Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

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If you are like us, you might want to “sweeten” your cat’s life with some tasty foods. We know cats can’t taste sweet, but we want to provide something they might enjoy. One of the things we wondered was, “Can cats eat watermelon?” The good news is that watermelon is safe for cats. However, there are a few things you should know about including this tasty fruit in your cat’s diet.

Is watermelon safe for cats?

As we mentioned earlier, yes, watermelon is safe for cats. However, you shouldn’t overfeed your cat on watermelon. There aren’t any parts of this tasty summer treat that will cause toxicity to your cat. However, giving watermelon to your cat might not be the best idea. Cats are obligate carnivores, and they have different nutritional needs than us.

Nutritional value of watermelon for cats

There are many benefits humans can reap from eating watermelon. It has a high carbohydrate value, but cats don’t need as many carbs as we do. There are different vitamins in watermelon that might benefit the cat. However, your cat should eat a lot of watermelon to get the number of vitamins that provide a health boost. If that happens, other nutrients might cause more problems.

Can watermelon be bad for cats?

All things in life can be harmful if you don’t stick to “normal” amounts. The same goes for cats and watermelon. Tiny bites might be OK, but if you allow your cat to overeat, the high amounts of sugar might cause different issues to your cat. This fruit is delicious because it contains so many natural sugars. If your cat eats too much of it, chances are it will experience digestive issues. The most common problems that occur from overeating watermelon are;

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach ache

If you feed your cat watermelon constantly, it can have harmful long-term effects on your cat’s health. The main problem is - it can lead to feline diabetes and obesity. Both issues are a growing concern among American pet owners and their pets. It is a good idea to stick to your vet’s instructions and feed your cat only the appropriate cat food and treats.

How can I safely give watermelon to my cat?

If your cat looks pretty interested in this delicious fruit, there is a safe way you can give them watermelon. Only the “meaty” red part is safe for cats. The rind and seeds are a choking hazard and can cause blockage. The first thing you should do is feed your cat only a tiny amount of watermelon and see its reaction. If everything is fine and you make sure your cat is not allergic to watermelon, you can give them a bit more.

However, make sure you don’t overdo it the first time. Your cat might like the watermelon, but you should be responsible and not give in to their begging. One of the surprising advantages of watermelon is that it contains a lot of water. That means it will keep your cat hydrated during those long, hot summer days.

Should I give watermelon to my cat?

To be fully honest, cats don’t need watermelon in their diet. This is not something the cat needs, nor will it provide any significant health boost for your beloved feline. We believe you should only include things that will benefit your cat. There are far better options your cat will most likely enjoy a lot more than watermelon. You can try a small amount of cheese, zucchini, or celery. Cats love that crunch.

VET ADVICE: The best thing you can do for your cat is provide them with a high-quality, balanced diet. If their food is good, your cat won’t need anything else. However, you can include high-quality cat treats to “sweeten” your cat’s life.

World Cat Finder Team