Everyone likes a little treat every now and then – and especially now that the festive season is approaching. But although it’s tempting to give your cat scraps from the table, many everyday human foods can actually be dangerous for her.

Some cats are very good at begging for food and acting like they’ve not been fed for days! But don’t be tempted in to giving your cat scraps from the table. Not only does it encourage bad habits - and having your cat on the table, especially when you’ve got visitors can be very off-putting, but feeding human foods in general can have an adverse effect on your cat’s health. So don’t be afraid to ask well-meaning guests not to feed from the table or to give your cat the wrong kind of treats.

For example, onions, garlic and certain root vegetables contain substances that can be toxic for cats and may cause a form of anaemia. And remember, it’s not just the raw form of these vegetables you should avoid feeding your cat, because the gravy or sauces that cover a meal may also contain these ingredients.

Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine that is poisonous for cats. It is in the same class of drugs as caffeine and can have an effect on the nervous system, blood pressure and digestion. In addition, grapes and raisins have been found to be toxic to pets, so again should be avoided.

Although milk is not toxic to cats, any adult cat who is being fed with a balanced, nutritious diet such as Hill’s™ Science Plan™, should not need it. In fact, many cats are lactose-intolerant so can suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach upsets as a result of drinking it.

To help keep your cat in the best of health, you should also consider the amount you feed upon your cat’s weight. Even things that we might consider to be a small treat can be very different in cat terms. For a 5kg cat, a cup of milk is equivalent in calories to a human adult eating 4½ burgers or 5 chocolate bars and 30g of cheddar cheese equates to 3½ burgers or 4 chocolate bars!

It’s fine to give your cat an occasional and appropriate treat, however, too many treats can lead to rapid weight gain and nutritional imbalance. A Hill’s Science Plan kibble is just as much of a treat, and much better for her. You can also reward your cat by varying the food you feed, combining wet and dry food and changing the flavour from time to time. Hill's has a range of Science Plan™ Tender Chunks in Gravy pouches available in a variety of flavours for adult and mature adult cats. However, do keep to the recommended daily amounts. Here’s a feeding guide for Hill’s Science Plan Feline.

Adult cat daily feeding amounts:

These ranges are a starting point only, because animals' needs vary.  Adjust the feeding amount to maintain optimal body weight

Mature adult cat daily feeding amounts:

These ranges are a starting point only, because animals' needs vary.  Adjust the feeding amount to maintain optimal body weight

And remember, the Hill’s Science Plan range has delicious tasting varieties that are specifically tailored to the individual needs of your cat. And if she doesn’t love it, then we’ll give you your money back – guaranteed!