Can cats eat strawberries? You might have had this thought while chowing down on a few fresh strawberries yourself as a healthy and sweet snack. If humans can eat strawberries, can cats safely eat them too?
There is no short yes or no answer as to whether cats can eat strawberries. Technically, strawberries aren’t toxic or poisonous to cats, but moderation is key, and you should really only be feeding strawberries to your favorite feline as an occasional snack.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before going ahead and sharing any human food with your beloved feline, including strawberries. Here’s what you need to know about strawberries and cats.
When Are Strawberries Okay For Cats To Eat?
Strawberries are not poisonous for cats, and they’re fairly safe in very small amounts. They also contain some vitamins that could add a little extra benefit to your cat’s diet, and they have a good amount of fiber.
If you’re considering feeding strawberries to your cat, make sure to chop off the leaves and any of the stems that might still be attached to the strawberries. This is because the stems and leaves are harder for a cat to digest and could, in some cases, result in some gastrointestinal problems.
Also, if you’re considering feeding strawberries to your cat as a snack, make sure to cut up individual strawberries into small bite-sized pieces. As a feeding guide, it’s recommended you give your cat no more than half of a normal-sized strawberry per day.
When Are Strawberries Bad For Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that the majority of their diet should come from meat. This means that a fruit like strawberries should not become a core part of any feline’s daily diet.
Strawberries are also high in sugar, which can be an issue for cats to digest and, in certain cases, could even contribute to felines developing diabetes.
So while you definitely don’t need to panic if you notice your cat sneaking in a strawberry snack, it’s best to avoid feeding cats strawberries unless you’ve been specifically advised to do so by your vet.
Does your cat like to taste your strawberries? Do they enjoy any other fruits? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!