As humans, it can be difficult to keep something tasty to ourselves and ignore the inquisitive feline face, closely watching our every move. Dogs might be known for their supreme begging, but cats don’t fall far behind when they see something that catches their interest. Of course, not all foods are safe for our feline friends, which brings us to the topic of this article. When a pet owner thinks about the diet of their feline buddy, they don’t often think of much other than meat and seafood to be tasty to their notoriously picky feline palettes. Let’s unlock the secrets of a cat’s diet and find out if they really do like to eat fruit.
Healthy or Deadly?
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about the vet? Apples are loaded with fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. They are also made mostly of water, so they can be a nice treat on a hot day. Cats are prone to dehydration but fruit can help. Apples are safe to feed your cat in very small quantities. The seeds and stem may contain a small amount of cyanide, so it’s important to keep those away from your furry pal. Aim to offer two or three dime-sized or small cut pieces to your cat. Too much fruit can lead to diarrhea in cats and humans!
Avocado
Creamy avocado seems like a treat that cats might like due to its buttery texture and flavor. Unfortunately, avocados are not safe for cats. The pit is a choking hazard, though it is unlikely your cat would have the desire to consume one. Avocados also contain persin, which can cause a host of issues for felines in the way of stomach upset (nausea, obstruction of stools, and diarrhea), pancreatitis, and breathing issues.
Bananas
Bananas can be a sweet, nutritious snack for your cat. They are loaded with potassium, vitamins C and B6, and carbohydrates for energy. Dice them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Blueberries
The squishy, semi-sweet berries can give your cat a boost of immune-strengthening antioxidants and filling fiber. To keep your feline safe, cut the blueberries in half after thoroughly washing any pesticides and bacteria away.
Cherries
Cherries are one fruit you want to avoid when snacking with your cat. Though humans and some animals cannot get enough of cherries, they are also toxic and can cause serious harm, like organ failure if too much is ingested. Each part of a cherry, except for its skin, contains a heaping dose of cyanide.
Grapes
Some people may have heard that raisins can be deadly to dogs. The same is true for cats and grapes. Grapes contain tartaric acid, which can cause sudden kidney failure in cats. Keep your grapes, raisins, and wine hidden away from your curious feline!
Mango
This delicious exotic fruit is filled with good stuff, like fiber and vitamins A, C, and B6, all of which boost immunity. The fleshy, peachy-colored delicacy is excellent for eyesight and the digestive tract in cats and humans. Be sure to wash, peel, and de-pit the fruit before offering your purrball a slice or two.
Peaches
There’s little that’s better than a ripe, juicy peach on a hot day, and you can share the delicacy with your cat. Make sure to wash it thoroughly and remove the skin and pit. The pit contains pit contains amygdalin, which is a component of cyanide. However, there’s no harm in offering a couple of small cat-sized slices to your friend.
Pears
This fruit can be an excellent choice when looking for a sweet snack for your cat to try. Pears are filled with vitamins and minerals like copper and fiber and can boost your cat’s immune system and even ward off infections. Remember to wash and remove the skin and pit before offering.
Pineapple
The sweet, prickly fruit is another that your cat may enjoy. Pineapple has loads of magnesium and potassium, along with vitamins A and C. Don’t let your cat eat too much, though. Pineapple is high in fructose.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin puree without any additives or sugar can be extremely helpful when your cat has an upset stomach. Pumpkin is very good for calming an upset stomach and stopping diarrhea in cats. Make sure only to give a teaspoon at a time and only offer a tiny bit. Otherwise, your cat might end up constipated.
Oranges
The short answer is no; you should not offer citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lime, or lemon to your short, meowing friend. Luckily, most cats are not a fan of the scent of citrusy fruits and tend to steer clear. The orange actually contains essential oils, linalool, and d-limonene, which can wreak havoc on a cat’s nervous system, which can result in death. Citrus fruits can even cause skin issues with felines.
Strawberries
This highly popular red fruit is hit among many types of animals. Strawberries are filled with vitamins A, C, B1, B6 and potassium. Your purring friend can have a small amount of a strawberry if they so desire. A bonus is that they boost the immune systems of those who eat them. Be sure to wash and remove leaves and stems before offering.
Watermelon
This superfruit is packed with vitamins A, B, and C, along with potassium and plenty of water. Because of the water content, it can be especially helpful with cats who need to drink more water. Make sure to only offer watermelon without seeds or rind.
The Wrap on Cats Eating Fruit
No matter what you read online, always check with your vet before offering any food that isn’t typically on your cat’s menu. Many cats can enjoy fruits alongside their humans for bonding and health. After all, everyone could use a boost to their immune systems. Never force any food on your cat, or they may not trust the snacks you offer at other times. Cats are carnivores, and fruit is not typically part of their diet, but a small amount won’t hurt. Everyone enjoys a sweet treat from time to time.
