Which Fruits Can Cats Eat?

It’s quite easy to drop your furry friend a bite from whatever is on your plate without thinking much of it. But have you considered if these human foods are safe for your cat to eat?

You might think that giving your cat a piece of fruit is harmless and even healthy!

You might be surprised to learn that not all fruits are safe for curious cats to try. The good news is that cats can eat certain fruits in moderation!

Read on to get the answer to “which fruits can cats eat?”

Fruits That Are Safe For Cats

Let’s take a look at some of the fruits that are safe for your cat to eat. Keep in mind that most fruits are loaded with sugar, so feeding your cat fresh fruit in small quantities is in the best interest of their health.

1. Apples

Apples are high in fiber and low in fat, making them an ideal fruit treat to give older cats and cats that are overweight. You can also cook them apples to make them easier to chew, so long as you do not include other ingredients. Make sure to peel the skin and remove the stem, core, and seeds, which can be toxic to your cat.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Apples?

2. Bananas

Bananas are not nutritionally essential for cats, but they have some nutritional qualities that may benefit your cat.

Bananas have a soft texture which makes it easy for cats to chew and are loaded with essential nutrients, such as potassium, dietary fiber, and magnesium. They have high sugar and carbohydrate content, so be sure to regulate the amount you offer your cat.

Also Read: Is Banana Good For Cats?

3. Pears

Pears are an amazing source of dietary fiber and even have cancer-fighting properties. Just be sure to remove the skin and seeds.

4. Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes contain many of the same amino acids that are found in meat, which may be why the smell of it attracts cats to want to eat it. This fruit is also a great way to keep your cat hydrated, as it has high water content.

5. Strawberries

Strawberries have antioxidant properties that can be great for your cat. Offer them fresh or frozen, but make sure to remove the stem as many cats develop an itch from direct contact with a strawberry leaf.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Strawberries?

6. Mango

Mangoes are a low-calorie fruit, which makes it a great option to give to your cat. One cup of sliced mango contains 1.1 mg of beta-carotene, a supplement that aids vision and prevents osteoarthritis. Never give dried mango to your cat, as they are a choking hazard and have added sugars and preservatives.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Mango?

7. Blueberries

Blueberries aren’t only great for humans, they can be just as great for cats. They contain important minerals for bone health as well as plenty of antioxidants. Try cutting them into pieces or offering them frozen in order to entice your cat to eat the berry.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Blueberries?

8. Watermelon

Watermelon is high in vitamins and water content, which makes it a healthy treat and can be helpful during hot days to keep your cat hydrated. Make it a point to remove the seeds and make sure the watermelon rind is completely off.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

Is Fruit Good For Cats?

Cats are carnivores that rely on protein from their pet food for nourishment. Fruits should not be relied on for nutrition, however, if fed in small amounts, these fruits can be harmless to your cat.

Fresh fruit is a healthy and refreshing replacement for commercial cat treats, but should not be given frequently. Fruits are filled with beneficial nutrients such as vitamins A and C, folate, fiber, magnesium, and potassium.

Fruits are also a great source of antioxidants, which help in maintaining a healthy immune system. As healthy as fruit can be, cats should not be getting their daily nutrients from it. It is still recommended to rely on cat food for your cat to get the appropriate daily nutrients.

Also Read: 15 Human Foods That Are Poisonous & Toxic To Cats

How Much Fruit Can A Cat Eat?

Veterinarians recommend only giving your cat a small amount of fresh fruit a week. If your cat is fed a well-balanced diet, then he or she should be getting all the adequate nutrition they require daily. Fruits can be incorporated into a cat’s diet as a treat, but not be relied on for the nutritional value they possess.

Fresh fruits are a great refreshing snack that should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces that do not pose a choking hazard.

Also Read: 10 Toxic & Poisonous Plants For Cats

Which Fruits To Avoid?

After learning about safe fruit for cats, there are fruits that are toxic to cats, and it’s important to be aware of them to make sure they are kept away from your cat.

1. Grapes And Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure, hence why these are toxic to cats. If your cat has ingested grapes or raisins, monitor for vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and lethargy. If your cat exhibits signs of toxicity, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Grapes?

2. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are extremely acidic on a cat’s digestive tract, which can cause many different health problems to arise. Although high in vitamin c and calcium, citrus fruits also contain psoralens and essential oils, which are toxic to cats.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Oranges?

3. Cherries

Cherries contain cyanide, and while this fruit is perfectly safe for human consumption, cherries are toxic to cats. If your cat ingests cherry pits, stems, or leaves keep an eye out for signs like dilated pupils and trouble breathing.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Cherries?

Choose Fruits Wisely

There are plenty of fruits and veggies that are safe for cats to eat, but it’s important to differentiate between enjoying a treat to giving your cat too much access to fruits.

Fresh fruits are nutritious and contain antioxidants, however, it is important to maintain a diet where your cat is getting all their nutrients from a protein food source and not relying on fruit as a nutrition supplement.

Also Read: Are Fruits And Vegetables Safe For Cats? What Every Cat Owner Should Know