Can cats eat watermelon? Watermelon is a delicious treat, especially when served chilled on a hot summer day. On such an occasion, you may be wondering, “can cats eat watermelon?”. SO, the short answer is that it is not toxic to cats and in rare cases in small doses is not likely to cause any problems for them.
However, before you offer your cat a bite of this tasty fruit, there are a few important points to keep in mind. Can cats eat watermelon rind? Can cats eat watermelon Seed? Should Cats Eat Watermelon?
The answers may influence your decision to give your cat watermelon, so read on. And as always, remember to check with your veterinarian before adding any new food to your cat to make sure it’s a suitable snack for her.
Is Watermelon Good for Cats?
Watermelon is not toxic to cats, as an adult cat without health problems is unlikely to experience any serious ill effects from occasionally eating a small amount of unshelled seedless fruit. The big exception to the consideration of whether cats can eat watermelon comes when your pet has health issues. In cats with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly diabetes, watermelon’s unnecessary carbohydrate and sugar content can have adverse effects. If your cat falls into this category, she should never eat watermelon.
It’s also possible that the watermelon is upsetting your cat’s digestive system, causing gastrointestinal upset, most commonly diarrhea or constipation. However, every cat is different. While one cat will occasionally eat small amounts of watermelon, another cat may experience immediate digestive distress. If your cat develops these symptoms or worsens, call your vet immediately.
While the answer to “Can cats eat watermelon?” is yes because it is non-toxic and generally considered safe in small amounts. Cats are natural carnivores whose digestive systems are not used to fruit. Watermelon is not a good treatment option for cats because it contains sugar and carbohydrates, which can be bad news for a pet with a health condition like diabetes.
Feeding your cat good quality cat food is usually the best way to ensure he is eating a healthy diet and getting all the nutrients he needs.
Feeding a cat watermelon?
If after reading all of the above you still want to offer your cat a small, bite-sized piece of seedless watermelon, do so in moderation. Because watermelon is not part of a regular cat’s diet, it should be considered a rare treat rather than an everyday treat.
When offering new foods to your pet, it is recommended to do so one at a time. If there are problems, you can easily localize the cause. If your cat is showing signs of gastrointestinal distress, stop feeding them watermelons, monitor them closely. Then, call your vet if symptoms become worrisome.
Can cats eat watermelon rind? Can Cats Eat Watermelon Seeds? The answer to both questions is no, as the peel and seeds can pose a choking hazard and cause digestive problems. They can also lead to gastrointestinal disorders. Also, be sure to remove the rind and seeds. And cut the watermelon into small pieces that your pet can easily swallow and digest.
Are There Nutritional Benefits of Feeding Watermelon to Cats?
Cats have specific nutritional needs that their diet must meet, and the nutrients they need are not the same as we humans need. “Cats don’t have a minimum daily requirement for carbohydrates, and watermelons are quite high in carbohydrates,” says Theresa Entriken, DVM, veterinary consultant in Leawood, Kansas.
As obligate carnivores, cats rely on nutrients found only in animal products. “The easiest and most convenient way to meet a cat’s nutritional needs,” explains the Clinical Nutrition Service of the University of Missouri’s Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service in Columbia, Missouri, “is to provide her with a complete and balanced commercial diet prepared by formulated a certified animal nutritionist or a person with a Ph.D. in animal nutrition.”
This means as long as your cat is getting all the nutrients it needs from its diet, treats like watermelon aren’t necessary. And when it comes to nutrients, more isn’t always better. In some cases, giving a cat more nutrients than she needs can cause problems.
So watermelon doesn’t provide any nutrients, but will it harm my cat?
While watermelon is not considered toxic to cats, there are some cautions about feeding your cat.
- First, watermelon is considered safe for healthy cats. So if your cat has a medical condition (such as diabetes), it’s better to avoid watermelon because simple sugars like those found in watermelon are easily digested and absorbed, says Entriken.
- Second, remember that every cat is unique. Their reactions can be very different when it comes to the tolerance of certain foods. “Cats should be monitored individually,” explains the Clinical Nutrition Service, “because some cats may safely consume a particular food and another cat may consume the same and develop vomiting, diarrhea or other undesirable symptoms.”
- Third, the majority of your cat’s calories should come from food specifically formulated to give him the nutrients he needs. Also, foods such as watermelon should only be given occasionally and in moderation.
How can I safely feed my cat watermelon?
With the above warnings and the cat’s nutritional needs in mind, the following guidelines offer steps to safely feed your cat watermelon:
- Talk to your veterinarian before feeding your cat any new human foods, even if they are generally considered safe for pets.
- To determine how much watermelon is safe for your cat, you need to do a little math. According to the Clinical Nutrition Service, treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily caloric intake. For example, if your cat eats 250 calories a day, only 25 of those calories should come from treats. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there are about 45 calories in a cup of watermelon. Cats vary in the amount of food they need to eat each day to maintain their ideal weight. If you’re not sure how many calories your cat needs or what their ideal weight is, see your veterinarian create a diet plan specifically for your cat.
- Wash the watermelon thoroughly with water before cutting it open in a place your pet can easily handle. Small bites, about the size of your cat’s kibble, work best. Remember to remove the seeds to avoid gastrointestinal irritation. Also, avoid scrubbing your cat as it can be difficult for them to digest.
- The Clinical Nutrition Service says even safe foods can cause unexpected reactions. Therefore, look out for signs of gastrointestinal problems (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) after eating new foods. It’s also a good idea to only introduce one new food at a time. If your cat is showing signs of illness, this will help you pinpoint the source of the problem. If you think your cat is having an adverse reaction to watermelon, talk to your veterinarian.
So should cats eat watermelon?
Just because your cat can eat watermelon as a treat doesn’t mean she should. The bottom line, as with any treat, is that nutrients should come first. Because watermelons are not part of a complete and balanced diet for cats, you don’t need to make an effort to get your cat to eat explains the Clinical Nutrition Service, “because some cats may safely consume a particular food and another cat may consume the same and develop vomiting, diarrhea or other undesirable symptoms.”
- Third, the majority of your cat’s calories should come from food specifically formulated to give him the nutrients he needs. Also, foods such as watermelon should only be given occasionally and in moderation.
How can I safely feed my cat watermelon?
With the above warnings and the cat’s nutritional needs in mind, the following guidelines offer steps to safely feed your cat watermelon:
- Talk to your veterinarian before feeding your cat any new human foods, even if they are generally considered safe for pets.
- To determine how much watermelon is safe for your cat, you need to do a little math. According to the Clinical Nutrition Service, treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily caloric intake. For example, if your cat eats 250 calories a day, only 25 of those calories should come from treats. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there are about 45 calories in a cup of watermelon. Cats vary in the amount of food they need to eat each day to maintain their ideal weight. If you’re not sure how many calories your cat needs or what their ideal weight is, see your veterinarian create a diet plan specifically for your cat.
- Wash the watermelon thoroughly with water before cutting it open in a place your pet can easily handle. Small bites, about the size of your cat’s kibble, work best. Remember to remove the seeds to avoid gastrointestinal irritation. Also, avoid scrubbing your cat as it can be difficult for them to digest.
- The Clinical Nutrition Service says even safe foods can cause unexpected reactions. Therefore, look out for signs of gastrointestinal problems (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) after eating new foods. It’s also a good idea to only introduce one new food at a time. If your cat is showing signs of illness, this will help you pinpoint the source of the problem. If you think your cat is having an adverse reaction to watermelon, talk to your veterinarian.
So should cats eat watermelon?
Just because your cat can eat watermelon as a treat doesn’t mean she should. The bottom line, as with any treat, is that nutrients should come first. Because watermelons are not part of a complete and balanced diet for cats, you don’t need to make an effort to get your cat to eat
