What Are M&Ms?
We all have fond memories with M&Ms as they have been an integral part of many kids’ childhoods as well as adults. These heavenly morsels are found in jars at weddings or birthdays and even workplaces, thanks to their colorful casings and chocolate fillings. But what are these delectable sweet fillings made of? Let’s take a closer look!
Basically, M&M candies contain a lot of ingredients, including corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, sugar, and milk chocolate. The chocolate is coated with a shell of many different coloured candy, which increases the appeal of the snack. If we talk about the health aspect of the snack, M&Ms are very calorie dense being high in sugars and calories which don’t have any real nutritional value.
Can Cats Eat M&Ms?
Analysis of Ingredients
Chocolate
M&M’s contain a lot of ingredients, but one of them that most people worry about is chocolate. Chocolate has theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to cats. In humans, the metabolism of these substances is not very difficult, but for cats, it takes a long time to metabolize any of these chemicals which then cause it to build to toxic levels in their body. Even the smallest amount of chocolate can cause a cat to get vomiting, diarrhoea, or rapid breathing.
Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
M&M’s contain high sugar which can be an extra risk for cats. Although sugar is not exactly poisonous, its excessive consumption may lead to obesity and diabetes, which are common diseases in cats. Moreover, as some variants of candies have strong artificial sweeteners, they should be kept away from your cat.
Artificial Colors and Additives
At last, the colour and tastes that make M&Ms tantalising to us come from artificial colours and additives. While these are generally regarded as safe for human beings, they can bring allergies or sensitivities in cats. Such allergic reactions may trigger symptoms like itching, hives and gastric upset.
Unique Risks of Feeding M&Ms to Cats
Specific Ingredients of Concern
Chocolate Toxicity
Cats are particularly endangered by the theobromine contained in chocolate. So if a cat does consume chocolate, it is extremely important to keep an eye out for signs like vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing or even seizures and take the cat to a vet without delay.
High Sugar Content
If excess sugar is included in a cat’s diet, over time that can wear them up for obesity and diabetes. Some of the noticeable signs for these diseases would be dry mouth, a need to pee frequently as well as low energy. Giving M&Ms to your cat can worsen these health issues so it’s best to refrain from giving them any sugar.
Artificial Additives
Cats can also be allergic or sensitive to the artificial components present in M&Ms. Some common signs of sensitivity include itching, hives, or nausea. Such signs actually demonstrate why it is essential to avoid feeding any form of artificial additives to your cat.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats M&Ms
Immediate Actions
The first step if you believe your cat has eaten some M&M’s is to get all the remaining sweets out of reach of your pet. Additionally, monitor your pet for any unusual signs or behaviours. If they exhibit discomfort in any form including vomiting, loose stools or even shortness of breath, seeking professional help is strongly recommended. Make sure to tell your vet what they ate so that you are provided with further instructions in regard to that.
Ongoing Care
Once you have dealt with the immediate issues, it is essential to keep an eye on any after effects of the M&M consumption. Take note of changes in their behaviour or appetite, and always ensure that you give them a complete diet which meets their health needs. Remember that routine vet visits can help you make sure that your cat stays in good shape.
Nutritional Needs of Cats
Essential Nutrients for Cats
If you want your cat to be a happy one, it’s important to know what diet is best for them. Cats, unlike us humans, are obligate carnivores which implies that they have to eat meats; animal based proteins primarily. This protein is important for the development and maintenance of lean muscle mass, a healthy immune system, and the overall well-being of the animal.
Along with protein, a cat’s diet must contain a certain amount of fats and vitamins as well as minerals. Fats are a rich source of energy and are important in vitamin absorption (fat-soluble vitamins). Vitamins and minerals are required for a range of bodily processes including nerve and bone function.
Foods to Avoid
It may be exciting to offer a bite of any of your snacks to your cat, but, unfortunately, some foods made for human consumption can be harmful, or worse, toxic to the cat. Some of these foods such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins can actually be dangerous to your cats, as they may cause serious reactions upon ingestions. The reasons these foods are dangerous are quite many, but they can be linked to the ingredients in these meals which may disrupt the normal workings of a cat’s body.
For instance, cats should not eat chocolate, for it contains theobromine and caffeine which are hard for them to break down. Likewise, cats shouldn’t consume so many foods with high sugar content or additives, otherwise this can lead to diabetes, obesity, or worse diseases.
Safe Treat Alternatives
Store-Bought Options
The good news is that there are lots of healthy and safe cat treats available in pet stores. Make sure to look for those treats that have a lot of good proteins and fairly few additives. Some of the brands are Greenies, Temptation, and Blue Buffalo. These brands offer good treats that also help with oral health and overall wellness.
Safe Human Foods
If you like treating your kitty with human food, there are some options which are safe for them. For instance, cooked chicken, turkey or even fish can serve as a good protein source for your cat. Just make sure you boil them without adding any spice. If your cats love yoghurt or cheese, you can also add those while ensuring the dose is kept to a minimum since those provide probiotics for better digestion.
Conclusion
Recap of Key Points
M&Ms should not be fed in any situation to cats as chocolate, sugar and artificial elements can be quite harmful. Each and every cat has its own unique sort of diet that needs to be balanced to make sure it stays healthy.
Final Thoughts
Although M&M’s might be one of our favorite products when it comes to snacks, they pose great threats for our furry friends. Always make sure to have appropriate feeding habits and speak to your veterinarian for tailored information on the diet of your feline. Learning more about a pet’s diet constantly guarantees you the best of the best for your furry friend.
