Cats primarily eat meat, but that doesn’t mean they don’t try other types of foods. Some cat foods mix in grains, and everyone knows how much cats love catnip and cat grass.
Some inquisitive cats might try to eat other foods, including fruit. Of course, with foods in a grocery store being selected specifically for human consumption, cat owners would be right to worry about whether their pet can eat what they bought, including fruits.
In this article, we’ll explore what fruits cats can eat, which fruits they shouldn’t eat, and tips to keep your cat healthy when fruit is involved.
What Fruits are Safe for Cats to Eat?
There are specific fruits that are popular worldwide that are perfectly safe for cats to eat. Broadly speaking, stone fruits and melons are safe for cats, as we’ll cover below. Other fruits, like citrus, are not safe for cats (though most cats would shy away from eating a citrussy fruit, anyway).
Here are some of the most common fruits that are safe for cats to eat.
13 Fruits that Cats Can Eat
Keep in mind that all cats are different, and your cat may respond to some foods more poorly than others. Always consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet or introducing new foods, including the fruits listed below.
Bananas
Your cat may enjoy eating bananas, either fresh or chilled, but keep in mind that bananas have a lot of sugar, which can be unhealthy if your cat eats too much. If your cat likes bananas, you can give them a small slice as an occasional treat.
Apples
Apples are safe for cats to eat so long as you remove the peel and the core. You also want to make sure there aren’t any seeds since they can contain toxins your cat needs to avoid. Small pieces of apple now and then can be a healthy snack for your cat.
Watermelon
Watermelon’s juicy texture can be a total treat for cats, especially during hot weather. As with apples, make sure to remove any seeds, and don’t feed your cat the rind.
Cantaloupe
Similar to watermelon, cantaloupe can be a nutritious and hydrating snack for cats. Remove the rind and any seeds before serving.
Pineapple
Fresh pineapple can be safe for your cat when served in moderation. Keep in mind that any prepared pineapple, such as canned or cooked pineapple, shouldn’t be served to cats.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a perfectly safe fruit to serve your cat to eat. However, because strawberries are high in sugar, you should only serve small portions to your cat on special occasions.
Raspberries
Many berries, including raspberries, are safe for cats to eat. They do contain healthy antioxidants, but also have xylitol, so don’t let your cat have too many raspberries at once.
Blueberries
Blueberries have antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that are healthy for cats. Your cat may also enjoy playing with its food and batting a blueberry around your home!
Blackberries
As with other berries, blackberries are safe for your cat when served in moderation.
Peaches
Fresh peaches that have been depitted and had the skin removed can be safe for your cat to eat, though small amounts are recommended.
Pears
Like apples, pears are safe for your cat as long as you peel the pear and remove the seeds. Make sure to cut very small pieces before giving any pears to your cat.
Apricots
Stone fruits are generally safe for cats, so long as they don’t eat any of the pits. Apricots can provide fiber for cats.
Mangos
Mangoes can be tasty for cats, but don’t let them eat the skin. Also, too much mango could be too sugary for cats.
5 Fruits Your Cat Can’t Eat
No matter the circumstance, your cat should never eat the following fruits.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes, and as an extension, raisins, are incredibly toxic for cats and can cause kidney failure. Even a tiny amount of grapes or raisins can be dangerous for your cat.
Lemons
Citrus fruits like lemons have citric acid and oils that can create health issues in your cat, ranging from upset stomach to more serious afflictions.
Limes
Like lemons, limes contain acids and oils that are toxic to cats. As mentioned earlier, most cats will naturally shy away from citrus fruits like limes, but stay aware just in case you see your cat sniffing around citrus.
Oranges
While oranges may not seem acidic to humans, they are just as dangerous for cats as lemons and limes. Keep your cat away from any orange products.
Unripened Tomatoes
Ripe tomatoes can be safe for your cat in small amounts, but unripened tomatoes contain solanine, which is dangerous for cats.
What Do I Do if My Cat Eats Something It Shouldn’t?
If your cat eats a toxic fruit listed above, or anything that you’re concerned about, you should contact your vet immediately. Your vet will want to know what, when, and how much fruit your cat ate.
Early intervention can be critical to helping your cat, so don’t wait for serious symptoms to arise if you’re worried.
Tips for Giving Your Cat Fruit
Before you consider giving any safe fruits to your cat, keep these tips in mind:
- Small Portions: Start with a small portion of the fruit to see how your cat reacts. Even if they love the fruit, don’t overfeed them.
- Look Out For Reactions: Any sort of reaction, from lethargy to vomiting, could be the result of fruit.
- Never Feed Your Cat Pits or Seeds: Even if they seem small or digestible, seeds can be dangerous for your cat.
- Fresh Fruit Only: Avoid serving processed, canned, or prepared fruits to your cat as they tend to be even higher in sugar.
- Fruits Are a Treat: Fruits should be served as an occasional treat, not a meal.
Fruits Safe for Cats FAQs
Yes, cats can eat small amounts of seedless watermelon as an occasional treat. It’s mostly water, but it should be given in moderation due to its sugar content.
No, cats should not eat cherries because the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is toxic to them. Even the fruit itself can cause stomach upset.
Yes, strawberries are safe for cats in small, occasional amounts. However, they offer little nutritional benefit and can cause stomach upset if eaten in excess.
Yes, bananas are safe for cats in tiny portions as a rare treat. They’re high in sugar, so too much can lead to digestive issues or weight gain.
No, cats should never eat grapes because they can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. This includes raisins, which are equally dangerous.
Yes, cats can eat small pieces of apple as long as the seeds and core are removed. Apple seeds contain cyanide, so only the peeled, seedless flesh is safe.
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