Most of the fruits on your weekly grocery list are cat safe as long as you feed them in moderation. Of course, this doesn’t mean your cat will want what you offer. Unlike humans, a cat’s taste buds do not perceive sweetness. On this list, we explore some fruits cats are known to enjoy and explain how you might prepare it to best appeal to them.
1. Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries)
Berries are a superfruit for almost any animal that can eat them. They’re vitamin rich, full of fiber, and contain antioxidants that help boost immunity. Berries can even reduce the risk of UTIs.
Unfortunately, they’re also high in sugar and contain no animal-based protein or taurine, two things essential for your obligate carnivore’s diet.
Because of this, you should only offer one or two small berries a day. Make sure you wash them thoroughly, remove any leaves or stem, and cut them into bite size pieces. Even the smallest berries are the perfect size to choke on.
2. Apples
Many cats love apples for their crunchy texture alone. They don’t even know that these fruits are high in fiber or Vitamins K, A, and C. Apples are also almost 90 percent water, so they’re the perfect treat for cats who don’t drink enough.
Feed an apple without its seeds and stem–these contain trace amounts of cyanide that shouldn’t be deadly in small amounts, but can definitely cause an upset stomach. Peeling and boiling the fruit may make it easier to digest, but it also eliminates that fun crunchy texture.
Only feed a few pieces at a time, and avoid dried apples. These have all the sugar without the water to dilute it, and can cause issues down the line.
3. Pears
Like apples, pears are crunchy and rich in fiber, potassium, and Vitamins C and K. On the downside, they also have a high sugar content and should be offered in moderation.
Decore a pear before offering it to your cat and limit their daily intake to a slice or two.
4. Melons (Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Watermelon)
If there’s one fruit on this list your cat is likely to try, it’s a melon. They may pass over sweeter watermelons and water-rich honeydews, but cantaloupe melons actually contain unique compounds that release a smell strikingly similar to meat-based proteins.
Melons are low calorie, rich in Vitamins A, C, and B and bring more hydration to your cat’s treats. When feeding, it’s important you don’t offer any rind and opt for seedless fruits instead.
5. Bananas
Bananas are fantastic for supporting musculoskeletal development and health and can alleviate blood pressure issues. They’re full of potassium and beneficial carbs, as well as high in Vitamins B6 and C.
Like most other fruits, vitamins are also high in sugar. You should only offer a slice or two to your cat, but you can definitely make use of the rest.
If your cat isn’t a fan of the soft texture of a banana, try freezing the slices. You can work them into your next smoothie, and your cat may enjoy the cool crunch.
6. Pumpkins
Despite their appearance among the array of famous fall vegetables, pumpkins are, by definition, fruit. They’re also one of the most powerful fruits for cats on this list, offering help for issues like:
- Hairballs
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Pumpkins are high in fiber and, unlike the other fruits, low in sugar, so you can offer a greater portion with little worry. We recommend feeding fresh cooked pumpkin. If buying canned food, make sure it’s not mixed with other spices or ingredients that may do more harm than good.
7. Pineapple
We like pineapple because it’s sweet and tangy, but your cat may enjoy it for a more sinister reason. Pineapple flesh is surprisingly similar to the meat their teeth are designed to shred, so ripping up the fruit may be a special treat.
Besides the enrichment, pineapples are also rich in magnesium and potassium, both of which contribute to digestive health. Its sweetness can also cause issues if not fed in moderation, so make sure your cat doesn’t get carried away.
Fresh pineapple is better than canned, which may contain preservatives or sweeteners. When feeding, remove the skin, cut out all the tough eyes, and keep the leafy green parts away from your cat’s teeth.
8. Mangos
Mangos share benefits with many of the fruits on this list. They’re rich in fiber, facilitating good gut health. Vitamins C, A, and B6 promote better immunity and eyesight.
When feeding, remove the peel and offer small, bite-size pieces. Like bananas, your cat may prefer the fruit frozen to fresh. You can also keep the sweeter flesh attached to the pit for yourself–offering it to your cat poses a choking hazard.
Don’t worry if your cat refuses your attempts to infuse their diet with fruits. While enriching, these snacks have little to offer to balance a cat’s diet. As long as you have a solid foundation for daily meals, you’re setting the stage for a happy, healthy life.
