It seems like the perfect food for humans. While you indulge in the sugary goodness of a muffin, you also tell yourself that it’s healthy for you because there are blueberries in it. 

This is a well-known superfood to us humans. Eating blueberries makes us feel like we’re taking care of our health. 

They’re filled with antioxidants, fiber, copper, vitamins, manganese, and other good things that make our bodies sing with joy. You’ve even seen canines enjoying blueberries. 

However, does that same enthusiasm extend to a cat? Your feline friend wants to give everything a try. He’s always meowing when you’re in the kitchen as if he’s making sure you won’t eat something without giving him a taste. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s crumbs or if you sneak a few treats to him between meals, you can’t help but give him what he’s asking for. But is it always okay to comply? 

Blueberry muffins are one of the best treats you can think of for yourself. That’s what makes you wonder if it is detrimental to your furbaby. You may be surprised by the answer I have for you because you never thought that this sweet treat could actually be hazardous to your kitty. 

Good for you, there are experts out there who are able to help you through this. 

Can cats eat blueberry muffins? 

While cats can eat blueberries, it’s best to avoid giving them blueberry muffins. These treats often contain added sugars, fats, and other ingredients that can be harmful to cats. Stick to safe and healthy treats like cooked meat or fish to keep your cat healthy and happy.

Okay, let me explain myself now. If your cat eats some by accident (and only a small amount), then he should be fine. However, if you intentionally feed your cat a blueberry muffin, then you should be aware that it could cause serious issues.

At this point, you probably know that cats don’t taste sweet foods. This means that he doesn’t understand when something is or isn’t filled with sugar. He just knows that you’re eating it, so he wants it too. 

Because of this, there’s no point in giving these muffins to your cat. Believe it or not, even the sugars in blueberries are harmful.

Just imagine how much sugar, fats, and calories a muffin has. It’s not the ideal food for humans, so it could obviously lead to many health issues in a small cat. His little tummy won’t be able to process it the way ours does. 

So, at the end of the day, if he nibbles on a tiny piece of blueberry muffin on his own, he’ll be fine. He probably found out that it’s not for him. 

But if you give these muffins to your cat intentionally and regularly, it could cause harm to him and you’ll only feel bad for doing it.  

That’s why it’s always better to avoid giving these foods to your cat in general than to regret it later on. Prevention is better than cure, right?

4 reasons why you can’t feed blueberry muffins to your cat

We already covered the question of whether or not cats can eat blueberry muffins. But sometimes, people need a little more convincing to realize the seriousness of the matter.  

We’ll use this part of the article to help you realize the reasons why you shouldn’t feed your cats these sweet treats. Even though it’s sugary heaven for you, it could be dangerous for your kitty. 

So please, pay close attention and never underestimate the effects certain foods can have on a feline. 

1. A cat’s digestive system is different

The difference between our bodies and the body of a cat (besides the obvious) is the fact that we can consume many different types of foods. We can eat fruits, veggies, meats, sweets, and all the other things that our body craves. 

Something similar to that is the digestive system of a canine because, for the most part, they’re able to munch on most things without big issues. 

However, the body of a cat is completely different. For example, if you give your cat blueberry muffins to eat as a whole meal, or even just blueberries, it could cause serious problems. 

It could result in a sugar disbalance in his little body and, in the end, diabetes. Some of the first symptoms of diabetes in cats are the inability to jump, excessive thirst, lack of appetite, and vomiting. 

I’m sure you can guess this part, but if you see any of these symptoms, you should take your cat to the vet right away. Don’t hesitate, because vomiting combined with the lack of appetite can quickly become fatal to him.

2. Cats are obligate carnivores

So, can cats eat blueberry muffins, even if they’re obligate carnivores? By obligate carnivore, I mean that he gets all of his proteins and nutrients from meat. 

Different fibers can be found in fruits and veggies, which can be helpful in his diet. However, in the long run, they have no positive effect on your four-legged friend. In bigger amounts, those same fruits could cause serious issues. 

If you don’t feed your cat the necessary amount of meat, then he could become malnourished quickly. And that’s something you really don’t want to happen. 

3. They can’t taste sugar

The fact that cats can’t taste sugar isn’t going to change much about whether or not you should allow them to eat it. The only issue here is that there’s no reason for you to give him sweets when he’s not able to taste them. 

You think that you’re doing something to make him happy when in actuality, he can’t even understand what he’s eating. There are other ingredients in your blueberry muffins that cats eat for pleasure, but overall, there’s no taste to them. 

At the end of the day, this isn’t reason enough to not feed your cat any blueberries or muffins at all. You should just understand that you can’t do it often. 

This little treat should only be given to him every once in a while. You can give him two or three blueberries at a time, just to see how he’ll react. Or you could break off a tiny piece of your muffin and hand it to him. 

Just know that if there’s any cocoa powder or chocolate in the muffin, it could become detrimental in a matter of minutes. So please be careful. 

4. Cats can’t digest carbs efficiently

We said this before, but it’s important to reinforce the fact that cats are carnivorous. As a result, their body can only digest meat-based products. 

This means that carbs in fruits and veggies only cause them digestive issues, especially if eaten in bigger quantities. 

Your cat would be equally grateful to you, whether you give him a full meal of commercial cat food or an entire blueberry muffin. He’d still give you that “feed me” look the moment you munch on something else.

Can the consumption of blueberry muffins be fatal for your cat? 

Can cats eat blueberry muffins without having extreme side effects? 

Well, as with almost every other human food, the smallest amount of blueberries or the individual ingredient that muffins are made of aren’t dangerous. If your cat tends to eat crumbs off of the floor, then there’s no reason for you to stress over what might happen to him. 

But a larger portion of blueberries can cause a lot of pain and problems for your cat. All carbohydrates should be avoided if possible. 

Cats lack the enzymes that are needed to digest sugars, which means that they could easily get feline diabetes. If not treated, diabetes can become life-threatening. 

Especially if his body becomes too weak to fight. His digestive system will crash from the inability to produce insulin. It’s quite a scary thing to witness and considering how much you love your cat, you can’t let that happen. 

Besides the health risk, another issue is obesity. While this one isn’t fatal, it’s still something you should look out for.

Your cat doesn’t know when he’s had enough food, so you need to be the one to control all of his portions. If you don’t, he’ll turn to food out of boredom, just like humans do. 

Obesity in cats is quite hard to conquer. It creates much bigger issues than obesity in humans, because their bodies are smaller and don’t have as much muscle as we do. 

Your cat could easily be affected by this if you don’t pay close attention to the type of food you give him. Too much of anything that’s not a part of his usual diet could cause him problems. 

As long as his main portions and sources of nutrients are meat, he should be okay.

If you want to be sure that your cat is safe while enjoying your blueberry muffins, then you should definitely make them at home. This way you know and can control exactly what ingredients go in them. 

Just because Salem, my little troublemaker, tends to eat things off the counter before I get to put them away doesn’t mean that I’m chill about it. I freak out for a moment, but I know that I’ll be more careful next time. 

He won’t do it again and I won’t turn blueberry muffins into a regular part of his diet (nor my own). That would just be inconsiderate. He would be happy in the moment, but in the long run, it would be a terrible idea. 

Can kittens eat blueberry muffins? 

Now that it’s clear whether or not adult cats can eat blueberry muffins, let’s talk a bit about kittens. 

The most important thing you need to know about kittens is that they need to have a milk supplement if they’re not feeding from their mother. If your cat is this small, then he certainly can’t eat blueberry muffins. 

His little body won’t be able to digest the blueberries, let alone the muffin. He could even choke on the chunks of food because he’s still weak. 

You know how overly enthusiastic kittens are about feeding. They just love that something is happening, and yours won’t be any different. 

More than at any other time in his life, he needs the right supplements and the right foods. If you are looking to adopt a kitten and aren’t sure what his nutritional needs are, you can always consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian. They’ll help you through the process and give you valuable advice. 

If your little one has taken a bite of a blueberry muffin, you should pay close attention to his behavior afterward. Don’t just let things slide and believe that nothing bad will happen. 

It’s always better to play it safe than regret it later. 

Can feral cats eat blueberry muffins? 

Feral cats are cats who haven’t been domesticated. They wouldn’t know how to act in a closed environment, due to the fact that they’re used to always being on the run. They take care of themselves and don’t trust humans. 

Most of the time, they can even be quite dangerous, because their instinct tells them to protect their kittens and/or defend themselves. 

In general, feral cats have a much better intuition about foods than domesticated cats, but if they’re starving, they’ll eat anything under the sun. 

Blueberry muffins aren’t toxic or hazardous as we already concluded. So if you still want to give a feral street cat a bit of your muffin, then you can. But be cautious – don’t just leave an entire tray of them in front of your door. 

You’ll regret it later on. Instead, give it some leftovers and leave it in a place where you know the cat will find it. 

How to introduce blueberry muffins to your cat’s diet?

If you’re still adamant about giving your cat blueberry muffins, then let me at least help you be safe about it. There isn’t a “one size fits all” way to deal with this, so you need to keep a watchful eye on your cat once he does start ingesting them. 

First of all, remember not to make it a constant part of his diet. At one point, his tiny body won’t be able to handle it anymore. That amount of sugar, fats, and carbohydrates isn’t good for anyone. 

Always wash the blueberries thoroughly. Don’t ignore the fact that there were many different pesticides used while growing these, which need to be removed. The same goes for different types of germs. 

One tip for you: If you want to be extra safe, put small crumbs of blueberry muffins on top of wet foods that cats can eat. This way he’ll get a new sensation regarding textures and different types of flavors. 

While it’s a good thing to mix things up, just don’t overdo it. My advice would be to never treat him to this human delicacy more than once a month and, as said before, in tiny portions.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures and death. Dark chocolate is particularly dangerous due to its higher concentration of cocoa.

The symptoms can manifest within hours of ingestion, making it crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately. Cats tend to avoid chocolate due to its bitterness, but accidental consumption is still possible.

Always store chocolate in cat-proof containers or high shelves. Educate family members and guests about the potential dangers of sharing chocolate treats with felines.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, contain compounds that can damage a cat’s red blood cells. This can lead to anemia, lethargy, and weakness. The symptoms might not appear immediately, and they can develop over several days.

If your cat ingests onion or garlic, monitor for signs like pale gums, fatigue, or decreased appetite. Immediate veterinary care can prevent severe complications. It’s best to avoid feeding your cat any foods seasoned with these ingredients and ensure they don’t access leftovers that might contain them.

3. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in cats. The exact substance causing this reaction is unknown, but even a small amount can be toxic. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy usually appear within 12 hours.

In severe cases, cats may exhibit decreased urination, which can be life-threatening. Keeping grapes and raisins out of your cat’s diet is crucial, including foods that may contain them, like baked goods. If you suspect your cat has eaten grapes or raisins, seek veterinary assistance right away.

4. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain medications, and it’s highly toxic to cats. Even small ingestions can lead to symptoms like restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and tremors. In severe cases, it can cause seizures or even death.

Cats may be attracted to the milk in coffee or the sugar in caffeinated beverages but must be kept away from these items. Ensure caffeinated products are stored safely, and spills are cleaned immediately. Alertness to these dangers can prevent accidental consumption.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol, found in beverages, cleaning products, and some cooking ingredients, can quickly lead to ethanol poisoning in cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and disorientation. More severe cases can result in respiratory failure or death.

Cats are often attracted to the smell of certain alcoholic drinks, making accidental ingestion a real risk. Always clean spills promptly and store alcoholic beverages and products out of reach. This precaution should extend to food items containing alcohol, ensuring that they are not accessible to your feline companions.

6. Raw Eggs

Raw eggs can expose cats to bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli, leading to gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, raw egg whites contain avidin, which inhibits the absorption of biotin, essential for healthy skin and coat. Symptoms of bacterial infection include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, which can be particularly severe in kittens or older cats.

While some pet owners advocate for raw diets, it’s crucial to weigh the risks. If feeding eggs, ensure they are fully cooked. This simple precaution can significantly reduce health hazards associated with raw consumption.

7. Xylitol

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, can cause a dangerous insulin release in cats. This leads to hypoglycemia, characterized by weakness, vomiting, and seizures. Severe cases may result in liver failure or even death.

It’s primarily found in gum, candies, and some baked goods, making it crucial to keep these items secured. Always read labels thoroughly to prevent accidental exposure. Educating household members about the risks associated with xylitol can help keep your cat safe from this hidden danger lurking in everyday products.

8. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to cats, although the exact toxin is unknown. Consumption can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, and lethargy. Some cats may also experience muscle tremors and stiffness.

These symptoms typically appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last up to 48 hours. Despite being a common ingredient in baked goods and snacks, macadamia nuts should be kept out of your cat’s reach. It’s important to educate everyone in the household, including guests, about the dangers of feeding cats foods containing these nuts.

9. Dairy Products

Many cats are lactose intolerant, so consuming dairy can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea and stomach upset. While kittens can digest their mother’s milk, adults often lose this ability. The symptoms of lactose intolerance may include bloating and gas, which can be uncomfortable for your pet.

Alternative milk products, such as those specifically designed for cats, might be better options. If you suspect your cat is suffering from dairy-related issues, consult with a veterinarian. They can provide guidance on suitable dietary changes to keep your cat healthy.

10. Bones and Fat Trimmings

Bones and fat trimmings may seem like a natural treat for cats, but they pose significant health risks. Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.

Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal pain. It’s essential to dispose of bones and fat scraps securely, ensuring they are out of your cat’s reach. Instead of feeding table scraps, provide your cat with safe and nutritionally balanced treats. Regular vet check-ups can help monitor your cat’s digestive health.

It’s no secret that cats are huge meat eaters! They can’t live without it, in fact. Chicken is a popular item on the market, and it’s likely on your pet’s wish list. Cats are drawn to this protein-rich meal like magnets.

In fact, chicken is one of the main and most popular ingredients found in kibbles, wet food, and others. But can cats eat chicken wings or should they be satisfied with commercial cat foods?

As we now know, meat is the best food for felines, so chicken wings can definitely benefit your cat. Also, poultry is one of the cheapest meats on the market, which makes your life a tad easier. Your pet gets the nutrients and you get some relief due to the lower price!

It seems it’s a win-win situation when it comes to chicken wings. Your furry friend would love to munch down on some wings, but is there more to it than just the heavenly taste?

1. Packed with protein

The good news is that chicken is a very high-protein food. Felines require a daily protein supply and must consume it on a consistent basis. It helps carnivores in a variety of ways, including boosting their immunity and keeping their nervous systems in good shape.

Protein is the most important factor in your cat’s general health and well-being. Your cat will lose weight, muscular mass, and become frail if she doesn’t eat enough protein. She’s built to digest animal-derived proteins better than those from plants because she’s an obligate carnivore.

2. Low-fat meat

Chicken wings are lower in fat than beef and other meat. Unsaturated fat is a highly appreciated nutrient in the feline world. It provides cats with an energy source and keeps them warm in low temperatures.

Healthy fats are known to decrease cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk of heart diseases. It also helps prevent heart stroke and other medical issues related to high cholesterol.

3. One part meat, one part bones

Besides meat, a decent part of chicken wings is bones. You’d think bones are for the dogs, but they can also benefit your kitto.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are found in chicken bones. These minerals are in charge of joint health and have an overall favorable impact on your cat’s movement.

They can help cats cope with the pain of arthritis. There are various treats and medications for cats with arthritis that contain high doses of glucosamine.

Chondroitin, like glucosamine, is a component of connective tissue and cartilage. Furthermore, chicken wings, just like chicken feet, are high in collagen, a protein that helps to build bones and muscles.

4. A great collagen source

Collagen is particularly advantageous to elderly cats since it aids in the prevention of cartilage and bone loss, as well as the reduction of joint pain. Your furball’s coat may shine brighter than your future thanks to collagen levels found in chicken!

Collagen takes care of not only that magnificent fluff, but also the skin beneath it all. It keeps the skin moisturized, giving it suppleness and helping to prevent wrinkles and cellulite.

5. Chicken wings are the new dentist!

Throw away the chew bones and instead opt for some chicken wings! Felines have naturally strong teeth that let them gnaw down on their prey’s flesh. Chewable treats help them keep their teeth sharp and healthy.

Your pet will be brushing her teeth in this manner. It’s not as glamorous as using a brush and toothpaste, but it gets the job done! Cats can get rid of plaque and build-up on their teeth by gnawing on some chicken wings.

Dental hygiene eliminates foul breath and eliminates the potential for infections and diseases! Some homemade chicken wings could do a better job than store-bought treats.

Being a good pet parent, you want to share different foods and snacks with your trusty sidekick. You can’t even imagine drinking a cup of hot chocolate without adding some deliciously soft marshmallows as an additional treat.

It’s only fair to share them with your favorite furball, right? Wrong – cats can’t eat marshmallows safely. In fact, not only do marshmallows lack nutritional value, but they can easily become a choking hazard. In the worst-case scenario, your cat could end up needing an emergency visit to the vet.

Marshmallows are a type of confectionary typically made from sugar, water, and gelatin (sometimes eggs). They are very popular among humans because of their famous pillowy consistency, and their delicious sweet taste.

While marshmallows aren’t toxic to cats, there are so many reasons why you shouldn’t include them in your pet’s regular diet.

1. Sugar overload

Cats are carnivores. They are the healthiest when they follow a specific diet mostly made up of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Marshmallows contain loads of sugar, which isn’t toxic to cats, but it can lead to feline obesity and diabetes. If you don’t want your furry friend putting on some extra weight you might want to avoid these sugary confectionaries.

Such high amounts of sugar could also lead to serious dental health issues. If that doesn’t convince you to keep your marshmallows to yourself, I don’t know what will.

2. Sodium

You might be surprised to find out that marshmallows are high in sodium levels, too. A hundred grams of marshmallows contain eighty milligrams of sodium. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, cats have a really low sodium tolerance. Too much of it can affect blood pressure, kidney and heart function as well as the bone density.

3. A choking hazard

What makes marshmallows so irresistible to humans is their cloud-like shape and squishy consistency. However, these qualities also make them a choking hazard to your pet.

Not so fun fact – marshmallows aren’t recommended for children under the age of three for the same reason. They are super sticky, and they can easily get squished and stuck in a child’s throat. The same thing could happen to your feline friend if you’re not careful enough.

4. High in calories

“Can cats eat marshmallows? Aren’t they calorie-dense?”

An average marshmallow has about 23 calories. Although there are different types of marshmallows, most of them are high in calories and low in nutritional value.

If your furry friend is already chubby, you might want to skip these treats. There is nothing wrong with putting on a bit of weight, but you have to be careful with how it affects their overall health.

5. Low nutritional value

Lastly, there are no benefits to feeding your cat marshmallows. They have little to no nutritional value since cats require a protein-packed diet.

Chances are, your feline friend is curious about marshmallows because of their odd appearance and not because of their taste. Cats can’t taste sweet things since they don’t require carbohydrates in their diets. Most sweets (chocolate cake, banana bread, blueberry muffins…) don’t belong in their bellies.

Since there’s nothing beneficial in marshmallows, feeding them to your cat could only cause them harm.

What should I do if my cat eats a marshmallow?

If your furball has managed to sneakily steal a marshmallow or two, don’t panic! Check if your cat is showing any signs of choking. If it is, you should contact your vet immediately and make sure to follow their advice to a tee.

If she has managed to eat marshmallows safely and isn’t showing any signs of distress, stay paw-sitive! These delicious treats aren’t poisonous to cats and won’t cause them any immediate harm. Just take them away and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

How do you deal with a furry beast that keeps insisting on eating all your treats? You can always keep healthy alternatives around when you’re getting ready to enjoy a delicious snack yourself. It is much easier to resist their pouty snout when you have a plan B.

Marshmallows are universally loved among most pet parents, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that many believe it’s okay to feed them to your cat every once in a while. Marshmallows might not be toxic to your beloved pet, but there are so many other reasons to avoid them.

They have no nutritional benefits, they are high in sugar and sodium, and they can become a choking hazard. All these reasons should be enough to make you rethink when choosing appropriate snacks for your cat.

Keep in mind – some cats LOVE marshmallows and would eat an entire bag if given a chance. Make sure to always keep them out of your kitty’s reach and enjoy them responsibly.

Humans eat cheesecake occasionally, which means that it’s either an unnecessary part of their diet or unhealthy. When it comes to cats, they have a body that’s built differently from humans’. This means they don’t process foods the same way as we do.

Is cheesecake safe for cats?

A few bites of this treat every once in a while won’t cause harm to felines. However, you shouldn’t make this a regular thing. Cheesecake is full of ingredients that aren’t the best choice for your cat.

Moreover, this delicacy has many flavors and is often combined with lots of other foods that could be harmful to your pet. So, a few bites on rare occasions are safe, but don’t go filling up your cat’s bowl with this treat.

Do cats like cheesecake?

“Can cats eat cheesecake?” and “Do cats even like the taste of it?” are two questions that go hand in hand. And here are your answers.

From my experience, cats take delight in cheesecake. We like it because of its sweet and tangy flavor, but this isn’t the case with cats.

They can’t taste sweetness. Shocking, right? Felines are incapable of detecting the flavor because they lack certain taste buds.

This is due to them being carnivores, which means they are equipped with required taste buds that detect protein and fat. This leads us to the conclusion that sugar is unnecessary in their diet. And in the case of cheesecake, we’re talking of a high concentration of sugar.

Therefore, it isn’t the carbs that attract cats in cheesecake. It’s rather the fat content this treat possesses. You are more likely to find your cat licking away the creamy part than the toppings.

So, cats not having a soft spot for sugar is actually good news.

Regular intake of this carbohydrate can cause medical issues in cats. Felines are prone to becoming overweight from carbs, which furthermore results in joint pain. Other than that, regular sugar intake can bring dental problems, such as tooth decay.

Can cats eat cheesecake because of cream cheese?

The creamy and smooth texture of cheesecake can be attributed to its main ingredient, cream cheese. The full-fat cream cheese is what gives this cake its texture and richness in flavor.

Cream cheese isn’t toxic to cats but can cause some digestive problems.

It’s a dairy product which means it contains lactose. Cats are lactose intolerant, which means they have a hard time breaking down the sugar from dairy products.

Felines lack certain intestinal enzymes that would help them digest this compound (lactase) and this can result in stomach upset, which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

Cream cheese is higher in fat than other dairy products. Cats need fat intake daily as it’s an important component in their diet. However, this type of fat contained in cream cheese isn’t most fitting for their needs. Felines require unsaturated fat that serves as an energy source.

Fat found in cream cheese and cheesecake is highly saturated, which is an unhealthy type of fat. Too much of this can lead to high cholesterol levels, and we all know what that means – increased risk of heart disease.

Besides, your cat can put on some extra pounds, and if your pet is already a chonky, that’s the last thing you want.

Sour cream

This is another ingredient found in cheesecake. It’s similar to cream cheese because they are both dairy products. Having established that cats are lactose intolerant, you can guess some of the consequences of feeding your cat sour cream.

Sour cream isn’t toxic to cats, just like cream cheese. The same goes for both of these products because they don’t play any part in a feline’s diet. A few licks here and there won’t hurt, but it’s best to avoid it if possible.

Sugar content in cheesecake

We have already touched on sugar and its impact on cats. However, the amount found in cheesecake isn’t alarming and isn’t likely to cause immediate harm. It isn’t recommended, but we all know we will sometimes give in to our cats’ pleas.

Sugar is mainly used to balance out the tangy flavor of cheesecake, so the sugar content in this treat isn’t alarming.

Risks of cheesecake: lemon juice and vanilla extract

While lemon and vanilla add zest and aroma to this treat, they are unfortunately poisonous to felines.

Lemon juice is required for the tangy flavor in the cheesecake. Lemon is a citrus fruit and these are known to be toxic to felines because of the essential oils they contain. Limonene and linalool are the culprits in citrus foods that can make your feline experience some gastrointestinal upset.

Citrus can also irritate her skin, leading to the development of allergic dermatitis. Citrus poisoning can be recognized through vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and trembling.

Fruits like lime, oranges, and lemon are often used as a cat deterrent. The strong smell is repelling to them and people resort to these fruits to keep their plants and gardens safe of their pe(s)ts.

Vanilla extract is dangerous to cats because it contains ethyl alcohol. Even small amounts of it can cause alcohol poisoning in felines. Artificial vanilla isn’t any less dangerous as it, too, contains ethyl alcohol. In fact, it can be even more dangerous because it has many other chemicals that are potentially harmful to your feline.

Vanilla-flavored treats shouldn’t be as much of a worry because of other ingredients that subdue vanilla extract. But, it’s better to play on the safe side.

So, if making cheesecake yourself, make sure you keep these ingredients far from your furbaby’s reach. And if your cats eat too much cheesecake, you may want to look out for the signs of stomach distress.

Can cats eat eggs?

Eggs are an excellent source of protein. Cats rely on protein intake to function daily and without it, they can become underweight and develop certain health conditions. Felines require animal-derived protein for proper growth and it also serves as an energy source.

Eggs can be a great snack from time to time and adding them to your cat’s regular diet can benefit her greatly. However, make sure your cat doesn’t indulge in some raw eggs you whisked. These may carry certain diseases like E. coli and salmonella. Plain, boiled eggs are the safe way to go.

Raspberry and strawberry toppings

These fruits are safe for cats’ consumption in fresh forms. They have many health benefits, but some of them are lost during the cooking process.

Toppings also include sugar and lemon juice, which isn’t ideal for your pet. If your cat is fond of these toppings, it isn’t a reason for concern as long as it’s in moderate amounts.

What about chocolate toppings?

Apart from raspberry and strawberry, cheesecake is often topped with chocolate ganache. Chocolate is poisonous to felines even in small amounts. This treat contains caffeine and theobromine that is hard for felines to digest, and build-up thereof can result in intoxication.

Some symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, as well as increased thirst and urination. Other, more severe signs involve respiratory problems, tremors, and seizures. Dark chocolate is more toxic to cats as it contains higher levels of caffeine and theobromine.

This doesn’t mean that white or milk chocolate, for example, is safe for felines. Pure chocolate that’s used for making chocolate ganache can be fatal to your feline. When choosing cheesecake, make sure it doesn’t contain any chocolate, especially the thick ganache.

Cats have unique dietary needs and sensitive systems that aren’t built to handle many of the treats we enjoy, so here’s a guide to the food items your cat should stay away from at any cost.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate might be your guilty pleasure, but it’s toxic to cats. The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can cause severe health issues. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous, though even milk chocolate can lead to trouble.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to stash your treats where your cat can’t get them.

2. Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or even dehydrated, are toxic to cats. They can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts hidden in table scraps or seasoned foods can harm your cat.

3. Grapes and raisins

Grapes and raisins may seem harmless, but they can cause kidney failure in cats. Even a single grape can pose a serious risk. These small fruits are often found in snacks or baked goods, so it’s essential to keep them well out of reach.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol in any form is extremely dangerous for cats. Whether it’s found in drinks, desserts, or cooking, alcohol can quickly lead to poisoning. Cats are much smaller than humans, meaning even trace amounts can have severe consequences.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks, is no friend to your feline. It can overstimulate a cat’s heart and nervous system, leading to serious health problems. Be cautious about leaving your coffee mugs or energy drinks unattended, as even small sips can be harmful.

6. Dairy

Despite the classic image of cats drinking milk, most of them are actually lactose intolerant.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and cream can lead to digestive issues, leaving both you and your cat in an uncomfortable situation. If you want to treat your kitty, stick to lactose-free cat milk designed specifically for them.

7. Raw eggs, meat, and fish

Raw foods might seem natural, but they come with risks. Raw eggs, meat, and fish can expose cats to harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli.

Additionally, raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys essential B vitamins, which can cause neurological issues over time. If you’re considering a raw diet for your cat, consult a vet to ensure it’s done safely.

8. Xylitol

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candies, and even baked goods, is highly toxic to pets. While it’s more dangerous for dogs, it can still pose risks for cats, potentially leading to serious health issues.

In this case, It’s probably best to err on the side of caution, and completely avoid offering any food that might contain artificial sweeteners.

9. Bones and fat trimmings

It might seem natural to share a bone or some fatty leftovers with your cat, but these can be harmful. Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries, while fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis.

Instead of table scraps, treat your kitty to safe, vet-approved snacks.

10. Raw dough

Unbaked bread dough can expand in your cat’s stomach, causing bloating and severe discomfort. The fermentation process can also produce alcohol, adding another layer of danger.

If you’re baking, be sure to keep any rising dough far away from your cat’s reach.

11. Avocado

Avocado may be a superfood for humans, but it’s not a safe choice for cats. The fruit contains persin, which can be toxic, especially in large amounts. The pit is also a choking hazard, so it’s best to keep avocados off the menu for your feline friend.

12. Salty foods

Cats don’t need extra salt in their diet, and salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and processed foods can lead to health problems. Cats are much smaller than humans, so even a little extra salt can throw off their delicate balance.

If you want to give your cat a snack, stick to cat-safe, low-sodium treats to keep them healthy.

13. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes contain essential oils and compounds that can irritate a cat’s digestive system. While the strong scent of citrus often keeps cats away, it’s still a good idea to ensure these fruits are inaccessible to curious noses.

14. Nutmeg

Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that can cause serious problems for cats. While it’s not commonly consumed by pets, any exposure should be taken seriously. Keep spices like nutmeg securely stored to avoid accidental ingestion.

15. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are another food that can harm your feline. These nuts can cause weakness and other health issues, likely due to their high fat content. If you’re snacking on macadamias, be sure to keep your bowl well out of reach.

If your cat ever gets into something they shouldn’t, don’t hesitate to call your vet for advice. With a little caution and care, you can keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and out of trouble.

Your cat certainly wants to! Whenever you bring out the big guns (the biggest tub of manuka honey you could find in the store), she starts meowing and begging for your to let her give it a lick. And let’s be honest, you weren’t able to say no to her on more than one occasion.

After all, how can honey even be bad? It’s one of the most delicious things on Earth, it has antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and anti-anxiety properties, and it’s beaming with antioxidants. That might sound like a lot of antis, but trust me, they’re good… for humans.

You haven’t really thought of including this sweet syrup in your cat’s diet. You have no idea whether those antis would be good for cats. But, you wouldn’t mind giving her a spoonful of honey if you knew it would help with her seasonal allergies, sore throat, and other health problems.

Luckily, your “can cats eat honey” search mission brought you to the right place. According to our friends over at the ASPCA, cats can eat honey. But… There’s always a but when it comes to feeding your cat anything that isn’t supposed to be a regular part of her diet.

Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about the complicated relationship between the nectar of the Gods and your feline friend. Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

Do cats like honey?

“Curiosity killed the cat”, but let’s hope it doesn’t do the same thing to your furry friend.

She’s a curious creature and she certainly doesn’t mind exploring the secrets of your kitchen whenever you’re busy doing something else. She’s bound to stumble upon a thing of honey at one point or the other.

She also doesn’t mind meowing your ears off until you succumb to the pressure and let her have a taste. Why does she get bored with cat food so easily? Why does she love human food more than anything else? And does she even like the taste of honey?

Believe it or not, cats are sweets-blind. They have a genetic condition that doesn’t make their sweetness receptors sensitive enough to taste the same things most animals (and humans) do. Actually, while most humans have thousands of tastebuds, cats only have a couple hundred.

But, there’s still a chance your cat can taste honey (which would explain why she seems to like it so much). She might not be able to taste the sweetness, but she’s probably able to taste something else within the honey itself (aka protein, fats, or other components).

And let’s not forget about the whole “monkey see, monkey do” thing (or, in this case, “cat see, cat do”)! Your cat is more likely to show interest in certain foods when she sees you devour them in one sitting. You’re eating a teaspoon of honey? She’s eating a tablespoon of honey!

So, can cats eat honey?

Feeding honey to your cat sounds like a great idea when you think about the nutritional and health benefits she might gain from this sweet syrup. Even a small amount of honey gives you energy, boosts your immune system, and gives you plenty of nutrients to start your day right.

But, honey doesn’t necessarily do the same thing for your cat. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they require meat, animal protein, and animal-sourced nutrients in their diet. That doesn’t mean they can’t eat anything else. But, it certainly does mean that they get the most benefits from these things.

Cats can eat honey, but can cats digest honey? Their digestive system isn’t equipped with the necessary enzymes to break down and process lactose, fructose, and glucose.

That might sound like a bunch of gibberish. However, these three things are responsible for sending your cat running to her litter box when she eats one too many spoonfuls of honey. Upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting are only some of the symptoms she might experience afterward.

So, honey seems to have a bunch of benefits and a bunch of drawbacks, making your decision that much harder. Give your vet a quick call, scroll down to learn more about the complicated relationship between cats and honey, and buckle up. You’re in for a ride!

When is honey good for cats?

When you ask any human about their opinion on honey, they’re bound to tell you something along the lines of “honey is pretty much a miracle potion.” It has a bunch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it makes for a sweet, nutritious, and delicious treat.

Additionally, it has loads of health benefits including the ability to soothe a sore throat, help with digestion, treat wounds, and even calm down allergic reactions. And it has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. So yeah, you can say honey can be pretty great.

But, can it be great for your four-legged friend? Can cats eat honey? You might be disappointed to learn that a lot of these properties don’t apply to your cat. Not only does honey react differently in your cat’s stomach, but it’s also known to do more damage than anything else.

Don’t get completely discouraged because this doesn’t mean your cat shouldn’t enjoy an occasional lick of honey. It simply means that you have to make sure to be extra careful with the type of honey and the amount of honey you feed to your cat.

Here are a couple of things you can count on when you let your furry friend feast on a tiny amount of honey every now and then. Firstly, the antioxidants contained within this sweet syrup can boost her immune system.

Secondly, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help her heal whenever she gets a bruise or a scratch. And lastly, honey can slightly soothe her allergies (but you might want to consult with your vet on that one).

However, the best thing you can do when you notice your cat might be getting the sniffles is to contact your vet and follow his advice to a tee.

When is honey bad for cats?

Let’s be honest, you can’t make a decision on whether cats can eat honey without looking at the long list of repercussions and adverse reactions. While this sweet syrup might be a great choice for you, it might give your cat quite a hard time in her litter box. Yeah, you read that right!

We’ve already mentioned how cats are carnivores and how they very have specific nutritional requirements. To your cat’s disappointment, honey doesn’t meet pretty much any of those requirements. While it’s rich in protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, it doesn’t make for a healthy cat treat.

Technically speaking, your cat can’t even have sweet treats. Your cat’s digestive system isn’t equipped to digest the sugar and other carbohydrates that can be found in most sweet treats. So, honey can only result in a bunch of digestive issues such as stomach aches, weight gain, obesity, and diabetes.

Don’t even get me started on diabetic cats! They shouldn’t come anywhere near this sweet syrup. It might cause them severe spikes in sugar levels and insulin levels. Trust me, that’s pretty much a general rule of thumb for cats with health issues. They have to keep their paws away from honey.

Another side effect of feeding your cat honey actually comes from raw honey. Raw honey is basically the unprocessed type of honey. It’s taken straight out of the beehive, strained, bottled, and ready to be enjoyed but everyone except for your cat.

Raw honey might contain something called botulinum. Botulinum can cause botulism or botulinum poisoning in cats which can result in permanent paralysis. Obviously, most cat parents avoid feeding their cats honey because they don’t want to take the risk.

So yes, cats can eat honey… But, at what cost?

Can kittens eat honey?

Absolutely not! Adult cats might not have that hard of a time digesting a couple of drops of honey, but we can’t say the same thing about young kittens.

Their digestive system isn’t equipped with the necessary enzymes to process such high levels of sugar. Not only that, young kittens aren’t supposed to eat pretty much anything other than their mother’s milk.

And even when they aren’t able to get hold of their mother’s milk, they’re supposed to eat kitten formula and kitten food. Honey might not be toxic to kittens, but it can cause a bunch of gastrointestinal problems including stomach aches, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Honey can also cause weight gain, obesity, and diabetes which can dangerously diminish the quality of your kitten’s life. Let’s just say your kitten doesn’t have to be in the room when you’re enjoying your sweet syrup.

Can cats eat raw honey?

We’ve already touched upon this question in one of the previous paragraphs. But, it doesn’t hurt to go over some of the most important points. After all, your furry friend won’t stop meowing and begging just because you’re unsure of the answer to the “can cats eat raw honey” question.

Cats can eat raw honey, sort of. Raw honey is just a different term for unprocessed honey (which is honey that’s been taken straight out of the beehive and bottled with no added ingredients). Raw honey can even be a better choice for your furry friend than processed honey, but…

There are a couple of things to consider before hopping online in search of local raw honey producers. Some pet parents believe that raw honey contains something called botulinum. Botulinum is pretty much a toxin that can cause permanent paralysis.

So, it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t feed raw honey to your cat. We can’t say that every bottle of honey contains this threatening toxin, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What about Manuka honey?

What’s so different about Manuka honey? Manuka honey’s generally known, loved, and used as a traditional remedy for pretty much everything. While regular, processed, or unprocessed honey can be used for the same purposes, Manuka honey holds the first place.

Regular honey can be made from different types of plants honey bees use to collect the nectar from. But, Manuka honey can only be made from the nectar of the Manuka plant that can only be found in Australia and New Zealand.

And yes, cats can eat Manuka honey! Same as with regular honey, they shouldn’t scoff down the entire bottle but they’re free to have a drop or two every now and then. Consult with your vet before using Manuka honey as a treatment for health problems, but other than that… Get another bottle for your furry friend.

Can cats eat honey nut cheerios?

They absolutely can! Well, they can have a couple of them… Kind of.

If your four-legged friend stumbled upon your secret stash of honey nut cheerios and decided to have a couple of them for dessert, you have nothing to worry about. A small number of honey nut cheerios shouldn’t cause any discomfort to your cat.

But, that doesn’t mean you should count on honey nut cheerios to provide your cat with her daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sweet treats like honey nut cheerios have high levels of sugar which makes them pretty hard on your cat’s stomach.

Unless you want to see your cat running to her litter box every fifteen minutes, you should keep these sweets out of your cat’s reach. So, cats can eat honey nut cheerios but that doesn’t mean that they should.

What about honey buns?

Oh, the deliciousness of the doughy pastry drizzled with honey and coated in cinnamon! Honey buns happen to be one of your favorite desserts and you can’t help but wonder “can cats eat honey buns?” Are these cinnamon rolls and donuts hybrids safe for your four-legged friend?

While honey buns aren’t necessarily toxic to cats, they contain ingredients that can harm your cat in the long run. Sugar, carbohydrates, and calories are only a few of the reasons why you should rethink the whole “sharing is caring” thing and devour that honeybun by yourself.

Unfortunately, cats can’t eat honey buns. But, you can count on carefully crafted cat treats whenever your furry friend decides to meow and beg for something she can much on.

Cats can eat honey, but…

That doesn’t mean that they should. While it’s completely fine for you to use a little bit of honey to treat your cat’s wound or to let her take a couple of licks (with a green light from your vet), you shouldn’t treat honey as a regular part of your cat’s diet.

A little goes a long way when it comes to this sweet syrup!

Your fridge has probably illuminated a leftover guacamole munching session on more than one occasion. And, your curious kitto has perked up her ears and flicked her whiskers, meowing and begging to let her have a taste more than that one time.

Who wouldn’t want to nibble on that creamy, gorgeously green content of a perfectly ripe avocado!? You can’t claim something that’s known as butter fruit, fertility fruit, and alligator pear doesn’t scream “Eat me because I’m the most delicious thing you’ll ever have the satisfaction of tasting!”

Trust me, your mischievous monster understands the power of avo on toast. That’s why she’s giving you that look every time she sees you secretly munching on something that might be an avocado. Come on, you know exactly what look we’re talking about!

What else are you supposed to do than share the alligator toast with her!? “Argh, now I have to hop online and check whether cats can eat avocado!” We’ve got your back, and boy, aren’t you lucky to have stumbled upon this article.

Our friends over at the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) don’t recommend feeding avocado to your cat. This pitted fruit contains persin, and trust me, you don’t want this toxin anywhere near your cat.

Can cats eat avocado?

Cats can eat avocado, kind of… It can be quite a toughie when talking about the dos and don’ts of feeding avo to your precious purrincess. In short, she can nibble on a tiny tidbit of avocado flesh, but can’t and shouldn’t munch on the entire thing.

We can’t ignore the obvious questions, can we? Do avocados even belong in your cat’s diet? Do they even bring anything to your cat’s table?

As we know, cats are carnivores. On the off chance that you’ve been living under a rock, that means that they need animal-derived nutrients predominantly in their diets to survive and thrive. They don’t need fruits, veggies, and whole grains in their diets the same way humans do.

Cats don’t even possess the digestive enzymes necessary to break down and process most foods that humans eat every single day.

You can’t share your afternoon cookies and milk treats with your feline friend. She can’t drink milk because of lactose AND she can’t eat chocolate because of theobromine and caffeine. Besides, she can’t even taste sweet things because she doesn’t possess the sweetness receptors – she wouldn’t even like your cookies.

Circling back to the starting point of the article, avocados aren’t really a natural part of a cat’s diet. That’s not to say that your cat’s ancestors have never stumbled upon an avocado and stuffed their mouths.

But, that’s a testament to the fact that cats don’t need to eat avocados no matter how much they might want to. A little lick or a nibble shouldn’t cause harm to your cat’s health. But, it’s not worth the risk (more on that later in the article).

Dos of feeding avocado to your cat

“What are we talking about here? Cats can AND can’t eat avocado? Wait, what!?” We understand how confusing it must be to read that your furry friend can enjoy a nibble or two of her favorite fruit, but… We can’t talk about cats and avocados without the dreaded but.

Cats should get most of their nutrients from carefully crafted cat foods, cat treats, and occasional meaty morsels. But, that’s not to say that an avocado (which can by no means be a regular part of a cat’s diet) can’t bring something positive to the table.

Trust me, not everything’s gloom and doom over the undying love your furry friend feels for the alligator pear. Consult with your vet, make sure you have your facts locked, loaded, and ready to go, and voilà. You and that furry thing on your lap have yourselves an afternoon treat.

1. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

One of the main reasons humans consider avocado a chef’s kiss is that they’re stacked with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sure, humans love their avocado toast that’s worthy of an Instagram post and avocado salads that can get on the TikTok trending page in a matter of minutes.

But, they’re particularly happy with the fact that avocados provide them with an immune boost, maintain the function of their nervous system, and ensure digestive health. Vitamins K, E, C, folate, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, and niacin!? Sign me up for that!

And, your mischievous monster can reap some of those benefits when she’s out and about, looking for trouble. An occasional nibble or two can improve her eyesight, muscular function, and cardiovascular health (vitamin E), help the production of collagen (vitamin C), and regulate a bunch of body functions (potassium).

And, don’t even get me started on the production of oxygen and the synthesis of DNA (folate), as well as the endless supply of energy (niacin). Who doesn’t want a hyperactive kitten that doesn’t know when to stop munching on avocado and scoffs down the entire thing before you can say “Avoca-DON’T!”?

2. Dietary fiber

Oh boy, you wouldn’t want your precious purrincess living in the world without dietary fiber! You see, her ancestors used to get most of their fiber from the insides of their prey’s stomach and from a random plant they munched on while waiting for the unsuspecting rabbit.

Wild cats nibble on leaves and flowers while waiting for Bambi to get out of hiding (sniffles and apologies for putting that image inside your head). But, your not-so-wild cat munches on everything other than the things she should –or at least that’s what it seems like.

So, more times than not, she’s in desperate need of dietary fiber. She gets a little bit from her regular cat food and cat treats. But, dietary fiber plays such a huge role in her digestive system that she’s always looking for more.

Dietary fiber provides bulk to help food move through the digestive tract. Not only that, but it also retains water, which helps with digestive problems like diarrhea and constipation. That means less time spent in her litter box and more cuddling in your arms!

Don’ts of feeding avocado to your cat

But, as you might have suspected, avocados aren’t only rainbows and butterflies. Cats can’t eat avocado for a couple of good reasons, and we’re here to help you uncover them.

Your four-legged friend might have spent the day meowing and purring in solitude because something she ate yesterday made her sick to her stomach. You know what we’re talking about – nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea at the same time sound pretty rough for your little purrer.

Avocados can do that to her if she gets hold of a few bites before you catch her in the act. And, if you’re not consulting with your vet before you decide to capitulate and let her do whatever she wants. So, here’s what to expect when your cat eats an avocado (or the wrong part of one!)

1. The pitted poison

That’s right, one area of feline concern is an organic compound known as persin. Persin is typically found within the avocado pit, leaves, peel, and stem of the avocado fruit.

And, most importantly, cats can’t eat avocado because they can’t eat persin… Kind of.

Most reports say that humans, cats, and dogs can consume smaller doses of persin without experiencing the symptoms of persin poisoning. Actually, persin typically affects birds and larger animals that feed off the entire plant.

On the other hand, humans, cats, and dogs only eat the flesh that doesn’t contain as much of this compound.

So, what happens when your fluffy feline eats the wrong part of the avocado? She might experience digestive problems, including nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, to vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Severe cases can even cause pancreatitis, which means inflammation and damage to the pancreas and surrounding tissue. You might not want to feed avocados to your cat at all after you finish reading this article, and that’s completely fine.

But, should your very purrsistent feline meow your ears off hoping to get a bite, make sure you remove everything that could harm her. Don’t forget that the pit and the peel can also become a choking hazard, so that’s another reason for you to remove them.

2. The hidden allergens

“Cats can be allergic to avocado, too?” That’s right, there’s another danger lurking around the corner while your fluffy friend’s munching on your leftover avocado toast. Cats can experience a bunch of severely unconformable symptoms should their human forget to check in with the vet.

While pretty uncommon, avocado allergies can occur among felines that are generally sensitive to fruits and veggies. Some of the most common symptoms screaming “she’s allergic, you dinghead!” are weakness, watery eyes, runny nose, skin irritations, rashes, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Contact your vet the moment you notice any of them, and make sure you keep him up-to-date on what your feline friend’s been eating. Don’t worry, she’s going to be as good as new the moment she gets that avocado out of her system (lots and lots of pooping later).

3. The “healthy” fats

Yes, avocado’s beaming with healthy fats. Yes, avocado can help you lower your cholesterol levels because it’s packed with fatty acids. And no, cats can’t eat avocado because such high-fat levels can cause gastrointestinal distress, digestive problems, and even pancreatitis.

Not only that, but feeding avocado to your cat can lead to weight gain, obesity, and eventually heart failure. Avocados might be beaming with healthy fats, but they’re fats nonetheless. And your furry friend’s digestive system simply isn’t strong enough to keep those fats at bay.

Furry and chonky might sound like a match made in heaven, but that can’t be further from the truth. Overweight cats have a worse quality of life compared to cats that aren’t overweight. They can’t move around with ease, they’re depressed and weak, and they keep eating more… And more.

So, can cats eat avocado?

The consensus is: Cats can’t eat avocado! Avocado doesn’t seem to be worth the risk – this buttery fruit isn’t a natural part of a cat’s diet, can cause a host of digestive issues, and contains persin that can be poisonous.

Avoid giving your kitto avocado as far as possible, or if you must, only give your McFluffer a tiny nibble of the avocado flesh.

This would be an unusual choice of food for felines out in the wild because they’re carnivores. This means that meat is their primary source of diet, so fruits are at the bottom of their menu. However, your pet has never outgrown that kitten stage where she’s intrigued by every little thing she encounters.

This is where all the worry and questions start to kick in. It may seem you’re overthinking sometimes, but really, life with these lap monsters makes you dizzy with all the possible case scenarios.

When it comes to this tiny fruit, you don’t have to panic because they’re not toxic to your furbaby, so cats can eat blackberries safely.

Are blackberries okay for cats to eat?

Here is some good news: Yes, cats can eat blackberries without you having to tear out your hair.

We know being a cat parent is sometimes a difficult task and you try your best to keep them safe and satisfied. However, don’t worry about blackberries anymore, as they don’t have any part that’s toxic to felines.

Moreover, they can provide her with certain health benefits, just like humans. Be free to offer your furkid some blackberries to munch on, from time to time.

Still, don’t forget your pet is an obligate carnivore, which means you shouldn’t try to replace meat with any fruits. They can be a great addition to her diet, but nothing more.

Health benefits of blackberries

As we all know, fruit is one of the most healthy foods out there. They provide us with crucial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It’s simple logic really – man evolved from monkeys and their favorite food is bananas!

When it comes to cats though, they just shrunk a bit in size, that’s all. But, their feisty nature remains, if not even more sly than before. Still, even though blackberries are not meat, it doesn’t mean they can’t be beneficial to your carnivorous floof.

1. A supply of antioxidants

These tiny berries are packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body. This means they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that could help prevent certain diseases from developing, such as cancer.

These can be highly beneficial to pets with chronic diseases, such as arthritis. Older cats who have joint inflammation could use some of blackberries’ anti-inflammatory properties. And apart from reducing inflammation, antioxidants have a role in protecting the immune system.

2. Loaded with vitamins and minerals

It’s not just that cats can eat blackberries, but they really should! That is, on occasion. These small fruits are good for your furkid’s eyesight due to their vitamin A content. It helps improve vision and prevent impairment.

This vitamin is especially important for nocturnal animals like felines. How else could they see what to knock over in the middle of the night?

When it comes to cats, we’ve always known they are superior to us. They synthesize their own vitamin C in their liver. Fascinating, right? So, while we mortals rely on eating different foods to get the needed amounts, they just lay around without worries.

However, blackberries are a good source of this vitamin, and the extra amounts can be useful. Unlike lemon, which is also rich in vitamin C, blackberries are totally safe for ingestion.

Vitamin C works hand-in-hand with iron and helps in the production of collagen. This means it’s highly beneficial to your pet’s teeth (aka razors!) as well as bones.

Moreover, vitamins E and K found in these little berries are important for the overall immune system and muscle health. They’re also good for your cat’s skin and blood coagulation.

Among all of these health supplements, two important minerals are notable in blackberries. Calcium and manganese are some of the most important minerals for bone strength. They also help with connective tissue formation and blood sugar regulation.

3. What about the fat and protein content in blackberries?

If you’re trying to get your chonky to lose weight, or her coat’s been feeling a bit heavy lately (and it’s not winter), give blackberries a go. These fruits are low in fat, which is good news.

Felines require healthy fats in their diet to provide them with much-needed energy. How else could they be running up and down the house at 4 am?

Blackberries have small amounts of healthy fats that are good for cats. However, the amount isn’t sufficient to meet a feline’s daily activities and fuel her bodily systems.

The good thing is that blackberries contain protein. Protein is an essential nutrient in a cat’s diet and without it, she’d become sick quickly. The bad thing is that this protein is plant-based. This means that it’s still valuable to cats, but not as much as animal-derived protein.

The reason the protein found in blackberries could go to waste is that cats have a hard time digesting plant material. So, while a couple of berries could be a great snack for your pet, they can’t replace her main nutrition. Make sure she still sticks to meat.

Sugar – a red light

“Can cats eat blackberries due to the natural sugars they contain?”

Even with all the health benefits blackberries offer, you have to watch out for the sugar content. Just like all fruits, these berries are also high in carbohydrates.

Carbs are nutrients that aren’t welcome in the cat world. They come from plants and, as we’ve established, cats and plants don’t mix well. Felines are carnivores which means they thrive on an animal-based diet.

Sure, a few blackberries here and there won’t hurt, but the nutrients found in these fruits won’t be digested properly. This is why carbs are unnecessary in a feline’s diet, as her body can’t process them. And what happens when something piles up that you can’t get rid of it?

You get the hint, but just to be clear – excess carbs turn into fat. Though our pets are models no matters what, a few extra pounds could be potentially dangerous. The added weight could cause pressure on her joints, which is especially detrimental for older cats.

Cats are also more prone to developing chronic diseases, such as arthritis and diabetes. Besides, if your cat becomes obese, she could have a hard time sliding through the cat door!

Can cats eat blackberries because of fiber?

Fiber has its good and bad sides. To be more precise, normal amounts of fiber can benefit your fluff, but excess can have an adverse effect.

Felines need certain amounts of fiber to help with their digestion. If she’s having a hard time doing her litter-box business, a bit of fiber may help as it prevents diarrhea and helps move the food through the digestive tract.

However, don’t get ahead of yourself and feed your cat food with high-fiber content. Too much can end up causing problems.

While a little can help loosen stools, too much fiber could cause constipation. Make sure to provide your pet with quality foods that have a balanced nutritional profile.

How to feed blackberries to cats

We established that fruits aren’t a feline’s main choice of food. Because your pet’s a carnivore, she may not gain all the benefits from these healthy snacks. Therefore, even if cats can eat blackberries safely, don’t overdo it.

A few berries here and there could be a beneficial addition to her meals, but their nutritional value is low for a meat-eater like your cat. So, keep this treat is for the odd occasion.

A good way to feed these fruity snacks to your furkid is to freeze them. This way, they are more interesting to her, and it’s a good idea for the fussy eater. It comes in handy on hot, summer days when she needs to stay hydrated.

We know our four-legged friends are not fond of water, so they tend to avoid it as much as possible. They’re not so keen on drinking it, either. So, freezing up some fruits is a good way to keep her hydrated and entertained.

To conclude

Summed up, cats can eat blackberries, but as an occasional snack. They don’t have a high nutritional value for carnivores like cats. Therefore, it’s best to stick with her main diet and introduce fruits slowly. These berries, if fed properly, can have certain health benefits to your pet.

They’re high in vitamins, minerals, as well as fiber. These are all crucial to your furbaby’s health and can provide her body with an extra health boost. However, they’re low in protein, an essential nutrient that cats need to consume on a daily basis.

That way, your kitto stays healthy and active. A downside to cats eating blackberries is that, just like any fruit, they’re high in sugar.

Carbs are unnecessary in a feline’s diet, which could mean extra pounds. If your pet regularly consumes carbs, this may cause problems in the future.

So, stick with meat as a regular diet and fruits as an occasional snack. Make sure you provide your furbaby with a healthy and balanced diet to keep her safe and sound.

See more: Can Cats Eat Cherries? Safe Or Hazardous?

We know fruits are highly nutritional to humans, but maybe some can be incorporated into our cats’ diets as well.

They are sometimes sweet, and other times, sour. Not sure if we’re talking about cats or mandarin oranges, right? To be fair, it describes both the fruits and our furry companions. But back to the citrus, mandarin oranges can be a bit too much for some people – and it could make your cat wrinkle up her nose too.

Can cats eat mandarin oranges safely?

To humans, they’re highly nutritional, but unfortunately, mandarin oranges can be poisonous to felines. While nothing stops you from peeling some and having a healthy snack, you should keep it away from your furkid. All citrus foods including lemon, lime, grapefruits, and others are toxic to cats.

This may be sad news because you thought of sharing some orange juice with your pet. Don’t worry though, the benefits found in these fruits aren’t necessary to your furry bestie.

Health benefits of mandarin oranges

Even since we were kids, we were told to eat lots of healthy foods like fruit to grow up big and strong. So, what is it that makes mandarin oranges so beneficial? When looking at vitamins, the one that stands out from the group is vitamin C.

1. Abundant in vitamin C

This health supplement is important for many body functions and boosting the overall immune system. It helps with the absorption of iron and the production of collagen. This improves bone and dental health.

It’s also a great source of antioxidants that help fight the free radicals in your feline’s body. However, even with all these health benefits, cats don’t really need this vitamin. The thing is, your superpet synthesizes this vitamin on her own.

Felines’ liver produces enough vitamin C to maintain good health and extra intake of it from mandarin oranges isn’t required. When it comes to humans, unlike our furry friends, we solely rely on the intake of this vitamin through various foods.

We usually resort to some vitamin C supplements when battling a cold or regular flu. It helps prevent further complications. But, don’t give these as medications to your fluff. If she’s suffering from a stuffy nose or any other signs of flu, make sure to contact her vet.

2. Beta-carotene kick

Even wonder why mandarin oranges are so vibrant in color? Thanks to beta-carotene, these colorful fruits are beautifully orange. This compound also serves as an antioxidant that helps prevent certain diseases.

However, if you’re wondering whether or not cats can eat mandarin oranges because of these benefits, they better not. If you’re looking for a rich source of beta-carotene that’s safe for felines, rather opt for some carrots.

Can cats get poisoned from eating mandarin oranges?

You are probably hoping for a totally opposite answer to this question, but we have to disappoint you. Yes, cats can get poisoned eating mandarins because of their acids. It’s not just mandarins though.

We know this is something you didn’t want to hear, but all citrus fruits are toxic to your fur child. So, if you see her so intrigued mandarins, she starts playing with some or taking a nibble, make sure to stay close and monitor her.

It’s unlikely your cat will die from eating a mandarin, but why risk it? The compounds that make mandarin oranges toxic for felines are essential oils like limonene and linalool, as well as psoralen. These are organic, naturally occurring compounds that could wreak havoc if eaten by cats!

If you come home to half-eaten mandarin orange, make sure to look for any signs of toxicity. These include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, as well as drooling. So, if you see your cat drooling next to a torn-apart mandarin, it’s not because she finds it mouth-watering.

We know finding out this sad news can be distressing. So, we recommend you empty out any orange mandarins from your bowl on the table. Still, this doesn’t mean you should stop consuming them – they still hold certain benefits to humans.

Other drawbacks of cats eating mandarin oranges

Besides the toxic compounds found in these fruits, they also have high levels of sugar. Fruits are known to be rich in this compound and that’s why we love them. However, your cat doesn’t need high amounts of carbs because they’re an unnecessary part of her diet.

Sugar consumption, even the healthy ones such as those found in fruits, can harm your pet. Especially if she’s exposed to it in the long run. Cats simply can’t digest it properly.

This leads to a build-up of carbohydrates, which eventually results in fat storage. A few extra pounds may look cute to us, but we’re sure your chonky will disagree with you.

If she doesn’t go on a diet, the added weight could cause pressure on her joints. In her old days, she may develop arthritis because of those extra pounds. Other than that, high cholesterol levels put her at risk of heart disease and stroke.

What about peels, stems, and leaves?

“Can cats eat mandarin oranges? Actually, can they eat different parts of this fruit such as its peels or leaves?”

Fruit is often an on-the-go snack. In the case of mandarins, this can result in scattered, unmonitored peels – a perfect opportunity for cats to investigate these colorful fruits.

If your cat’s a curious one and decides to go for some of the mandarin orange peels, make sure to stop her in her tracks. Peels are the most dangerous part of this fruit. They have the highest levels of toxicity because of large amounts of limonene and linalool.

While these organic compounds give the sweet scent of mandarin oranges, cats can’t smell anything other than pure repulsion. Felines’ senses are way better than humans and it’s unlikely they will show interest in eating mandarin peels.

When it comes to leaves and stems, it is no different from peels. Psoralen, a compound found in all parts of mandarin oranges, has photocarcinogenic properties. This means that this substance, if ingested in high doses by cats who spend a lot of time in the sunlight, can cause sunburn and more severe health problems.

So, it’s better to stay sane and not risk it. Throw the peels and leaves in the trash can and you’re free of any worries!

A natural cat repellent

Many cats are naughty creatures with a reputation for being obstinate. If your pet is on a rampage, especially when it comes to your flowers, we all know how it’ll end. Cats can wreak havoc on a person’s garden by destroying plants or using it as their personal loo.

As a result, people have tried a variety of tactics to keep cats out of their gardens. People have reported less damaging activities after using mandarin oranges or other citrus fruits.

The spray made of citrus fruits such as mandarins can be sprinkled on your house plants or around the garden to get the job done. The unpleasant scent will most likely dissuade them from misbehaving in the future.

The fact that even the scent of mandarin oranges is deterring to felines should be an indicator that cats won’t and can’t eat them. They are smart little creatures, after all.

After a couple of sneezes, their interest will likely wane. If this tactic doesn’t work, try some black pepper. Its scent isn’t appealing either, so it may just do the trick.

Fruity alternatives to mandarin oranges

We’ve established that it’s unsafe for cats to eat mandarin oranges. This fruit can do more harm than good. As a safe alternative, try offering your pet some kiwi, for example. It’s abundant in minerals and vitamins, which makes it a great addition to their diet.

Apples, watermelon, strawberries, peaches and cranberries are all allowed for your pet to much on. You can even make a smoothie for your furkid, adding some bananas to it. The only thing to remember is that fruits are high in sugar, which is unnecessary for cats, so make sure you treat them in moderation.

These can come as a great refreshment for your pet, especially on hot summer days. You can even go DIY and make some frozen fruity snacks!

All in all

To conclude whether cats can eat mandarin oranges, we have provided you with some crucial information. Sadly, citrus foods are considered toxic to cats and certainly not a great option when it comes to enriching your pet’s diet.

These have a greater purpose in being a natural cat deterrent because of their strong, acidic smell. All parts of mandarin oranges are harmful to felines, including peels, stems, and leaves. In short, make sure she doesn’t get a hold of it.

If you’re living in areas where you grow lemon and other citrus fruits, make sure to monitor your spider-cat! Her climbing skills may get her into trouble this time.

Citrus poisoning rarely occurs, but it can really damage your cat’s health if it does. Keep your cat far away from any orange juices, smoothies, fruit salads, and others.