It’s no secret that most people love strawberries. After all, what’s not to love? They’re sweet, juicy, and full of flavor. But can cats eat Strawberries? Are there benefits to them eating strawberries, Or are they better off sticking to their kibble?
The good news is that cats can eat strawberries. In fact, they’re a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. Strawberries can help boost your cat’s immune system and protect them from diseases like cancer. Plus, they’re a low-calorie treat, so you don’t have to feel guilty about giving them a few extra berries now and then.
Can Cats Eat Strawberries? Is It Safe?
It’s perfectly safe to feed your cat strawberries, as long as it’s done so in moderation. As we previously stated, Strawberries are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. They can also help boost your cats immune system.
So if you see your cat getting sick, a few small pieces of strawberries might be beneficial. Although cats can eat strawberries, be mindful that it shouldn’t be a substitute to a healthy meat diet. Cats are carnivores, so a vast majority of their diet should be meat, not fruits.
Can Kittens Eats Strawberries?
Kittens can eat strawberries, but they should only have a small amount. Too much sugar can cause stomach upset in young cats. It’s best to introduce them to strawberries slowly and in moderation.
Be mindful that kittens are very suspectable to new foods. Their stomachs aren’t the same to that of a full grown adult cat. If you’re worried your kitten isn’t getting the nutrition he/she needs, it’s a good idea to buy specialty kitten food instead of letting them much on strawberries.
How to Feed Your Cat Strawberries?
If you want to give your cat strawberries, start with just a few berries. If they seem to enjoy them and have no adverse reaction, then you can gradually increase the amount you give them.
It’s best to chop the berries into small pieces so that they’re easy to eat and digest. You can also add a little bit of water to the berries to make a sort of strawberry puree.
This is especially helpful if your cat has trouble eating solid foods.
Positives To Feeding Your Cat Strawberries
Surprisingly there are a few positives to feeding your cat strawberries. Strawberries are a nutritious low calorie treat that’s full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Some of these vitamins can be very beneficial to your cat, especially if there is a lacking of that in their normal diet.
Also Strawberries help boost your cats immune system thanks to the high levels of vitamin C. Not to mention, they’re relatively low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about your cat packing on the pounds
Negatives To Your Cat Eating Strawberries
Not every treat is perfect, all come with some downsides and Strawberries are no different. When feeding your cat strawberries be mindful that some cats might be allergic to the delicious fruit. If your cat is allergic, typically systems will show up shortly after ingestion. Some of these allergy symptoms include:
- Watery eyes/Nose
- Sneezing/Wheezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Your cat can also have some negative effects from strawberries if he/she eats too many berries. This can cause your cat to have an upset stomach which can result in diarrhea or vomiting.
Most of these symptoms are rare in cats. However if your cat is experiencing some of these symptoms after eating strawberries, it’s a good idea to contact your local vet near you.
What To Watch Out For When Feeding Your Cat Strawberries?
As we mentioned before, some cats may be allergic to strawberries. If you notice your cat starting to sneeze, cough, or wheeze after eating strawberries, take them to the vet right away. Also, keep an eye on your cat if they eat a lot of strawberries. Too many berries can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Fortunately, this is usually not a problem for most cats since they tend to self-regulate their intake of sugary foods.
The Potential Risks Associated With Feeding Cats Strawberries
Whenever you feed your cat “human food” you can run into some risks. When it comes to Strawberries, the risks are much more minimal than other foods, but it’s still there. Some of these risks are:
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reactions
- Abdominal Pain
- Constipation
Although not frequent, if you see any of these symptoms in your cat, talk to your vet right away. It’s important to be mindful of these things when introducing new food into your cats diet.
How Many Strawberries Can A Cat Eat?
There is no set amount of strawberries that cats can eat. However, it’s generally safe to give them a few berries as a treat. If you give your cat too many strawberries, they may experience stomach upset or diarrhea.
Final Thoughts
Overall, strawberries are safe for cats to eat in moderation. Just make sure to keep an eye on your feline friend in case they start showing signs of an allergy. And as always, if you have any concerns, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any new food items.
Have you every given your cat berries? If so, let us know in the comment section below how he/she liked it! Also if you want to know more about what you cat can and cant eat, be sure to checkout our articles found here!