Share This Article
Felines are curious creatures and always ready to taste-test your food. Don’t be alarmed if you’ve been snacking on strawberries and your cat has swiped one from the bowl. This fruit is not toxic, and while strawberries can occasionally be given to your cat, they are not nutritionally beneficial.
Strawberries provide good nutrients like Vitamin C, folate, fiber, and potassium. Still, at the same time, they are also rich in carbohydrates and sugar, which can be harmful if taken regularly.
However, each cat’s health condition differs; hence, speaking to a vet before adding anything to your cat’s diet is crucial.
Cats with issues like obesity and diabetes should not be fed strawberries at all. Even for a healthy kitty, too many strawberries can cause digestive issues, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Limit the quantity to 1 or 2 strawberries weekly to keep your furry friend safe.
Some cats could even be allergic to strawberries. If your feline suffers from vomiting and diarrhea after ingesting these berries, immediately take it to the vet.
While you don’t have to introduce your cat to this fruit, if you would like to, then keep the following in mind:
- Consult your veterinarian before adding anything to your cat’s diet.
- Calculate your cat’s daily calorie intake, especially if you’re already feeding it treats and proper meals. The calorie intake for your cat should be no more than 10% a day. Add strawberries to their diet accordingly.
- Remove stems and leaves. Wash the strawberries and cut them into smaller pieces to avoid choking.
- Monitor your cat for any signs of gastrointestinal troubles like vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice your pet experiencing discomfort, contact your veterinarian.
Some other fruits and vegetables that you can feed your cat as treats are:
- Watermelon without seeds
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Apricots, apples, and pears (without the seeds and pits)
- Cantaloupe
- Cucumbers
- Kiwis
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Carrots
- Green bell peppers
- Spinach
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Broccoli
Not only are these treats non-toxic, but they also provide many essential nutrients to your cat. Ensure you feed these snacks in moderation, as cats rely on a well-balanced diet to fulfill their nutritional needs as innate carnivores.
While cats can enjoy most fruits as snacks on rare occasions, some fruits can be highly toxic for them, including:
- Grapes, raisins, and currants can lead to gastrointestinal issues, lethargy, and kidney failure.
- Citrus fruits can cause digestive problems and central nervous system depression.
