Animal lovers often go out of their way to care for stray cats and kittens in their neighborhoods, providing them with food, shelter, and medical care. However, well-intentioned efforts can sometimes go disastrously wrong when people lack basic awareness about animal nutrition.
Recently, @afieza_ariffin, a local animal rescuer took to Threads to express her frustration after discovering that a neighbor had left behind a dangerous meal for a shy stray kitten she was looking after.
A close call with harmful leftovers
The user recounted walking up to check on a young, skittish stray kitten that she had been feeding. She then discovered a packet of leftover food dumped near the kitten’s spot.
The food consisted of spiced and oily food, including spicy rice and fish bones, which can cause severe digestive distress, toxicity, or internal blockages in young felines.
Fortunately, she spotted the dangerous meal in time and threw it away before the vulnerable kitten could consume it.
Expressing her exasperation over the lack of consideration, the user wrote:
“My neighbour gave food to the kitten I’m feeding. Luckily, I managed to take it away and throw it out. Some people are just born without common sense. The kitten is still very wild, and I haven’t even been able to handle it yet,” the post read.
The reality of feeding stray animals
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, the user explained that while people may feed stray animals with good intentions, they should always make sure the food is safe for them, as certain leftovers can make animals seriously ill.
Beyond daily feeding, she is actively trying to find a safe, permanent forever home for the timid little feline where it can grow up healthy, loved, and out of harm’s way.
“Sometimes, people feed stray animals with good intentions, but not every leftover is safe for them. Foods that are too salty, spicy, oily, spoiled, or contain harmful ingredients can make animals seriously ill.
“Before giving leftovers to strays, people should pause and ask, “Is this actually safe for them?” If they’re unsure, it’s better not to feed them,” she said.
Netizens’ reactions
“Some people don’t understand. Leftovers with bones like this have the potential to make cats choke. Or injure their mouths. Even spoiled food isn’t good to give to them. Some have sensitive stomachs. It will make them have severe diarrhea and food poisoning too.”
“I really hate it when people feed cats along with fish bones! WTH“
“This is just called throwing away trash. And then people like this are the ones who cause cats to get blamed for making a mess.”
“Many don’t understand that cats aren’t dogs who can chew on everything including bones. Cats can’t.”
