Flaxseed

The **cyanogenic glycosides** in flaxseed are a safety issue for cats too, especially raw seed or large amounts; cats are carnivores with no need for flaxseed, and its high fibre easily causes loose stools and bloating.

Loose stools, diarrhoea, bloating, vomiting, reduced appetite; cyanide poisoning causes rapid breathing, lethargy, weakness and possibly seizures and needs urgent care.

Contact a vet immediately after a large amount of raw flaxseed or if rapid breathing, lethargy or weakness appears.

At most a little **freshly ground** seed now and then, never in place of the main diet; whole seeds pass undigested and ground seed turns rancid quickly, so keep it sealed and chilled; do not expect coat or laxative benefits, and see a vet for those problems.

Flaxseed contains **cyanogenic glycosides**, so raw seeds or large amounts carry a cyanide-poisoning risk; it is also fairly oily and high in fibre, and too much causes loose stools, bloating and diarrhoea.

Loose stools, diarrhoea, bloating, vomiting, reduced appetite; cyanide poisoning can bring rapid breathing, abnormal gum colour, lethargy, weakness and even seizures, which is an emergency.

Contact a vet immediately after a large amount of raw flaxseed or if rapid breathing, lethargy or weakness appears; never induce vomiting at home.

Keep it small and **freshly ground**: whole seeds pass through largely undigested, while ground seed is more available but also turns rancid quickly, so store it sealed and chilled; flaxseed does not treat coat or bowel problems, so see a vet instead.