Yes, cats can occasionally eat nectarines in small quantities.
A genetic variant of the common peach, nectarine is a non-fuzzy fruit from the tree of the same name. The tree usually grows in warm, temperate regions, and bears sweet-tasting fruits with either white, red, or yellow flesh.
Though cats are obligate carnivores that need animal meat-derived protein to function well, they can enjoy nectarines once in a while. However, cats cannot taste sweetness, so they won’t be able to enjoy its flavour. And since nectarines are packed with sugar and fiber, too much of it may cause digestive issues to arise.
How to feed nectarines to your cat: Excited Cats recommends feeding your cat a piece of fingertip-sized nectarine. Only give it every one to two weeks.
Before serving the fruit, it’s important to remove the pit, stems, seeds, and leaves because of the cyanide compound found in them. If the pit is eaten, it can also cause choking, dental or jaw injury, and intestinal blockage.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats non-edible parts of the nectarine: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Let him know which parts of the nectarine and how much of it your cat consumed.
Watch for symptoms that may affect her gastrointestinal and nervous systems. These include dehydration, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and swollen abdomen. Convulsion, coma, dilated pupils, tremors, cardiac arrest, bright red gums and mucous membranes, respiratory distress (coughing, hyperventilation, panting), and lethargy or weakness may also manifest in extreme cases.
In summary: Packed with vitamins A and C, nectarines are fruits that can be safely eaten by your pet cat occasionally. Consult with your veterinarian before offering new fruits and vegetables. Your cat’s digestive system may not be equipped to handle them.
Discover other human foods you can safely feed your pet cat under our “can cats eat” category.
References:
Can Cats Eat Fruits Like Apples, Bananas, or Grapes?
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