Can cats eat watermelon? It’s no surprise that watermelon is one of the most sought-after summer fruits among humans. A refreshing, speedy, and low-calorie snack choice, it can also be mixed into a tasty smoothie. This fruit has many positive effects on human health due to the abundance of vitamins and minerals it contains.
You may be wondering if your kitty can eat this fruit for its health benefits. Read on to discover whether or not your feline friend can enjoy watermelon. Or whether or not she will reap the same health benefits that humans do from doing so.
Can cats Have watermelon?
Can cat eat watermelon? The quick answer is yes, watermelons are safe for cats to eat. Cats won’t get sick from eating the fruit. So feel free to give them a bite now and there. Watermelon is a healthy addition to their diet, but it’s not essential. Thus, we recommend only giving them a few small pieces occasionally.
Watermelon seeds contain cyanide, which is hazardous to cats. Thus it’s vital to only feed your cat the flesh of the watermelon.
Is Watermelon Good For Cats?
So, can a cat eat watermelon? In a word, no. Because high-quality feline food already provides all the nutrients they need, cats won’t gain anything from eating watermelon that we humans do.
Cats that are already overweight or have diabetes should never eat watermelon. This is because of the high concentration of natural sugars in this fruit. Fruit isn’t a normal component of your cat’s diet. So giving too much of it is probably not good for them and can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Feeding Watermelon To Cats
The watermelon chunk you plan to give your cat will need to be cut up just so. If your cat does appreciate the fruit, it’s important to prepare it properly by washing the flesh, removing the seeds (which contain cyanide and are also a choking hazard!), and chopping it into small, bite-size pieces.
Watermelon rind is dangerous for cats because it is hard to chew and digest and can cause choking, intestinal obstructions, and stomach discomfort.
Remember that each cat is different, and some won’t appreciate the flavor or fragrance of watermelon, but others will! Don’t force your cat to eat watermelon if it turns its nose up at the fruit; it’s only trying to tell you it doesn’t like it.
If you want to give your cat some watermelon or other treats, you should remember the 10 percent rule and limit the number of treats they get each day to no more than 10 percent of their total caloric intake, with the remaining 90 percent coming from their regular complete and balanced cat food. Cats have unique dietary needs, so it’s best to find treats that cater to those needs. Additionally, there are nutritious cat treats that can really improve your cat’s diet.
The Bad Side Of Watermelon For Cats
Even though watermelon isn’t technically toxic to felines, you should still use caution if you decide to give it to your pet.
To begin, healthy cats can eat watermelon without worry. Watermelon contains simple carbohydrates, which are easily digested and absorbed, and hence should be avoided if your cat has a health issue (such as diabetes).
Keep in mind, secondly, that each and every cat is an individual. Food intolerance reactions might be rather different depending on the individual. It’s important to take each cat into account separately, since one may be OK eating something, while another can experience stomach upset, diarrhea, or other symptoms after consuming the same thing.
Finally, most of your cat’s caloric intake should come from meals designed to provide him with the nutrients he needs. Watermelon and other human foods should be offered in moderation or only on rare occasions.
Related: CAN CATS EAT STRAWBERRIES?
FAQs: Can Cats Eat Watermelon?
Do Cats Like To Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is safe for cats to consume, and many cats actually like eating it. In the heat of summer, watermelon serves a dual purpose of satisfying a cat’s taste for a juicy snack and helping to keep the animal hydrated. Fruit, however, is not something a cat would normally eat. Too much sugar, even the natural sugar contained in fruit, can lead to gastrointestinal problems and possibly diabetes.
What Fruit Is Toxic To Cats?
Grapes and raisins can damage a cat or dog’s kidneys, while cherries are hazardous to them. Persimmons and other citrus fruits, as well as grapefruit and lemons, have been linked to stomach distress.
Why Do Cats Love Watermelon?
Since melons contain many of the same amino acids as meat, but in much lower quantities, the melon likely has a meaty aroma to cats.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon Seeds
Keep in mind that the cyanide found in watermelon seeds is poisonous to cats, so you should only feed your cat the meat and never the seeds.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
