Can Cats Eat Watermelon? Yes, But Do They Need It?

Watermelon is the best way to refresh in the summertime, at least for humans. Right! Is your cat eager to eat the bright red watermelon? Do you know whether it is safe or dangerous for your cat?

Giving you a straightforward answer is difficult as all cats are different & have different digestive systems.

Watermelons contain many beneficial vitamins & minerals, However, it not that much beneficial for cats. Moreover, cats do not have taste receptors so they cannot taste the sweetness of the watermelon.

If you want to feed watermelon to your cat then you should know that it might be harmful. There are a few precautions that you will have to take before you feed watermelon to your cat.

Usually, the watermelons are safe for cats but It also has some conditions, keep reading the article to know how you can make watermelon safe for your cats.

Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

All of you know that watermelons are very beneficial in summer. Watermelons contain many nutrients like vitamins A, C, B1, B5, B6, potassium, copper, magnesium, biotin, antioxidants, & carotenoids.

The watermelon keeps you hydrated in summer times, It is found that watermelons are rich in fibers & have some amount of carbohydrates.

If you are a cat owner then you might be familiar that cats do have a specific nutrient requirement, that you can provide from a special diet.

If we talk about whether cats can eat watermelon. There is no harm if your cats have watermelon, it is totally safe for cats.

However, whatever you feed other than your cat’s diet then you should consult your veterinarian. They might give you perfect advice depending upon your cat’s current health status.

Can Kittens Eat Watermelon?

If you know that kittens have a weak digestive system than adult cats, if you are still providing watermelon to your kitten, then you have to provide them in a moderate quantity.

As watermelon does not provide any beneficial nutrients to your furry friend. Still, if you want to feed your kitten then you can provide them with very small pieces & in very less quantities.

Nutritional Benefits to Feeding Cats Watermelon?

All the cat owners might know that cats are obligate carnivorous, they need meat to fulfill their daily calorie intake. Many researchers have said that they get 70%-75% of nutrient requirements from meat.

If you know then watermelon is high in carbs, & it does not meet the protein requirement. So if you are feeding watermelon to your cats then it might not be that much helpful.

As I mentioned above watermelons are rich in nutrients, Moreover, you will find Lycopene, whenever you see the dark red color in watermelon because it has Lycopene.

This compound helps you to decrease blood pressure & prevents cardiovascular disease. It might not be helpful to your cat, however, if you want to feed then you should feed them in a moderate amount.

Also Read: Can Kittens Eat Eggs?

Will Watermelon Harm My Cat?

However, watermelons are considered safe for your furballs, but besides that, you will have to take some precautions if you are feeding watermelons.

The best recommendation is you should feed watermelon daily basis to your cat, provide them occasionally & in very less quantities.

It is because every cat is different, & the human foods are not suitable for many cats. If you also see any symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, or constipation.

Then you have to consult your veterinarian, they will give you the perfect advice based on your cat’s current health conditions.

Can Cat Eat Watermelon Rind?

People ask me can cats have watermelon rind? You might be familiar that we always remove the rind from the watermelon. The main purpose of the rind is to protect the actually inner watermelon. You may not find any beneficial nutrition in the rind.

If you eat the watermelon rind then it might be tasteless, difficult to digest, hard to chew, and it may cause choking & upset stomach.

If you are thinking of feeding rind to your furry friend then drop the plan, it might be dangerous for your furball. They will suffer from constipation or vomiting & you will end up taking them to your veterinarian.

Can Cats Eat Watermelon Seeds?

The watermelon seeds contain cyanide, & which is harmful to your cats. I would suggest you remove the watermelon seeds before you feed watermelon to your cat.

If humans eat the watermelon seeds it is fine because cyanide is present in very less amounts. It won’t harm humans. The reason why it might be dangerous to cats is they have sensitive digestive systems.

If your furball has eaten a watermelon seed accidentally, then you may have to keep an eye on him. If you see any symptoms like foam from mount or vomiting then you should consult your veterinarian.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This leads us to the end of the “Can Cats Eat Watermelon?” blog. I hope this article was helpful to you & your furball.

I encountered the same question when my Persian cat “Simba” was eating watermelon. It was the day I started researching this, Is watermelon safe for cats?

I was unable to find any relevant article on this topic, & the blog on the internet was incomplete. So I decided to meet other cat owners & veterinarians to gather information.

I piled all the information & provided them in 1 blog article to help you guys. I hope it was helpful, if still you have any doubts then you can comment down your questions.

I will be more than happy to give your an accurate answer related to feeding watermelon to your cat.

Also Read: Can Kittens Eat Cantaloupes?

References:

1. Which Fruits Can Cat Eat? — PetMD
2. Feeding Your Cat — VCA Hospitals
3. Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats — National Library of Medicine