Are there any fruits that cats can safely eat? Yes, there are, but it’s always best to feed these treats in moderation.
Even though cats are obligate carnivores, there are certain fruits that can be added to their diet, or even given in small amounts as a snack every now and then. And these fruits may provide additional nutrients and fiber to help support a pet’s overall health. But, because some foods for humans aren’t appropriate for kitties, knowing which fruits are safe is key.
Also, when it comes to feeding your cat, you want to be sure that you are always providing the highest quality foods that are species-appropriate. When in doubt, consulting with a veterinarian or feline nutritionist for some guidance and tips is a smart move. That way, you can be sure you are giving your unique kitty the right types of foods and the appropriate balance of nutrients for her overall wellness.
Below is a list of 10 fruits, in no particular order, that cats can eat. But, again, talk to your vet first if you have any questions or concerns regarding adding any fruits to your pet’s diet. That way, you can be sure you’re doing it correctly and safely.
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1 - Blueberries
Blueberries aren’t only good for people, they can be a nutritious treat for kitties too. Just be sure to thoroughly wash these berries to remove pesticide residues and dirt—or, better yet, purchase organic blueberries to avoid pesticides as much as possible. To entice your kitty to eat the berries, you might cut them into pieces, offer them frozen, or mash them up, depending on what your cat prefers. Try out different options to see if your kitty will go for any of them.
2 - Apples
As long as you peel the skin away and completely remove the stem, leaves, core, and seeds, which are considered toxic to cats, you can see if your kitty wants to have a bit of this fruit as a snack every now and then. Offer it in tiny pieces. Also, as is the case with all of the fruits on this list, you might opt to stick with organic apples if that gives you more peace of mind when offering some to your pet.
3 - Strawberries
Fresh or frozen, mashed up, or pureed, strawberries are another safe, non-toxic fruit that can be given to cats in small amounts as a treat. Make sure the stem and leaves are removed. And, rather than giving your cat an entire strawberry, break it into tiny pieces to make it easier for her to eat it. Also, be sure to give strawberries to your pet plain, without any chocolate, whipped cream, etc.
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4 - Melons
Your kitty might like to snack on melons, like cantaloupe and honeydew, when these are in season. Just make it a point to offer the melon after the seeds have been removed and the rind has been cut away as well.
5 - Watermelon
Another popular melon choice is watermelon. Again, just remove the rind and seeds before offering some to your kitty, who might like digging into this juicy fruit.
6 - Bananas
If your cat seems interested in bananas, you can offer her small pieces. In addition to giving her some frozen or fresh banana, you could even mash some up or blend it until it’s creamy, if that’s what your pet prefers.
7 - Cranberries
You might already be feeding your cat a commercial diet that contains cranberries, as this fruit might help keep the urinary tract healthy. Just check the ingredients list on your cat food to see if they are already something that your feline friend eats regularly. But, if you want to go a step further, it’s best to talk to your vet before offering small pieces of cranberries (without any other ingredients) to your kitty, especially if you are considering doing so to support your pet’s urinary health. A veterinarian can advise you on how to feed your cat some cranberries safely.
8 - Pears
If your pet is showing an interest in trying your pear, just be sure to remove the skin and the seeds. Only give your cat a small amount of the flesh of the fruit, as the seeds are toxic. So, like other fruits, it is necessary to be careful with this one to be sure your kitty doesn’t ingest any part of the fruit that she shouldn’t.
9 - Pineapple
Pineapple is another fruit that your cat might want to try in tiny amounts. Be sure to completely remove the skin and the core so you can offer the fruit’s flesh only. Also, it is best to stick with fresh pineapple rather than the canned variety. But be aware that some kitties might be allergic to pineapple. So, it may not be worth the risk to figure out if your cat will have a reaction to it.
10 - Mango
Does your cat try to eat your mango? As long as you’ve removed the skin and the pit, you can offer her a small amount of this fruit to see if she likes it. Cut it into tiny pieces and let your cat take a bite, as you might be surprised to discover that she wants more.
Some cats might like being fed some fruit every now and then as a little treat. Or, it might be appropriate for you to add fruits to your cat’s diet if you are following a veterinarian’s or nutritionist’s guidance regarding preparing homemade meals for your feline companion.
Whether or not your kitty will like eating fruit—either combined with other ingredients or on their own—is something that you may need to figure out through trial and error. You might discover that your cat is pretty adventurous when it comes to trying new foods, or you might find that your picky feline friend doesn’t want any fruit at all. The key is to only offer fruits that are safe for your cat to consume.
No matter what fruit you offer to your cat, experts recommend only giving your pet small amounts. Avoid overdoing it, stick with fresh fruit that’s plain and without other ingredients, and break it into small pieces to avoid the risk of your pet choking on it. Also, keep an eye on your cat for symptoms like digestive upset so you can figure out if a particular fruit isn’t good for her.
Remember, your feline companion is an obligate carnivore. And if you have questions about which fruits to give to your cat, talk to your veterinarian. They can even provide guidance on how much is safe to feed and how often it is appropriate to offer your kitty some fresh fruit.
Basically, if your cat is being fed a well-balanced, species-appropriate diet, she should be getting the nutrition that she needs daily, and fruits might serve as a good occasional treat. Ultimately, though, your vet can guide you in the right direction when it comes to whether or not to give your one-of-a-kind cat some fruit.
