If you have a Siamese cat, you know they are some of the cutest cats around! But did you know that they can also be quite sensitive to food?
No particular breed or sex of cat is more likely to have food allergies, but Siamese and Siamese crosses seem to be at higher risk. The age when allergies start can range from 3 months to 11 years, with a mean of 4 to 5 years being the most common.
In this article, I’ll share a list of 39 foods you should avoid giving your Siamese cat.
By reading this article, you can provide your cat with the best nutrition possible!
Do Siamese cats need special food?
Siamese cats have special dietary needs. While they can technically eat the same food as other cats, they will thrive on a higher protein and fat diet. This is because Siamese cats are very active and have a high metabolism, so they need a diet that will give them lots of energy.
There are a few things to keep in mind when feeding a Siamese cat.
- Make sure the food you give them is high quality and nutritious.
- Be aware of how much food they eat and don’t allow them to overeat.
- Monitor their weight and activity to ensure they get the right amount of food for their needs.
What are Siamese Cats Allergic to?
Siamese cats are not immune to allergies, and in fact, they can be quite susceptible to them. The most common allergies that Siamese cats suffer from are food allergies.
Many food items can cause a Siamese cat to have an allergic reaction, so it’s important to discover these specific foods.
The most common allergens are:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Dairy products
- Raw fish
- Lamb
- Seafood
- Rabbit
- Soy
- Corn
- Clam juice
- Applesauce
- Bones, particularly from chicken or turkey
- Wheat
Wheat can be contaminated by melamine, a plastic substance toxic to cats. Cats are particularly susceptible to melamine poisoning as they are attracted to the substance’s high nitrogen content. Melamine contamination of wheat can occur during the manufacturing process, and once the wheat is contaminated, it can be complicated to remove the melamine.
- Raw eggs
Raw eggs may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Uncooked egg white can disrupt vitamin B absorption in cats, leading to skin problems.
- Milk
Most cats love milk – it’s a delicious treat they can’t resist. However, it’s not the best choice for them. Milk is high in lactose, a sugar cats can’t digest very well. This can lead to an upset and diarrhea. So while your cat might enjoy a small bowl of milk as a treat, it’s best to stick to cat food and water for their regular diet.
- Cheese
Cheese is a common allergen for these cats, so it’s best to avoid giving it to them. If you must give them cheese, try serving it in small quantities or mixing it with another food item. You can also buy specially-formulated pet food that doesn’t contain cheese.
- Fruit
Siamese cats can eat fruit, but only certain types.
Avoid giving them fruits that contain seeds or pits – these may cause an allergic reaction.
The most common toxic fruits for cats are grapes, raisins, and currants, which can cause kidney failure. Other fruits that can be toxic to cats include:
Different fruit seeds contain cyanide, which can poison cats if ingested. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in cats include panting, weakness, vomiting, and collapse.
- Shrimp
Siamese cats can eat shrimp as long as it’s cooked properly. It’s important to avoid giving your cat raw shrimp because they may ingest bacteria, which can cause an allergic reaction.
Cooked shrimp is the safest option for your cat.
- Tuna
There is some debate over whether tuna is suitable for cats. Some people think it is a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while others believe it can be harmful because of the mercury content.
Mercury is a toxic metal that can be found in tuna. It can cause health problems in humans and animals, so it is important to be aware of the mercury content in tuna before feeding it to your cat.
In addition, too much tuna can lead to steatitis, a painful inflammation of the fat cells. If your cat regularly eats tuna, monitor her closely for any signs of steatitis, such as loss of appetite, fever, and lethargy.
If you are considering giving your cat tuna, it is essential to do your research to ensure that you give them the best possible option. Some types of tuna are safer for cats than others, and you must be careful about how the tuna is prepared.
- Salmon
There is some evidence that cats may be allergic to salmon. One study found that some cats who ate salmon developed symptoms such as itchy skin, watery eyes, and vomiting. However, it’s important to note this study was small and more research is needed to confirm that cats are truly allergic to salmon.
Most cats with a salmon allergy can still eat other types of fish without any problems. So if your cat is allergic to salmon, there’s no need to worry – there are plenty of options for them to enjoy.
- Potatoes
Potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound that can be harmful to cats (and humans). Solanine is not usually deadly in small amounts but can cause gastrointestinal upset and vomiting. If your cat eats a lot of potatoes, it could end up with solanine poisoning, which can be fatal.
So, while potatoes aren’t exactly poisonous to cats, they’re not exactly safe either. If you want to give your cat a potato, cook it first to remove the solanine.
- Ice cream
Ice cream consists of milk, cream, and sugar. This combination can make it hard for cats to digest and can give them an upset stomach. So while your cat might be interested in your ice cream, it’s best to keep it out of reach.
- Chocolate
Chocolate is known to contain both caffeine and theobromine, and both of these substances can be toxic to cats. In fact, even a small amount of chocolate can cause cardiac distress in a cat.
Chocolate can also contain a large amount of sugar, leading to weight gain and obesity in cats.
- Avocado
While it is generally safe to eat, a substance in avocados called persin can cause anything from digestive d to death.
- Large quantities of liver
Excessive liver consumption can lead to serious health complications such as internal bleeding and abnormal bone growth along the spine. It can also have a laxative effect.
- Fat and turkey skin
One of the most common causes of pancreatitis in cats is consuming fatty foods or turkey skin.
Pancreatitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is a small organ behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help the body digest food.
There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden and brief inflammation of the pancreas that typically improves on its own within a few days. Chronic pancreatitis is a more severe condition when the pancreas becomes permanently damaged. This type of pancreatitis can lead to several complications, including weight loss, malnutrition, and diabetes.
- Almonds
Almonds, like apple seeds, contain cyanide. While the cyanide content is much lower than in apple seeds, consuming large amounts of almonds can cause toxicity in cats.
- Macadamia nuts
If your cat consumes even a small amount of macadamia nuts, it may experience muscle damage and paralysis. In severe cases, this can lead to death.
- Nutmeg
While nutmeg is generally safe for humans, it can be very dangerous for cats. Cats are much more sensitive to the toxic effects of nutmeg than humans, and consuming even a small amount can lead to seizures or death.
Never use it in your cat food recipes.
- Tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers
Like potatoes, green tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers contain a high concentration of solanine, a poisonous compound.
- Alfalfa
Alfalfa sprouts are a popular addition to salads and other dishes but can harm cats. Cats are attracted to sprouts because of their sweet smell. If they eat too many, they can suffer from an upset stomach or even intestinal blockage.
- Rhubarb
Rhubarb contains oxalates, which are chemicals that can damage the kidney. If your cat ingests rhubarb, it’s important to induce vomiting and bring her to the vet as soon as possible.
- Salt
If you have ever given your cat a little lick of salt from your cooking, you may have noticed that they seem to like the taste. However, salt is not a natural part of a cat’s diet, and too much salt can upset their electrolyte balance.
- Products containing xylitol (a sweetener)
This chemical can cause liver damage or failure in cats, which can be fatal in high doses.
- Dog food
Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs, so feeding them accordingly is essential. Although cats may not become ill from eating dog food, they are not getting the nutrients they need, particularly taurine.
- Processed foods with herbs, vegetables, fruit, and sauces
- Food coloring is also unnecessary and harmful, so try to avoid foods that are dyed in bright colors.
- A diet rich in plant content can increase the alkalinity of your cat’s urine, which can lead to the formation of stones in the urinary tract. The fiber in plant matter can also cause diarrhea or gas and interfere with your cat’s ability to digest plant matter and other healthy foods.
- Sour or moldy food
The bacteria that d food to spoil can make cats sick or even kill them.
What are the Signs of Food Allergies in Cats?
While some Siamese cats are known to be relatively tolerant of different foods, others may develop severe reactions to certain ingredients.
The most common symptoms of a food allergy are:
If your Siamese cat is experiencing any of these symptoms after eating certain foods, it’s essential to take them to the vet right away for treatment.
What’s the Best Cat Food for a Siamese Cat?
Siamese cats are active and playful and require a diet that supports their high energy levels.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing cat food for a Siamese cat:
- Consider any allergies or sensitivities your cat may have. Siamese cats are often allergic to wheat, corn, and soy, so look for foods that don’t contain these ingredients.
- Your cat’s diet should mimic what they would eat in the wild as closely as possible. Cats are primarily meat-eaters, with only a small amount of grains and vegetables in their diet.
- Siamese cats need a diet high in protein to maintain their lean bodies. Siamese cats require more protein than other breeds, so choosing a food containing at least 30% protein is essential.
- You might also want to try switching to a hypoallergenic diet or a limited ingredient diet. This type of food is formulated to be easier on your cat’s digestive system and may help reduce the severity of their allergies.
- Think about your cat’s age and activity level. Kittens and active adult cats need more calories than sedentary adults. Choose food that provides the right amount of calories and nutrients for your cat’s needs.
- You will also want to ensure the food contains taurine, an essential amino acid that helps Siamese cats stay healthy.
If your feline friend does not consume enough taurine, they could develop retinal degeneration, tooth decay, hair loss, heart disorders, and reproductive problems. A cat lacking this nutrient may go blind.
- Siamese cats tend to be picky eaters. This means you may have to try a few different kinds of food before you find one your cat will eat.
- If you’re unsure what to feed your Siamese cat, talk to your vet for recommendations. They can help you choose food that is right for your cat’s individual needs.
You can also talk to your vet about a possible allergy-elimination diet. This diet involves slowly introducing new foods to your cat to see if they have a reaction.
- Cats are fastidious creatures, and their food preferences are often a good indicator of the food’s quality.
If Batman and Robyn turn their nose up at a particular food, it is likely lower quality than the one they enjoy. Conversely, if they appear sleek, active, and happy, I’ve likely made the right food choice to serve them.
If, at times when they appear sluggish or vomit their food, I usually switch to different food.
No matter what type of Siamese cat food you choose, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your feline friend.
Additional Information
Cats are creatures of habit and typically like to have their meals at the same time each day. If you free-feed your cat (meaning food is available to them at all times), it can be difficult to determine how much they eat. This can lead to overeating and obesity.
It’s essential to establish a regular feeding routine and stick to it. This will help you control the amount of food your cat eats and allows you to notice any changes in his appetite. Try to feed your cat at the same time each day. If you can’t do this, try to feed him at regular intervals.
In addition, you should restrict treats to a minimum. Of course, you’ll want to give your cat the occasional treat, but it should not make up a large part of his diet. Too many treats can lead to obesity, leading to other health problems.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! I hope this article helped identify foods you should avoid giving your Siamese. Remember, if you think your cat may be allergic to a particular food, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet.
We gathered all the health tips tailored towards maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide
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