tree nuts, peanuts present a choking risk to cats and are high in fat, which could upset their digestion. Some peanuts are dusted with salt or other seasonings (like garlic) which would make them toxic to cats.

16. Salty Snacks

Just like people, cats need salt, and quality cat food already has the appropriate amount of salt for them. Even one extra teaspoon of salt can be dangerous for cats, so keep them away from snacks that contain salt all other salty foods.

17. Certain Herbs

A variety of herbs are toxic to cats, including mint, lavender, oregano, tarragon, lemongrass, chamomile, St. John’s Wort and marjoram's. If you cook with herbs, be careful your lil fur baby doesn't steal a bite. And if you drink herbal teas, dispose of your tea bag as soon as you’re done steeping.

18. Citrus Fruits

Large quantities of citrus can be toxic or even fatal to cats, but it’s very rare. More common is skin irritation if your cat touches citrus fruit skin, leaves, stems. And eating a small amount of citrus fruit can give your cat an upset stomach.

The good new is, cats have a natural dislike to citrus! In addition, you should avoid using citrus essential oils in your diffuse, because the airborne droplets could collect on their fur.

17. Coconut

Coconut milk is another potentially harmful product for your cat. It's rich in fats and oils. It is best to not give any coconut milk to your cat.

Coconut flesh, coconut milk and coconut water are other potentially harmful products for your cat. They are high in potassium and rich in fats and oils. It’s better to steer clear of coconut to avoid giving your cat an upset stomach or electrolyte imbalance.

18. Shrimp

Okay, they say shrimp is not harmful for cats. However, every time I give one of my babies 3 itsy bitsy pieces of shrimp, they vomit. Even fancy feast with shrimp causes them to have diarrhea, and throw up. So, I quit giving it to them. It may not kill them, but you don't really want them sick and vomiting all over the place, do you?

Signs Your Cat Ate Something Toxic

Different dangerous foods can cause varying symptoms if your cat eats them, but in general these are the most common signs:

• Diarrhea & vomiting
• Excess drooling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Weakness/lethargy
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Unsteady walking, or collapse
• Swollen or inflamed skin
• Lack of appetite
• Excessive water consumption
• Jerking or twitching (signs of seizure)
• Bladder and bowel control problems

What to Do If Your Cat Ate a Toxic or Dangerous Food

If you see or suspect that your cat ate something poisonous, call the ASPCA poison control number or your veterinarian right away (don’t wait to see if your cat develops symptoms) so they can advise you on your next steps.

If you need to bring your cat to the vet or an emergency animal hospital, bring the food item or label with you to help them diagnose your cat. If you’re not sure what they might have eaten, do a quick sweep for clues.

Treatment will vary depending on the poisonous food your cat ate, and the amount.

Conclusion:

Never feed your cat anything unless you are positive it is safe and won't harm them in anyway shape of form. It's better to be safe than sorry. If you're uncertain, research, research, research. Take care of your sweet Meow Baby, and you're Meow Baby will take care of you.