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Can Cats Eat Fruits?

Can Cats Eat Fruits?

The short answer: It depends.

The long answer: Cats are obligate carnivores that do not need to consume fruits to meet their dietary needs. However, if you are a cat owner who is interested in giving fruits to your cat, you should know which ones you can safely give and which ones to steer clear of.  

Fruits such as apples, blueberries, cantaloupes, mangoes, strawberries, and watermelon may be fed to your cat in limited amounts. The fruit should be washed properly, and the peel, pit, and/or seeds should be removed. It should also be cut into small, bite-sized pieces your cat can chew on. When giving your cat fruits, limit her consumption to 2% of her prescribed diet as an alternative to cat treats. 

On the other hand, fruits such as avocados, cherries, grapes, lemons, limes, and oranges should not be given to your cat. Eating these may lead to digestive irritation, acute kidney failure, or even central nervous system depression depending on the compounds found in the fruit.

What to do if your cat accidentally eats a toxic fruit: Contact your veterinarian immediately if she has consumed a fruit that may be harmful for her. Closely observe her for signs of food poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, salivating, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, shock or collapse, inflammation or swelling of skin, depression or coma, and/or changes in drinking, urinating, and appetite.

In summary: When adding new fruit to your cat’s diet, do it one at a time so you can monitor any health or behavioural changes in your cat. Note that cats do not have taste buds that can recognise sweetness, so they will not appreciate the sweet taste of most fruits. When cats are given fruits beyond their prescribed diet, they may end up gaining weight from the unnecessary carbohydrates, experiencing loose stools, and/or having diabetes. As a precaution, do not leave fruits lying around to prevent your cat from getting her paws on them. 

References:

Which Fruits Can Cats Eat?

Is It Safe to Give My Dog or Cat Fruit?

Can My Cat Eat That? 30 Foods Cats Can and Can’t Eat

What Should I Feed My Cat?

Poisoning in Cats



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