Last Updated on January 31, 2023 by admin
Watermelon is a tasty treat that is high in water content and a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. But is it good for your cat? While watermelons are safe for your cat to eat, because it is extremely low in protein (almost none) and mostly carbohydrates, it’s not an ideal choice for cats. You should especially avoid giving it to cats that are overweight or suffering from diabetes. Cats are obligate carnivores and do not have a sweet tooth.
Benefits of Watermelon for Cats
Watermelon is a great source of hydration, potassium, and vitamin C for humans. While these nutrients might benefit your cat and it is safe for cats to consume, it’s not an ideal food so these benefits are better served with cat food or treats that cats enjoy.
Is Watermelon Safe for Cats?
Watermelon is safe for cats as long as your cat isn’t diabetic. If you feed watermelon to your cat make sure to only give them a small piece of watermelon and remove the seeds.
Risks of Feeding Watermelon to Cats
The greatest risk of feeding watermelon mainly applies to diabetic cats. However, cats are not equipped to handle fruit since they are carnivores so it may cause an upset stomach. It is also important to note that watermelon should never be given as a replacement for a cat’s regular diet as it does not provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins that cats need.
What Parts of the Watermelon Can a Cat Eat?
The rind and seeds should be removed before feeding it to your cat as they are choking hazards and can cause digestive issues. Cats can safely eat the flesh of the watermelon, but it is a poor substitute for properly formulated cat food. Only offer your cat a small portion or none at all.
Can Kittens Eat Watermelon?
The same considerations apply to kittens when giving watermelon. Seeds will be a greater choking hazard due to their small size.
How Much Watermelon Should I Feed My Cat?
It is best to follow the 10% rule when feeding your cat watermelon or any treats. This means that if your cat consumes 250 calories per day, treats including watermelon should only be about 25 calories. On average, one cup of watermelon contains about 47 calories, which would already be close to 19% of calories in our previous example. Even though watermelons are low in calories compared to other fruits the calories can quickly add up for cats.
Is the Rind Edible for Cats?
No, the rind of a watermelon is not edible for cats. The rind can be difficult for cats to chew and digest, and can also pose a choking hazard. Seeds should also be removed before giving watermelon to cats as they can cause digestive issues.
Are There Any Other Fruits That Are Safe for Cats?
Yes, there are other fruits that are safe for cats even though they are usually a poor choice to offer. These include strawberries, melon, bananas, pears, blueberries, and nectarines. Fruits that are unsafe for cats and should be avoided at all costs include grapes (including raisins) and citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Grapes have the potential to cause acute kidney failure and are especially dangerous.
Final Words
While a cat can eat watermelons it should be considered a human food with health benefits for humans but not so much for cats. While it is not toxic to cats there is no reason to feed a healthy cat watermelon or any other fruits since they are carnivores. This is something all cat parents should keep in mind when you give your cat new food or cat treats like watermelon. Thankfully watermelon seeds do not contain cyanide, unlike apple seeds, but they may present a choking hazard. While many cats are able to eat small amounts of watermelon without issue and it is technically safe to give, your cat probably will not enjoy watermelon as much as you.
Always remember that our feline friend has completely different nutritional needs.