Blueberries & Cats - Should They Mix?

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Cats are drawn to new things. They are naturally curious, and even though they can’t taste sweet foods, they might enjoy an occasional blueberry. However, before you decide to introduce something new to your cat’s diet, you need to make sure the new thing is safe for your cat. Many cat owners want to know the answer to the question, “Can cats eat blueberries?” and the answer is - yes. Here’s what you should know about it.

Are blueberries safe for cats?

The first thing all cat owners should ask when introducing something new in their cat’s diet is, “Is it safe?” The good news is that blueberries are safe for cats. In fact, they can even be beneficial. Mind you, it is up to the cat’s owner to make sure the cat doesn’t overdo it with one type of food, in this case, blueberries.

Will my cat want a blueberry?

Just because blueberries are safe for cats doesn’t mean your cat will be interested in them. They might be curious and try it once, but since they won’t taste the sweet taste of blueberry, they might not be that interested. However, their curiosity might prevail, and once the cat figures out blueberries are wet, they might become one of your cat’s favorite snacks.

Are blueberries good for cats?

Blueberries are considered a superfood for us, but whether they’re equally good for our cats is a different story. Humans and cats have different digestive systems, and cats are obligatory carnivores. That means they need animal protein to survive. However, they can still enjoy some fruits and veggies. Here are the best nutrients in blueberries;

• Fiber - Blueberries are packed with dietary fiber. That makes them great for cats with digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation. It will add bulk to the loose stool and help the cat restore its healthy digestion.
• Antioxidants - Blueberries are known to be packed with antioxidants. They will protect the cat’s body from cancer-causing free radicals.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is one of the most essential vitamins for the body. It is necessary for building and repairing all body tissues, and it boosts the immune system.
• Vitamin K - Vitamin K is essential for different body functions. It helps build many proteins crucial for blood clotting and bone building.

Some studies proved that blueberries are great for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving memory, and preventing heart disease.

Can cats digest blueberries?

One of the most essential things about cats and blueberries is whether cats can actually fully digest them. Cats are carnivores, so blueberries and other fruits are unnecessary for their diet. However, that doesn’t mean that cats can’t reap all the benefits blueberries have to offer. Cats can digest blueberries. The only difference is that they digest meat better and easier than fruits and veggies.

Can blueberries be bad for cats?

Generally, blueberries are considered safe for cats. However, if your cat gets its paws on too many of them, they can cause specific digestive issues. The most common problems will be diarrhea and vomiting. You should avoid giving blueberries to diabetic cats. The high sugar content might cause them problems.

How many blueberries can my cat eat?

Another crucial aspect of the cat diet we should know and account for is the amount. Blueberries are not necessary for your cat, so you shouldn’t overdo it with blueberries. In fact, treat them like you would any other cat treat, and follow the golden rule. That rule says that treats should never be more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. If you have an average-sized cat that eats an average amount of food, you can safely give it 2 or 3 blueberries a day.

How can I give blueberries to my cat?

As we said earlier, there is a chance your cat simply won’t be interested in blueberries. Nevertheless, you can try including them in your cat’s diet in a few different ways. Here are a few ideas you can try;

• Place blueberries on your cat’s usual food and mix them in.
• Blend them or create a type of pate your cat might enjoy.
• Cut them in half and simply give them to your cat.
• Give the whole blueberry to your cat.
• Warm them up a bit or freeze them, so the temperature attracts your cat.

Keep in mind that before you try any of these things, you should thoroughly wash and clean blueberries to make sure you remove any kind of pesticide from the fruit.

World Cat Finder Team