What Kind of Fruits Can Your Cat Have as a Treat?

Although cats are considered obligate carnivores, they can digest plant-based proteins and may enjoy some fruits as a treat. However, some fruits are known to cause digestive stress and other serious issues. Integrative veterinary expert Dr. Hunter Finn can make recommendations about which fruits are safe to eat (like pumpkin, strawberries, watermelon, and blueberries) during a pet health appointment.

A nutritional assessment allows our team to personalize a diet that meets your cat's specific needs. Schedule this essential part of their care by calling Pet Method today in McKinney, TX.

What fruits should be avoided?

Some fruits are perfectly safe for your cat to enjoy, but others are toxic. For example, citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits contain acids that cause digestive problems in small amounts and neurological symptoms in larger amounts. For this reason, avoid feeding your cat any citrus fruits. Grapes and raisins are also harmful to pets and can cause kidney failure. Do not give your cat any grapes or raisins, even as a treat.

Additionally, any fruit that still contains stems, leaves, peels, and seeds contains harmful compounds and can make your cat sick. Always prepare fruits by removing these parts beforehand.

If you are unsure if fruit is safe for your cat in McKinney, TX, we recommend avoiding it altogether. A trusted veterinarian like Dr. Finn can determine the best course of action moving forward.

What fruits are safe for cats?

Cats can consume the following fruits in moderation as a treat:

1. Cooked pumpkin: Pumpkin is a great flavor and an excellent source of fiber, which can support a healthy digestive system. Do not give your cat raw pumpkin or pumpkin pulp.
2. Strawberries: Strawberries contain many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. Remember that strawberries are high in natural sugars and may contribute to weight gain when given in large amounts.
3. Watermelon: Watermelon is an excellent source of hydration. The fleshy part of the watermelon contains the majority of the nutrients, so avoid giving your cat the rind. Remember to take out all seeds before serving watermelon to your cat.
4. Blueberries: Blueberries also contain essential vitamins and minerals. Since whole blueberries are a choking hazard, cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your cat.

What happens during a nutritional assessment

Pet Method provides custom nutritional assessments to create a diet that meets your cat's specific needs. During a pet assessment, we take into account their age, weight, activity level, and any pet health concerns that need to be addressed. Sometimes, on-site labs are performed to check for deficiencies or imbalances.

Dr. Finn then makes recommendations about which foods are best for your cat and how often they should be eating them. This includes a balance of fats, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Supplements may be beneficial for some cats with deficiencies.

Improve pet health with a nutritional assessment

Fruits like pumpkin, strawberries, watermelon, and blueberries are great sources of taste and nutrition for your cat, but other fruits can be toxic. Dr. Hunter Finn knows exactly which fruits are safe for your feline friend and can create a custom diet during an appointment. Call Pet Method in McKinney, TX to schedule a nutritional assessment and get started on improving your cat's health.