NMNCan cats eat fruit? This is a question that many cat owners ask, and the answer may surprise you.
Cats are carnivores and as such, their bodies are not designed to digest fruits and vegetables.
However, this does not mean that all fruits are off-limits for cats.
Some fruits and vegetables are safe for cats to eat, while others can be harmful.
In this blog post, we will discuss which fruits are safe for your cat to eat, and which ones you should avoid.
Can Cats Eat Fruit?
The short answer to this question is yes and no. There are certain fruits that are safe for a cat to consume such as berries, bananas, and pineapple. Other fruits such as grapes, cherries, and citrus fruits should never be given to a cat as they are toxic.
We will cover the fruits that a cat can and cannot eat in more detail, a bit further down in this guide.
It’s important to say that the fruits that are safe for cats to eat should only be given in moderation, and should never replace a cat’s regular food.
Cat’s are obligate carnivore’s who require animal protein to survive.
They do not require fruit and it should only be given on the odd occasion to supplement their regular diet.
That being said, there are some benefits to feeding your cat fruit as a treat.
When To Not Feed Fruit To Your Cat
The high sugar content found in fruit can be problematic in certain scenarios. You should never feed fruit to a cat if:
- They have diabetes: The natural sugar found in fruit can be problematic to a ct that has feline diabetes.
- They are overweight: If you have a cat that is already overweight, the high sugar content found in fruit can add to the problem.
What Kind Of Fruits Can Cats Eat?
The following is a list of fruits that are safe for cats to eat.
Some of the words in the list are clickable links, that link out to full guides that we have written on each individual fruit.
- Berries: Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries
- Bananas
- Apples
- Pears (avoid seeds, stems, pits)
- Cranberries
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Pumpkin
- Mango
- Nectarine
- Cantaloupe
- Apricots (avoid seeds, stems, pits)
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Plum (offer with caution)
What Fruits Are Toxic To Cats?
Here are the fruits that you should never feed to your cat, as they can be seriously detrimental to their health, or even lethal.
Cherries
Cherries, both the fruit and the tree, are poisonous to cats. The toxic component in cherries is cyanide, which is harmful to all mammals.
Symptoms of cherry poisoning in cats include:
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty breathing
- Hyperventilation
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are on the ACPCA’s list of people foods to avoid feeding your pets.
A cat consuming these foods may develop serious digestive issues and will vomit, have diarrhea, and could develop kidney failure.
Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning in cats include:
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Kidney failure
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
Green Tomatoes
Although red ripe tomatoes are safe for a cat to consume in moderation, unripe tomatoes, along with the leaves and stems contain solanine that is toxic for cats.
A cat consuming a green, unripe tomato could result in:
- Lethargy
- Stomach issues
- Slower heart rate
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reaction
- Asthma attack
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges, are toxic and should never be given to a cat.
The reason they are toxic is because they contain high levels of limonene, linalool, and psoralen
Eating any citrus fruit could result in:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Liver failure
- Death
Safety Tips For Feeding Your Cat Fruit
When feeding your cat fruit, always:
- Wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any pesticides or bacteria.
- Remove the seeds, stem, and leaves from the fruit as these can be toxic.
- Cut the fruit into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.
- Monitor your cat closely after eating fruit to look for any signs of illness. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian
- Remember to always introduce new foods slowly to see how your cat will react to them and to avoid digestive issues.
How Much Fruit Can a Cat Have?
Even if a fruit is safe for your cat to eat, it’s important to only give them a small amount (around 2%) of your cat’s diet.
A good rule of thumb is to offer no more than one small piece or slice of fruit per day.
You should never give fruit to a cat that has feline diabetes.
Will A Cat Be Interested In Fruit?
As cat’s have no sweet taste receptors, chances are they they will not even be interested in fruit in the first place.
We have three cat’s, and all three of them show no interest whatsoever when you hold fruit in front of them.
That being said, there will be cat’s out there who absolutely love fruit! All cat’s are very different with their own unique personality and taste.
Can Cats Eat Fruit Conclusion?
So, can cats eat fruit? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Be sure to introduce new foods slowly and watch for any signs of digestive upset.
Only feed a small amount of fruit to your cat as an occasional treat, and always be sure that any fruits you feed your cat are safe and toxin-free.
With these safety tips in mind, you can feel confident giving your cat a healthy and delicious snack!
Always remember that a cat eating human foods is never the best idea. A cat will get everything they need from properly formulated cat food.
Have you ever given your cat fruit? What type did they like best?
