How to Kill Your Cat or Dog.

No no, chill. We really aren’t publishing step one on a guide to serial killing 101. That was just some shameless clickbait. We love our animals at YAMU. In fact our office is full of them. We hear so much about animal mistreatment that we just thought we'd do an informative piece on some all too common pet care mistakes. Like people who try to make their cat vegan.

Animals have a diet that they need to have and if we are to responsibly care for them we should be aware of foods that are bad for them too. Such as :

Chocolate

Good chocolate is basically manna from heaven for us humans. But don’t even think about giving any to our furry friends. Chocolate is extremely poisonous to cats and dogs. There’s a chemical called theobromine in chocolate. While theobromine is even used as medicine for humans it’s very dangerous for pets. Small doses can make pets hyperactive and doses that are larger or have higher concentrations can cause heart problems and seizures. Not just chocolate but packaged manufactured sweets could also be because some artificial sweeteners are also poisonous to animals. Caffeine in chocolate is also bad to pets.

 

Tea, Coffee, Energy Drinks

Speaking of caffeine, we mean tea, coffee and energy drinks. You might have seen people pour tea into a saucer and leave it for the cat. Stay far away from them. They were probably an enemy of the cat in a previous life. Caffeine in pets can cause rapid breathing, heart palpitations and muscle spasms. So under no circumstances should your beloved pet share your morning pick me up.

 

Alcohol

While we’re on the topic of pick me ups, your morning coffee shouldn’t be Irish. And it absolutely shouldn’t be given to your pets. Pictures of pets and beer bottles on the internet might be hilarious but alcohol ingestion in cats or dogs is tragic. It can cause brain and liver damage. Even a tablespoonful could be deadly. Even when you’re feeding them something, check if it has alcohol added to it. Don’t make your pet your drinking buddy. That’ll be sad on so many levels. Or awesome, if you're feeding them Pinot Meow. Or Moscato.

 

 

Onions and Garlic

All members of the onion family are very poisonous to cats and dogs. They might be fine with a little here and there but a large amount will give them stomach problems. If they keep eating onions it can cause anaemia in the long term. Like with alcohol, check if anything you’re giving your pet has onions in it.

 

Grapes and Raisins

You’d think grapes were safe to eat but they aren’t. We hear it’s mostly dogs that get poisoned by grapes. It affects the liver but it might take a few days for symptoms to show.

 

Raw eggs

One or two raw eggs once in awhile won’t do much harm. But a constant diet of raw eggs can cause a vitamin B deficiency that will lead to fur falling out.

 

Raw fish

Any micro-organisms and parasites in raw fish could infect your pet. So always cook fish before giving it to your pet. Or just leave it for the birds.

 

Salt

Salt poisoning can cause swelling in the brain and seizures, just like it does in toddlers. So be careful that you don’t give your pet too much salt. In fact if you take your pet to the beach don’t let them drink too much sea water either. 

 

Milk

Yes. Even milk can be problematic. While young cats and dogs can digest milk, older pets can get lactose intolerance resulting in stomach problems and diarrhea.

 

Treatment

Shivers, seizure, foaming at the mouth, lethargy or any other abnormal behaviour could be indications of poisoning. If you feel like your pet has been poisoned seek a veterinarian immediately. Don’t try to have your pet throw up any food. That might cause further complications.

The vet will most likely attempt to pump your pet’s stomach to remove the poison or give fluids through an IV to reduce the pressure, and therefore the damage, on the liver.

We don't have a reliable list of veterinarians but we'd suggest Pet Vet, PetsVCare, or Best Care Animal Hospital. If you know of any, please head to the comments section below! 

Still prevention is better than cure, so be responsible and take good care of your pets. It’s like taking care of a child and should be taken just as seriously. Or extra seriously if your pet is as cute as this :

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Browns Hotels Opens Turtle Conservation Hub at Dickwella Resort

On 23rd May, to celebrate World Turtle Day, Browns Hotels & Resorts (BHR) began a

Trending

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Yamu Guide.

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

A Curated List of 9 Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide