Can Cats Eat Strawberries? Will They Benefit From Them?

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One of our favorite summer treats is the amazingly sweet strawberry. This delicious berry is juicy and naturally sweet. It is refreshing and will undoubtedly bring some sweetness into your life. However, many cat owners wonder, “Can cats eat strawberries?” The first thing we want to know is if strawberries are toxic to cats. The good news is that they’re not. The more important question is will your cat benefit from strawberries. Here’s what you should know about cats and strawberries.

Are strawberries safe for cats?

The most critical question cat owners want to know the answer to is, “Are strawberries safe for cats?” Naturally, no one wants to give their cat something that might be dangerous for them. As we already mentioned, strawberries don’t contain anything that might cause toxicity to cats.

Are strawberries good for cats?

One of the biggest downsides to cats is they can’t taste sweet. Mind you, we doubt the cat considers it a downside. However, that means they are simply not interested in most sweet foods. Our favorite animals are obligate carnivores. That means they thrive on animal protein and meat. They cannot survive on different diets, and strawberries are simply not necessary in their diets. Nevertheless, many cat owners think there are benefits to feeding strawberries to their cats.

Strawberries can offer different health advantages to humans (and dogs) because we have the enzymes that allow us to digest fruits, carbs, and veggies. Humans are omnivores, and we can reap all the benefits strawberries can offer us. Some of the best things are;

• Dietary fiber
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin A
• Manganese
• Folate
• Potassium
• Magnesium

Unfortunately, our cats won’t reap all the benefits we will. They won’t taste the strawberry’s sweet taste, and the cat’s digestive system cannot break them down. The only thing cats can actually benefit from is the dietary fiber found in strawberries.

Why is fiber in strawberries good for cats?

Fiber is a part of human, cat, or dog diets. It helps our digestion run smoothly. If you’re not familiar with the benefits fiber can bring into your diet, we strongly advise you to read more about it. You can find a lot of helpful information here - Benefits of fiber for humans.

Fiber might not exactly be necessary for your cat’s diet. Still, it is very helpful during those times your cat has digestive issues. Fiber is fantastic for cats that are constipated or have diarrhea. It can also help cats with high blood fat levels, overweight cats feel more full, and cats with diabetes.

Which parts of strawberries are safe for cats?

Theoretically, all parts of the strawberry are safe for cats. That means it will not cause toxicity. However, the stem and leaves present a choking hazard. If your cat seems interested in strawberries, you should only give it the red part of the fruit.

How to safely give strawberries to cats?

Most cats will likely turn away from berries like strawberries. They can’t taste the sweet taste and will simply not be interested. However, some of them might be the exception and like to eat strawberries for different reasons. If that’s the case with your cat, you should know how to safely give it some strawberries. Here’s how to do that;

1. Remove the unsafe parts

The green parts of the strawberry (leaves and stem) are not toxic; they might present a choking hazard. You should remove them.

2. Wash

The second thing you should do is thoroughly wash the strawberry. Some fruits are produced with the help of fertilizers and pesticides. You want to make sure you and your cat ingest as little of that as possible. Wash the berry to remove those things.

3. Slice it

It is unlikely your cat will want to munch on a whole strawberry. Plus, if it is large, it can be a choking hazard. You should cut the strawberry into pieces as large as your cat’s kibble. Serve it like that.

Can cats eat strawberry products?

The strawberry taste is really popular among humans, so we include it in different products. There are various jams, ice creams, yogurt, or syrups. You should avoid giving those things to your cat. These products can contain a chemical called xylitol, which is toxic to cats and other pets. The best thing you can do is get organic strawberries and give your pets only tiny amounts.

VET TIP: The first time you give strawberries to your cat, you should give it only a tiny piece. See how the cat reacts and if there are any complications. It would be best to call your vet and ask for their advice.

World Cat Finder Team