Can Cats Eat Fruit? (Safe cat treats & fruit toxic to cats)

Can a cat eat fruit

Fruits form a healthy and essential part of the human diet. But is it the same for our feline friends? If you have ever asked yourself; can cats eat fruit? Then you are certainly not alone.

Cats are plain carnivores which means they thrive on animal-based food products. However, cats can do with some tasty fruity snacks to help boost their nutrition.

While you can include fruits in your cat’s diet, you must stick to safe fruits. Unfortunately, not all fruits are safe for cats, as some are considered toxic.

Can my cat eat fruit?

can cats eat fruit

Cats lack taste receptors, so they don’t bother about the sweetness of fruits. So your cat might not show interest in that piece of fruit salad.

However, if they do, moderate amounts of fruits can serve as a good substitute for cat treats. You would also need to consider the high sugar content in fruits.

Although fruits are a low-calorie snack, it contains a high amount of sugar which could be a problem for overweight cats. Overweight cats are susceptible to diabetes.

So, can cats eat fruit? Yes. However, you should limit your cat’s consumption of fruits to maintain a healthy diet routine.

 

Safe fruits you can give your cat

The following are some of the healthiest and safe fruits you can give to your cats:

1.      Bananas

Snacks that cats like to eatAlthough bananas are known for their potassium content, they are also an excellent source of magnesium, calcium, fiber, and vitamin C.

Bananas offer numerous health benefits to cats, including improved heart health and stronger bones. However, you must note that bananas are high in carbohydrates and sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

2.      Apricots

Apricots are highly nutritious. They can provide a rich source of proteins and beta carotene for cats. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that helps the immune system ward off free radical damage.

You must ensure you remove the peel, pit, stem, and leaves before feeding apricots to your cats. The reason is that these parts can be toxic for cats.

3.      Apples

Apples can serve as an excellent addition to your cat’s diet routine. Because of their low calorie, apples are beneficial to older cats. Apples are also rich in vitamin A and C, which are critical for healthy bones and tissues.

They can also help reduce allergy symptoms in cats. Apples are also high in quercetin, a natural antioxidant that aids in reducing inflammation and protecting urinary tract health.

4.      Mangoes

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Mangoes are one fruit your cats can enjoy. They are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and folate. Other nutrients found in mangoes include niacin, manganese, and thiamine.

Mangoes also contain high amounts of antioxidants, making them healthy for your cats. Remove the skin and pit from the mango before feeding it to your cat.

Although the skin contains fiber and is beneficial to humans, it is tough for your cat’s digestive system to break down.

5.      Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most nutritious fruits out there. They are packed with antioxidants and rich in potassium and vitamin C.

Blueberries are widely dubbed a superfood because of their fantastic benefits for people and animals. For example, the vitamin C content in blueberries can help protect your cat’s urinary health and support night vision.

6.      Cranberries

Cranberries are highly nutritious fruits your cat can eat. They are mainly known for supporting urinary health in cats.

The phytochemicals in cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract wall, making the bacteria easy to flush from the cat’s body.

Cranberries contain high amounts of antioxidants, manganese, and vitamin C. Ensure you feed your cats these red berries when frozen or fresh.

7.      Pineapples

Pineapples are very rich in potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. In addition, it contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme called Bromelain that help supports optimal heart functions.

Pineapples have high sugar content, so you must give them to your cat in moderate quantities. Ensure you remove the skin and core before giving it to your cat.

8.      Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in fiber and water, making them one succulent fruit cats can eat. They contain reasonable amounts of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C.

They also have limited quantities of riboflavin, niacin, and folate. You can mash them and mix them into your cat’s food. But don’t forget to take out the leaves and stem.

9.      Raspberries

Raspberries are low in sugar and calories. They are also packed with potassium which supports health functions in cats, and manganese which is essential for healthy bones and teeth.

Although raspberries have low amounts of sugar and calories, they have a trace of xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener. Xylitol is toxic to cats

10.  Watermelon

Watermelons are juicy fruits your cat would love to eat. They contain nearly 92% water, making them an excellent moisture source for your cats.

Since cats do not drink as much water as other pets, such as dogs, watermelons are moisture-rich fruits that keep your cat hydrated.

Watermelons are a good source of vitamin A and B6. Before feeding watermelons to your cats, ensure you remove their seed as they contain traces of cyanide which is harmful to cats.

Safety tips for feeding cats fruits

It would help if you recognized every cat differs in their choice of fruits. So you would have to figure out the particular fruit your cat enjoys.

Before feeding any fruit to your cart, ensure you consult your veterinarian. The following are safety tips to follow when feeding your cat fruits:

  • Slowly introduce new food to your cat: Sudden changes to your cat’s diet may disturb the balance of your cat’s digestive system.
  • Cut the food into bite-sized chunks; While most fruits may not be complex for cats to chew, large-sized pieces can result in choking.
  • Avoid feeding your cats peels and seeds.
  • Make fruits a secondary part of your cat’s diet.

Fruits you must avoid when feeding cats

The following fruits could pose serious health risks if consumed by your cats:

  • Grapes and raisins; Causes digestive problems in cats
  • Cherries: contain cyanide which is toxic to cats

 

 Final Thoughts- Can cats eat fruit?

Can cats eat fruits? Yes. However, it must be a safe fruit and should only be consumed in moderation.

As a rule of thumb, always consult your veterinarian before introducing fruits to your cat’s diet.

What Snacks Do Cats like? 

cat treats and cat snacks

Cats are lovable pets, and it is only natural for us to want to share our snacks with our kitten friends. However, feline lovers must remember that our dietary and nutritional needs are pretty different from cats. So, what snacks do cats like? 

While humans have an exhaustive list of treats to snack on, cats are pretty picky, and not all treats are suitable for their health.

What makes a snack healthy for cats?

What Snacks Do Cats like

You might consider lavishing your cats with delicious snacks to show love and affection.

However, you must note that not all snacks are healthy for cats. For example, experts say cat treats should contain more than 10% of the cat’s total calories consumed. The reason is that most snacks add just calories to a cat’s diet.

What snacks do cat like?

While your cat should eat a 100% complete and balanced food diet, there are healthy treats you can give your cats occasionally.

Here are a few snacks that your cat would love.

1.      Canned fish

Canned fish is a delight for felines and is safe to offer a small amount periodically.

In addition, fish can serve as an enjoyable snack for cats.

Most cats find the smell of fish quite appealing, fueling their craving for it. Fish has a high nutritional content as it is a high source of protein, omega-3 acids, and vital nutrients for a healthy cat diet.

The cat’s digestive system is slow processing fish. So you must avoid feeding them raw fish. Some cats may have allergies to fish.

Look out for canned fish in water with no extra salt or other added additives that could harm cats.

2.      Bananas

Snacks that cats like to eat

Bananas are safe for cats, and giving them once in a while is not a bad idea. You can offer bananas to your cat periodically unless your veterinarian says otherwise.

Cats do not easily digest banana peels, so ensure it is kept out of their reach. Begin with a small tasting and be on the lookout for any unusual reactions.

3.      Cheese

Cheese makes up for a delicious snack for your cats. Many felines love cheese, and it is pretty understandable.

Cheese has an exquisite taste that makes them a thrill for cats. Although cheese is high in protein, it can upset your cat’s digestive system if ingested in large quantities.

Most cats are lactose intolerant, making it difficult to digest dairy products. However, be on the lookout for any reaction, and you can substitute it with a non-dairy cheese if your cat is lactose intolerant.

4.      Eggs

Eggs are great snacks for cats. It is packed with protein and fats and is one occasional treat you can give your cat. However, a single egg is about 90 calories, so you must be mindful of how much egg you give your cat.

An average cat requires around 150- 200 calories daily, so you might want to avoid giving your cats more than a single egg portion.

Eggs account for one of the most widespread food allergens for cats. Therefore, you should immediately watch out for any reactions or symptoms and alert your veterinarian.

Raw eggs are not appropriate to feed your cats as they may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

5.      Green Beans

Green beans are another example of healthy snacks cats like. Although snacks are carnivores, they still crave healthy veggies like green beans.

You can use green beans as a healthy snack or include them in your cat’s traditional diet. Ensure you stick to fresh or frozen green beans.

The reason is that canned beans often have extra sodium laced in them. If you intend to use green beans for weight loss for your feline, consult your veterinary to draw out a medically approved plan.

6.      Lean meat

Lean meat is an excellent choice if you want a great snack to share with your cat. Cats are meat lovers and a perfect addition to your cat’s diet. Meat also contains taurine, an essential amino acid cats need for optimal health.

Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and lean deli meats with no seasoning are great snacks for cats. However, avoid giving your raw cat meat as it could make them sick.

7.      Blueberries

Although cats lack sweet taste receptors, many enjoy blueberry because it offers something new. In addition, due to their wet texture and juiciness, your cat may find blueberries an exciting treat to snack on.

Blueberries are not considered a super food for cats. However, they contain antioxidants that are safe and healthy for cats. Therefore, blueberries do not form an essential part of your cat’s diet.

So you must be mindful of the quantity you give to your cats. Like other snacks, blueberries should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.

Tips for healthy snack feeding in cats

The following are healthy snack feeding tips for cats you can use;

  • Moderation is vital: Cats may develop a habit of avoiding their food for snacks. As a result, ensure you feed them in moderate amounts.
  • Discourage begging: Do not reward begging and avoid giving your cat a snack at the dinner table.
  • Avoid toxic food: While you might want to share your food with your cat, you must avoid particular food that could be toxic to your cat. Onion, chocolate, alcohol, tea, and salt are some typical unhealthy foods you mustn’t feed your cat.
  • Make your homemade snack: You can make your homemade snack by cooking small pieces of liver, fish, eggs, etc; or make cat patties.

Types of healthy snacks for cats

Fruitables cat food snack1.      Fruitables cat treats

These treats for cats are packed with protein and free from animal by-products, wheat, soy, and corn. In addition, they contain less than 2 calories per treat, making them healthy for your feline friend.

Best of all, they are made with simple ingredients, real salmon, and savory protein flavors. Are you curious as to what snacks cats like? Then Fruitables cat treat is a great option!

2.      Blue buffalo wilderness crunchy cat treats

Blue Wilderness Cat TreatsBlue buffalo treats are made with real chicken and are grain-free. These healthy snacks contain only 1.5 calories and aren’t made with contain corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors. It has a soft and crunchy texture which makes it easy to chew.

Final Thoughts

Although cats are pretty picky in their choice of food, they love to snack on good treats. So, what snacks do cats like includes a variety of things such as vegetables, eggs, and even cheese

However, you must consider your cat’s health before giving them a treat.