Can cats eat strawberries? You wondered the same while making a fruit dessert for your guests, suddenly your cat leaped on top of you and ate some strawberries. You were concerned because you had never offered strawberries to your cat! Now what?
Well, stop taking tension. Strawberry is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, your cat gets a total of 91% water content from strawberries. Isn’t it fascinating?
But remember, it also has a huge amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay and diabetes. So, what is the conclusion? Should you feed your cat strawberry or not?
Scroll more to know about it now!
Can Cats Have Strawberries?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat strawberries in small amounts, but only in moderation. In fact, strawberries aren’t toxic to cats; they provide an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese. However, you should not feed them daily because the sugar content is high.
While cats, unlike humans, don’t require berries in their diet, they can be a safe and healthy treat. Feeding them the minimum amount of berries will not make them sick. In fact, strawberries are harmless for felines of all ages and breeds.
Even the ASPCA states that strawberries are not toxic to cats. Is it hard to believe because many people have allergic reactions due to strawberries, right? Well, I thought too, but the fact is cats can eat strawberries but only in one condition that you should not overfeed them. Small bites of strawberries are not harmful to your sweet kitten!
These delicious red small berries not just look good but are also good in nutrients too! It contains multiple essential vitamins and minerals. It can become your cat’s energy booster as it contains organic sugar.
But remember that too much sweetness is bad. It can make your cat diabetic, plus if he overeats it, she can also go through diarrhea, coughing, and oral problems like tooth decay.
Overall, these delicious berries are enriched with antioxidants and fiber, also filled with the right portion of vitamin C, which promotes cats’ well-being.
So, are strawberries good for cats? The answer is yes; they are so that you can add this to your cat’s diet!
Can Kittens Eat Strawberries?
Yes, kittens can have strawberries; it is safe for them to have. Technically, they’re safe and keeps them hydrated during summers, helps their digestive system, and offer proteins to make new cells.
Although not every cat and kitten can develop their taste for strawberries, fortunately, give them in small portions if your kittens and cats like strawberries. It helps to give them strength, works as an immunity booster and supports their nervous system, and is beneficial for slow aging.
But, you cannot ignore the fact that they cannot consume it in high amounts. But overall, cats and strawberries are good to go!
Also Read: Do Cats Eat Peas & Can kitten eat fruits?
Nutritional Benefits of Feeding Strawberries to Cats!
Strawberries, like all fruits, have health benefits, and if your cat consumes a small number of strawberries per day, she can get a variety of nutrients.
As you know, strawberries aren’t poisonous for cats, and it promotes healthy bones and teeth. It also contains manganese which improves well being of your cat. It is loaded with vitamin B12 (folate), which can help your constipated cat a lot.
Cats eating strawberries can give them a good source of potassium too, and do you know lack of it can inhibit the healthy growth of coats, cause cramping in legs and weakness in your felines.
Not only does it maintain a healthy heart, but it also helps to reduce inflammation, control blood pressure, and provide good cholesterol to your cat’s body.
These fruits are good for cats as it helps them to stay hydrated because it is made up of approximately 91 percent water. It is a healthy snack too because it has only 23 calories.
If your kitty companion refuses to drink or eat healthily, you can add 1-2 luscious strawberries to her daily regime.
When Are Strawberries Harmful to Cats?
Till now, you know can cats eat strawberries or not, but it does have negative signs too! As a loyal cat owner, you should know when can strawberry become harmful for cats.
As they are carnivores, animals overfeeding them with strawberries and just veggies can have repercussions like an upset stomach, oral problems, and obesity.
As said earlier, a small quantity of strawberries is completely accurate for your cat’s health. There are higher chances of her getting ill if she consumes too much.
For instance, if your cat is allergic to strawberries, she can face symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, cough and sneeze, itching, and watery eyes.
It is a significant source of vitamin C too, and too much of it can lead to the formation of crystals in your feline’s urethra. And, if she is already suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI), you must limit her intake, give a few slices of strawberry per day.
The Best Way to Give Strawberries to Cats!
If your cat likes the strawberry smell, you can give her few slices but make sure to wash it and cut off the stems and leaves. Although it is not toxic, the edges of leaves may give trouble to your cat’s throat, eyes, and nose.
You can also give your cat organic strawberry jam, which must be sugar-free because most brands use a lot of sweet and just add strawberry flavors and xylitol to it. This can cause harm to her. So, use low sugary jam as a reward during her training period.
Feed her strawberry yogurt for her good gut. You can simply take plain fat-free yogurt and add a few strawberry pulps to it. It will offer a balanced amount of probiotics that improve inflammation and immune function.
Well, That’s a Wrap!
Strawberries for cats are safe; you can add small amounts of them to your cat food diet. But, if she overeats that, she can face problems like stomach upset, tooth decay, and allergic reactions. Therefore, you must be careful while giving them strawberries.
So, can cats eat strawberries or not? Yes, your kitty can consume it! It offers potassium, carbs, water, vitamin B12, and manganese which makes her healthy! But remember to give only 2,3 slices daily!
If you enjoyed our article, please share it with other pet owners, and if you have any fresh information to give, leave a comment below.
Approved by Veterinary – Anthony Brooks, DVM!
References
- Can Cats Eat Strawberries | Is This Fruit Good for Your Cat – Cats How
- Strawberry – ASPCA
- Why is my cat obsessed with strawberries? – Quora