With the exception of foods that are highly toxic to our cats (chocolate, coffee, onion...), most native foods (those that have not been processed) consumed by humans are consumable, at least in small quantities, by our cats. However, they are not always well tolerated! Some foods will only be well tolerated in small amounts, and this tolerance varies from cat to cat: this is the case, for example, with cooked starch or sugar. Toxic Foods for My Cat These are foods that should never, under any circumstances, be given to our cats. Some sauces containing garlic and onion, or any food made from chocolate or caffeine should be avoided. You should also be careful of toxic plants for cats, which account for up to 20% of poisoning cases in cats. Coffee Caffeine is a real poison for our cats. It can cause an accelerated heart rate, breathing difficulties, tremors... Tea Tea also contains caffeine, which can cause serious poisoning. Grapes In any form, grapes are dangerous for our furry friends. They can cause acute kidney failure within 2-3 days of ingestion. Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulating alkaloid that is not detoxified by the cat's liver. It can cause excessive drooling, tachycardia (too rapid heart rate), seizures, coma, and even death. Garlic It contains a toxin that affects red blood cells and its ingestion can lead to hemolytic anemia with consequences such as jaundice. Onion Onion contains the same toxic compound as garlic. Alcohol Alcohol is extremely dangerous for our cats. It can cause liver and brain damage, and even death. Chestnuts and Horse Chestnuts They are harmful to the liver of our little companions and can even cause some neurological disorders. Avocado Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that is harmless to humans but dangerous and sometimes deadly to our little companions. Bones and Fish Bones Sharp bones and fish bones can get stuck in the digestive tract, particularly in the larynx, pharynx, or esophagus... and block the passage of food. Raw Potatoes for Cats They contain solanine, which is toxic to both humans and cats. Ingesting raw potatoes can cause digestive and neurological issues. Cherries Generally, fruits containing cyanogenic glycosides are not suitable for cats. Foods to Avoid for My Cat These are not toxic to our cats, as long as they are given in small quantities. However, they can cause digestive problems or severe health issues if given in large quantities and/or over time. "Moderation is key", this saying applies to our furry friends as well! Some vegetables and legumes are difficult for our cats to digest, which is why we recommend giving them raw or cooked zucchini, which are well tolerated, as a supplement to a healthy and balanced diet. To prevent them from gaining weight and the health problems that come with it, avoid giving them table scraps and instead opt for cat food cans specifically formulated for them to meet their nutritional needs. Raw Egg The raw egg white contains an enzyme that reduces the absorption capacity of vitamin B8. Cheese It is not toxic to your cat, but when consumed in large quantities, it can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Butter Our cats enjoy a small piece of butter from time to time. However, as butter is a very rich food, it should not be given in large quantities. Milk Lactose tolerance can vary from cat to cat. If your cat tolerates milk well, they can have a small amount occasionally. Nuts It is mainly the mycotoxins present in the pulp or husk of the nut that are highly toxic. But don’t worry, our cats are not attracted to the walnut husk. Spinach Spinach is rich in oxalic acids, which can cause urinary problems. Citrus Fruits Oranges, lemons, mandarins... The citric acid in the fruit can irritate the cat's digestive system. Swiss Chard Swiss chard is high in nitrates and oxalic acid. It can cause urinary issues. Cakes And anything that is sweet in general! Turnip Turnips are not recommended for our cats as they can cause digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea. Canned Tuna Our cats love it! However, canned tuna has a very high salt content. Therefore, it should not be given too often.   Leeks From the same family as garlic and onions, leeks are toxic. They are less dangerous than onions, but large quantities must be ingested to cause poisoning. Also, they are very fibrous and difficult for cats to digest. Lentils Lentils are hard to digest due to their high phytic acid content. Eggplant Eggplant contains atropine, which can cause heart rhythm disturbances in your little companion. Cabbage Cabbage is difficult for our little companions to digest. It can cause gas and diarrhea if given in large amounts. Cold Cuts Like cheese, cold cuts are too fatty. Given in large quantities, they can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Sorrel Like spinach and Swiss chard, sorrel is rich in oxalic acid and can cause urinary problems. My cat has been poisoned, how should I react? You should urgently call your veterinarian, as they are the only ones who can guide you on what to do. Try to provide as much information as possible, including the food ingested and the quantity. There are two veterinary poison centers in France, they are available 24/7 and offer free advice. And how to treat my cat? Visit our blog for 5 healthy treats for my cat. You can also treat your cat with our delicious cat kibble, which are both tasty and healthy.

This is unfortunately a common and highly contagious condition in our cats, and it should not be taken lightly. If you think your little companion is ill, it is imperative to take them to the veterinarian, as only they can examine the cat and make a diagnosis. What is cat coryza? Cat coryza is an upper respiratory tract condition. It is caused by the infection, either simultaneously or not, of various pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. These may include Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Reovirus, and the following bacteria: Chlamydophila Felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Escherichia. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a virus that targets the cells lining the respiratory and digestive tracts. It undergoes many mutations, which then lead to the creation of strains with varying levels of virulence. FCV alone can cause a mild coryza, resulting in stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth lining) and nasal discharge. Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV) is the virus responsible for feline infectious rhinotracheitis. It particularly affects the tissue made up of cells lining the respiratory and ocular systems. A unique feature of FHV: it persists in nerve ganglia and may reappear during the cat's lifetime. Stress or immunodeficiency, for example, can trigger the virus's reactivation. Reovirus is a pathogen that is relatively less important than FCV and FHV. It alone causes a coryza with ocular and respiratory involvement. Chlamydophila felis is a bacterium that mainly causes conjunctivitis and damage to the nasal mucosa. The other bacteria mentioned above, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, can be present, particularly in the case of a secondary infection. Transmission of coryza In cats, the transmission of coryza occurs through direct or indirect contact. As mentioned earlier, it is a highly contagious and resilient virus. There are risk factors to be aware of: cats subjected to stressful situations (moving, arrival of a new pet, etc.) are more likely to be infected. Cats at risk also include those living in breeding facilities and shelters, kittens aged 2 to 12 weeks, and cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Symptoms of coryza: The bacteria and viruses responsible for coryza will generate different effects and symptoms. In a cat suffering from coryza, you may notice: Respiratory issues caused either by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. Sneezing (cat sneezing) Rhinorrhea (runny nose), caused by feline herpesvirus. Ocular issues, conjunctivitis (red eyes) with serous (non-clear) and purulent discharge. Ocular lesions can be more severe, such as corneal ulcers. Ulcers of the tongue and palate, caused by feline calicivirus. Chronic stomatitis and gingivitis, also caused by calicivirus. Anosmia (loss of smell) and ulcers caused by coryza can lead to loss of appetite or difficulty eating, sometimes leading to anorexia. More severe, hypervirulent forms are also possible with fever, edema, and jaundice. In this form, mortality can reach up to 67%. How is it treated? Only a veterinarian can prescribe treatment after making a diagnosis and guide you on what steps to take. If your cat is suffering from coryza, they will need what is called comfort care as well as treatments tailored to the symptoms. Depending on the case, this may involve ocular care, oral care, and comfort care. Comfort care is essential in managing coryza, especially cleaning secretions, inhalations, and nutrition. Nutrition is an important point not to neglect, particularly if your cat has oral lesions, loss of smell, or fever. You should consider offering your cat an appealing diet, which you can blend or slightly warm up. If your cat refuses to eat, the veterinarian may consider placing a feeding tube (through the digestive tract). It is also important to confine your little companion to avoid contamination with other cats. Once comfort care is in place, antiviral treatment may be introduced. For more severe cases, the administration of antibiotics for 8 to 10 days is highly recommended. Please note, that currently, there is no treatment that can completely eliminate the viruses responsible for coryza from the body. Coryza is a frustrating condition both for the cat's family and for veterinarians. Several factors contribute to this: the many causes of chronic coryza, its incurable nature, its chronicity, the difficulty families face in administering treatment to their cats, and the possible presence of multiple cats in the household. My cat doesn't go outside, is it still useful to vaccinate against coryza? Prevention against coryza is entirely possible through vaccination. It is advised to vaccinate your cat, even if they do not go outside, at least against feline panleukopenia and coryza. These two viruses are particularly resilient and can be indirectly brought into your home (via shoes, bags, clothes, etc.). Coryza vaccines all contain at least one strain (the part of the vaccine that corresponds to protection against a single pathogen) against feline herpesvirus and one strain against feline calicivirus. The latter is also a particularly resilient virus in the environment and can be indirectly brought into contact with your cat, even if your cat does not interact with other cats. Did you find this article interesting? Feel free to read: Why is my cat drinking more water than usual?

Our cats are sensitive beings who appreciate routine and regularity, and can therefore be easily unsettled by change. It is essential to identify the source of your feline friend's stress to better address it. What are the signs of stress in cats? There are many potential sources of stress for our furry friends. But if you notice a sudden change in your cat’s behavior or signs of illness, we recommend consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can ensure your beloved pet is not sick or injured. Stress may manifest as destructive or disruptive behaviors: your kitty might scratch your furniture or urinate in various corners of the home. Excessive grooming, frequent meowing, aggressiveness, refusal of petting, or changes in eating habits are also common signs of a stressed cat. Why is my cat stressed? Cats are very attached to their territory, so moving house can be a significant source of stress. Taking your cat to the vet is rarely an easy task, as many of us can attest! Even a short visit to the vet can feel like a nightmare for our cats. The arrival of a baby or another pet is a happy moment for the family... except for your cat, who may find it difficult and take time to adjust. A sudden change in diet can also be a stress trigger and cause diarrhea. That’s why at Ziggy, we always recommend a proper transition period when changing your cat’s food. Similarly, poor feeding schedules—such as offering only one meal a day—can stress some cats who fear not having enough. We recommend a minimum of 4 meals a day to match their natural grazing habits. Car rides are also far from enjoyable for many cats and can easily trigger a stress response. How can I help my cat cope with stress? Depending on the cause, you can help reduce or eliminate the stressor, or at least help your feline deal with it better. However, scolding your cat for expressing stress—such as with destructive behavior—will only make matters worse. It’s important to remember that patience is key to building a trusting relationship with your cat. We recommend providing tasty, high-quality food in several small meals at regular times. Ensure their daily nutritional needs are met. Spend quality time with your cat—pet them, talk to them, play with them, or brush them. This strengthens your bond and helps them feel calmer. Especially when stress is caused by a new baby or pet, these moments of attention prevent your cat from feeling left out. To help with grooming, we recently launched a double-headed cat brush designed for all coat types. One side has rounded steel pins for gentle detangling and massaging, the other has nylon bristles for smoothing and shining. Made from sustainably sourced ash wood, vegan, and manufactured in France. Provide hiding spots, toys, cat trees, and scratchers so your cat can climb, play, hide, and relax freely. Physical activity releases endorphins—natural stress relievers! If the stress is related to car rides or vet visits, get your cat used to their carrier by leaving it open in the living room, for example. Reward them with treats when they go inside or come when called. You can also spray the inside with valerian spray to calm them. Valerian, massage, and music therapy... Discover more in our article 5 ways to help your cat relax.

Learn more about diabetes in adult cats. Discover the risks of obesity and the signs to better prevent this common disease.

Usually playful, your little companion is suddenly ignoring their cat tree, favorite plush toy, or fishing rod. Don’t worry—it’s not uncommon for our cats to go through phases where they play less. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior, you might be able to help. Play in our cats Play sessions for our beloved companions are largely driven by their hunting instinct. From a very young age, kittens create hunting scenarios: little paw swipes, climbing attempts on siblings, clumsy bites... Through play, young hunters learn that in the wild, prey moves, struggles, and escapes. Solo play is crucial for cats—it acts as a substitute for predatory activity, especially for indoor cats. My cat doesn’t play—is it serious? Several factors can lead to a decrease in playtime for our cats. A health problem If you notice a significant change in your cat’s behavior, and they suddenly stop playing, it could be a sign of a health issue. Sudden inactivity might indicate pain or illness. In this case, it’s best to consult a vet to ensure it’s not a medical problem but rather behavioral. That said, as cats age, they tend to sleep more and may feel less like playing. A stressful event Moving to a new home, the arrival of a baby or another pet, or a stay at the vet—many events can upset our cats. Your cat may show signs of stress: they stop playing, start hiding, or develop destructive behaviors like scratching or soiling. Lack of stimulation Cats are big sleepers! They sleep between 13 and 16 hours a day—lucky them! But if your cat seems unusually lethargic, something may be wrong. Cats lacking physical and mental stimulation may display unusual behaviors: they stop playing, sleep more, overgroom, or scratch the couch...

Do you feel like your cat's fur has become greasy and dull recently? However, when it comes to grooming, our cats are experts; they know very well how to take care of their coat. Don't panic, there are several solutions to remedy greasy and dull fur in your little companion. We will also focus in particular on the importance of choosing a quality diet.

Increased water consumption and urine production in our cats are signs that should not be taken lightly... A cat that drinks and urinates more than usual may suffer from kidney failure or diabetes. Don't hesitate to measure the amount of water your cat consumes to determine its actual intake, which should guide you. What is the average water consumption of our cats? Over the course of a day, our cats generally consume between 30 and 50 ml of water per kg of body weight. For example, an adult European-type cat weighing 4.5 kg will consume between 135 and 225 ml of water per day. You can also calculate the amount of water consumed as follows: for every 10 grams of dry food eaten, your cat will drink about 20 to 30 ml of water. It will drink less water if it eats only wet food, which provides higher hydration. A cat urinates about half of the water it consumes. If fed with dry food, it will eliminate between 10 and 15 ml of urine per kg of body weight. If fed with wet food, it will urinate about two-thirds of the consumed water, producing between 15 and 20 ml of urine per kg of body weight. These values can vary depending on several factors, including the composition of the food you provide. For example, the fiber content in food increases water loss through feces, and the salt content can increase both water consumption and urine output, thus affecting urine volume. If you have not changed your cat's diet but still notice it drinks from its bowl or even the tap and urinates more, try to measure this change to provide the information to your veterinarian. Note that sometimes a cat may not drink or drink less. In this case, do not hesitate to read our article on the subject. How to measure the amount of water my cat consumes? First, isolate your little companion from other pets in the house. If possible, try to set up a separate room or place the water bowl in a high place. Using a measuring cup or a scale, measure the amount of water before putting the bowl down and after a certain time. By calculating the difference, you will obtain the precise amount of water consumed. If you feed your cat wet food, you can weigh the amount of food consumed over 24 hours. Don't forget to weigh what you give and subtract what remains in the bowl for the most accurate result. Note or photograph the water content on the food label (% moisture), as this may be useful for your veterinarian. My cat drinks more water than usual, is it serious? Some signs must be taken seriously and prompt you to consult a veterinarian quickly because the health of our little companions cannot wait! Recognizing the signs of illness can save time and improve treatment effectiveness. Diabetes If your cat's thirst increases, the amount of urine will increase accordingly, it may be diabetes. A single blood test is not enough to diagnose diabetes, especially if blood glucose is not very high. Multiple samples will be needed by your vet after 12 hours of fasting, as blood glucose rises after meals. This will determine whether your cat has diabetes or not. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that may result from either a genetic insulin production deficiency (called type I diabetes), or a relative insulin secretion defect combined with progressive insulin resistance (called type II diabetes). Unlike dogs, type II diabetes is most common in cats, accounting for 80% of cases. It is possible to prevent diabetes in your companion. Overweight and obesity strongly favor diabetes in cats, so a quality, low-calorie, carbohydrate-poor diet (especially low in starch) that meets their nutritional needs and satiates them is preferred. You should favor wet food or homemade rations, which are less calorie-dense than dry food for the same weight. It strongly contributes to satiety while providing necessary hydration. Kidney failure If your cat urinates more frequently, causing water loss, its body must compensate, so your cat will tend to drink more water. In this case, it may be a kidney disease. Through blood and urine tests, your vet can establish a diagnosis and adjust treatment accordingly if kidney failure is confirmed. As with diabetes, diet plays an essential role in preventing kidney failure. Avoid giving low-quality food or table scraps. Contrary to some beliefs, excessive protein intake does not cause kidney failure in cats. The element to limit is rather phosphorus. If chronic kidney failure is diagnosed, a specific diet designed for cats with this condition must be implemented. In any case, it is essential to regularly observe your little companion to detect any symptoms of potential illness. Do not hesitate to call or consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts or notice unusual behavior in your cat.

Does your cat meow all day and/or all night? Our cats' meows are cute and touching, but when they become persistent, it can quickly become stressful.

Right now, in the evening, you're about to go to bed, and then: surprise! A terrible smell of cat urine on your bed. As much as you love your cat, this kind of incident is quite unpleasant. Don't worry, this is a common problem that can be solved very quickly once the cause is determined. Distinguishing Urine Marking from Incontinence Urine marking and incontinence are two very different things. Whether it's one or the other, it's not an act of revenge from your little companion. We talk about urine marking when your cat is not neutered or spayed. In that case, your cat will urinate on vertical surfaces like chair legs, walls, the sofa... It's its way of "marking its territory" and protecting its resources. However, if your cat urinates on horizontal surfaces, especially your bed, it could be incontinence, especially if your cat is already neutered. First of all, if your cat pees everywhere, we recommend making an appointment with the vet. They can determine whether your cat has a health issue, such as a urinary infection, or if it’s simply incontinence. Sometimes incontinence is linked to a state of stress in our cats, especially if another animal or person has arrived in your home, if you've moved, or if it has just returned from a vet visit. It could also be that your cat’s litter box is too dirty, difficult to access, or that it has to share it with another cat. In that case, your cat will look for another spot to do its business. Another possible cause: your little companion loves the texture or the smell of your duvet, or the laundry detergent you use to wash your sheets. My Cat Pees on My Bed: How to Stop It? While you try to understand the exact cause of this behavior, and if you can't stop your cat from accessing your room during the day, we recommend covering your duvet with a plastic sheet. Once your bedspread is washed and changed, you can spray it with a repellent spray that will drive your cat away. You can also spray a "deodorizing spray" in case the urine smell hasn’t completely disappeared to your cat’s nose. If your cat recognizes its scent, it may be tempted to urinate again in the same spot. Next, try to clean its litter box with bleach; your cat will then try to cover that smell by urinating on top of it. Conversely, use white vinegar to clean up urine puddles because its smell is unpleasant for cats and tends to keep them away. If your cat is peeing on your bed because it's stressed, you can try soothing it naturally, with valerian for example, by providing hiding spots or playing calming music playlists designed for cats (yes, that exists). If the arrival of a new person is stressing your cat, try giving it some alone time and space to help it relax and feel at home again. Although it may annoy you, there's no need to scold or punish your cat. It won't understand, and this would only worsen the behavior and increase its stress. With patience and empathy, try to understand why your cat is experiencing incontinence, so you can find real solutions (and sleep in a clean bed!). If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to consult a vet who can assist you further. Have you experienced this kind of situation before? Share your tips with us for dealing with these incidents!