While not nearly as common as sharing table scraps with their dogs, there are plenty of people who spend snack time with their cat companions and could benefit from knowing more about the do’s and don’ts of sharing human foods with kitty. In general, you should try to refrain from feeding your cat from the table because it can promote begging and can lead to feline obesity and/or feline diabetes. You should also be aware that certain foods cannot be digested by cats at all and can lead to digestive upset, cat toxicity, and even death. Here are some foods you should NEVER share with your cat: 1. Alcohol Even a tiny amount of alcohol can prove toxic to cats, alcohol consumption can lead to liver and brain damage and should never be shared with cats—sounds like you better find someone else to spend Happy Hour with. 2. Chocolate You’ve probably heard that chocolate can be extremely toxic to dogs, but did you know that it can also be fatal to cats? Chocolate, especially the dark, unsweetened stuff, contains caffeine as well as theobromine, a potentially harmful stimulant which can lead to seizures, heart problems, and muscle tremors. 3. Dairy products Dairy products such as cheese and milk are some of the more surprising entries on our list.

Believe it or not, cats can and do get diabetes. In fact, 1 in 230 cats will be diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. People think that cats are adorable and just naturally healthy. However, when blood sugar or glucose levels are very high in cats, not enough insulin is naturally produced enough for their bodies. Feline diabetes can damage blood vessels, which can lead to vision loss, heart issues, nerve damage, and kidney disease. Here are the telltale symptoms of diabetes in cats: 1. Feline obesity This is one of the most obvious causes of diabetes for a cat. Having a big fat cat may seem cute and cuddly, but it can be deadly. Preventing this is easy. Get your cat some regular exercise, and change their diet. Hint, no more people food. 2. Increased thirst and urination If you notice your cat is overly thirsty and constantly peeing, you may want to get them checked. Increased thirst is often due to high glucose levels, the kidneys flush out the glucose along with water, which then creates excess thirst and urination. If you notice your cat emptying the water bowl, then jumping in the sink or shower to find more water, get them checked.

Houseplants are a lovely addition to the home. They can brighten a space as well as clean the air. However, some plants are toxic for cats. Many cats love chewing on plants, and they won’t realize that a new plant isn’t as safe to eat as say, cat grass. Always check that whatever plant you’re thinking of bringing into your home is safe for your furry friends. This list will cover toxic houseplants for cats: 1. Aloe plant Aloe Vera is a wonderful medicinal plant for humans. The gel is great for soothing burns and the plants are relatively easy to grow. However, it can cause stomach upset if your cat chews on it. The clear gel inside the leaf isn’t toxic for cats, however the latex produced by the plant can cause vomiting or diarrhea. 2. Lilies While many types of lilies can be a bit dangerous for dogs, lilies are one of the most toxic houseplants for cats. The lily has over 90 varieties, and all are toxic to cats. The bloom itself can cause kidney failure in cats. Other symptoms include drooling, fatigue, and vomiting. Don’t bring any variety of lily plants into your home if you have cats.

Owning a dog is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of responsibilities. While most pet owners have their furry friend’s best interests at heart, there are common mistakes that can lead to issues down the line. From misusing petsmart pet meds to overlooking the importance of pet insurance plans, these are some of the things that vets wish every dog owner would stop doing. Skipping Regular Vet Visits Routine check-ups are crucial for maintaining your dog’s health. Many owners tend to visit the vet only when their pet is sick, but preventive care is essential. Regular vet visits help in early detection of potential health issues, keeping your pet in optimal health. By skipping these visits, you might miss out on crucial advice and early intervention opportunities. So, mark those calendar dates and make sure your pup gets a clean bill of health regularly. Misusing Medications It’s tempting to save a few bucks by using leftover petsmart pet meds from a previous illness or a friend’s prescription. However, this can be harmful and even dangerous. Each medication is specifically dosed for individual pets, taking into account their weight, age, and health condition. Misusing medications can lead to ineffective treatment or adverse reactions.