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.

As a pet owner, you may be tempted to feed your furbaby some small treats like dates and you may wonder whether or not they can damage his health. Well, rest assured, dates aren’t toxic, at least in small quantities.

Yes, they contain high amounts of both dietary fiber and natural sugar, but your cat should be fine as long as you don’t overfeed him with dates.

Dates have a lot of nutritional benefits – not just for cats but for humans as well. They can help improve your immune system and also support strong muscle development. And the same applies to your little friend as well.

However, be careful and keep in mind that not everything that is good for a human being is also good for cats. There are certainly a few exceptions like garlic and onions that are considered to be highly poisonous to felines.

And this is the reason it’s so important to know what your cat can and can’t eat. After all, it’s easy to grab a pack of chips while you’re home watching a movie, but that doesn’t mean you should give it to your cat the second he jumps onto your lap.

Their metabolism and dietary needs are different from those of an average human. Even those snacks that you know are healthy for them should be cautiously selected, and don’t forget to do your research or simply Google it before feeding them anything out of the ordinary.

Can cats eat dates?

Sometimes when you see your four-legged friend looking at you with those mesmerizing brown eyes, it’s very difficult to resist giving them everything he wants. You just want to spoil him as much as you can! But too much snacking can send your cat to the vet very quickly, and we all know how much that’ll cost you.

Regarding dates, they’re very rich in sugar and high in calories, which isn’t that convenient for cats. Usually, felines need approximately 200 to 250 calories per day – that is if your cat weighs 10 to 12 pounds. If you give him one or two dates, that’s already 35 to 40 calories of their total diet.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their nourishment consists of animal protein and not plant-based food. Therefore, many animal doctors will agree that it’s for the best to stick with high-quality cat food and resist the urge to feed them anything besides that.

Do cats even like dates?

It may come as a surprise to you, but unlike humans, cats don’t have sweet receptors, which means that they can’t have a sweet tooth or pick up sweet tastes. But it’s very difficult to determine whether or not they actually like dates. After all, every feline is different. Just like people, some love them and others are disgusted by them.

However, the best thing is to keep the dates away from your feline companion for his own safety. Forget about them altogether as he won’t be able to tell the difference between a sweet and a salty snack.

Are there any risks or consequences of feeding cats dates?

As I mentioned in the beginning, dates aren’t toxic and have many various health-boosting ingredients, but that doesn’t mean your cat should eat them on a regular basis. Here’s why:

1. Dates are calorie-dense

Dates are a high-calorie food, which isn’t as suitable for a feline as you may think. As already mentioned, a feline’s daily calorie requirement is about 200 to 250, depending on its weight.

And since dates are calorie-dense food, they can fill your cat’s stomach very quickly without any nutritional benefit. Your kitty requires a high protein diet, and dates are mostly sugar and carbs.

2. There is a risk of choking

You must be very careful when feeding your cat dates because inside of them, there’s a hard, sticky pip which is the main culprit. You have to safely remove it because your cat may attempt to eat it.

In some cases, when he is unable to swallow the seed, it may cause choking and gagging. And I’m pretty sure that you’ll do anything to protect your fluffy lap-monster, am I right? Maybe you should consider learning the Heimlich maneuver for cats?

Another threat could be the date’s skin, which is another no-go for cats. It has the ability to glue itself to a cat’s palate or gums, causing irritation and discomfort. If you see your pet gagging or coughing constantly, then it could be that the skin has stamped itself near the throat.

3. Dates are natural laxatives

The most important thing to keep in mind when giving your cat dates is that they are natural laxatives that don’t have the same consequences on cats as they have on humans. If you consume dates regularly, your overall health will improve, but other than that, it won’t have any major effect on your body, except you’ll have to use the bathroom a bit more than usual.

On the other hand, cats will react differently. Even one or two dates can cause loose stools, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and stomach pain.

This is why it’s highly recommended to talk to your veterinarian before making any unnecessary changes to your cat’s diet.

But let’s say you catch your cat eating dates every once in a while? What should you do then? Well, in that case, stay calm. And don’t call the vet right away because there’s no need for you to worry.

Every animal is different and there’s a possibility your four-legged fluffball really loves them.

That said, if your cat has any constipation problems, don’t think that you’ll solve them with dates. In fact, feeding them to your pet can lead to further digestive issues.

4. Dental health issues

As a mindful pet owner, you’re probably brushing your cat’s teeth every day, am I right? If you’re not doing it, then you should definitely start right now.

Cats’ teeth, just like humans’, are susceptible to cavity issues. You have to remember that dates are approximately 70-80% sugar, so it’s almost impossible to not have any dental health problems when consuming them in substantial amounts.

Sugary foods, including dates, can support the decay process in felines, thus damaging the cat’s overall oral health. Things can even be trickier and messier since brushing their teeth is a challenging endeavor.

How to react in case your cat eats a date?

So, you saw your floof sneaking out of your bedroom at night and caught him/her eating dates in the kitchen? What should you do next? Call the doctor and pray to God that your cat will survive? Or go back to sleep and act as if nothing ever happened?

As I previously mentioned, cats can eat dates as long as you feed them small amounts of them as an occasional snack. In those quantities, nothing bad will happen, except for your cat feeling thrilled that you love them that much.

If, however, he consumes large amounts of dates on a daily basis, that could lead to many health issues such as temporary digestive problems, tooth decay, or weight gain.

Also, feeding your diabetic cat dates or any other kind of sugary fruit is strictly forbidden. Unfortunately, if that ever happens, then be ready to deal with all sorts of other problems and expect more severe side effects. Then, calling your vet may be your best and only solution.

Another possibility is that your cat is allergic to dates. Even though this is fairly uncommon, it’s not impossible and could be life-threatening. Don’t think that you’re a cat expert if this is the case – immediately call your vet to seek professional advice.

How can cats eat dates safely?

First of all, I don’t recommend feeding your cat dates because they’re not part of his regular diet. But if you think that your kitty craves sweet things and decide to give him a snack or two, then there are a couple of safety measures worth considering.

First, you have to make sure that the dates of choice are organically grown and don’t contain any harmful ingredients that may negatively affect your little fluffball. Commercially produced dates contain sulphur dioxide, which is an allergen and can cause lung issues such as asthma.

If you must, go for plain dates that are free from added sugars and any other type of sweeteners.

Before you feed it to your cat, remove and safely dispose of the pip. Also, you’ll have to peel the fruit. Finally, when you’ve done that, then you can let your furry angel enjoy his treat, but not before you’ve chopped the date into several small pieces.

Don’t skip any of these steps if you want to prevent your cat from choking or gagging. Also, you need to keep the amount of dates to a minimum. Having one too many can lead to serious health issues.

Great alternatives to dates for cats

So, you’re a pet owner and a fan of mixed trails just like me. Then you’re probably wondering which dried fruits you can give to your cat and which are best kept outside of your cat’s reach.

Some of the cat-friendly dried fruit include apricot, peaches, apples, pineapples, cranberries, bananas, and plums. However, you must be careful because preparation is important when feeding them to your cat. These fruits must always be plain and well-prepared.

On top of that, they need to be organically grown and can’t contain any artificial sweeteners as they may do more harm than good.

Unfortunately, some dried fruits can be toxic even in small amounts and should never be served to cats. The most popular ones are raisins, sultanas, prunes, and figs. These fruits can cause serious digestive problems or, in some cases, kidney failure.

Feed them only those types of dried fruit you know are completely safe and won’t lead to any adverse health issues. Otherwise, you should stay away from them and treat your cat to something more exciting and delicious.

Can kittens eat dates?

Can cats eat dates? As adults, yes, in small amounts. But can kittens eat dates? NO! You should never feed them dates because they only drink their mother’s milk and nothing else.

Wait until your cat grows older and starts eating solid food, and only then can you try giving him small pieces of dates. But even then, limit it to only once or twice a week.

That’s because kittens have a more sensitive digestive system during their development stage. Including “junk food” in their diet can only cause serious complications to your little one.

After all, dates are meant for humans and not cats. Take care of your small furbaby during his early development stage and provide him with regular kitten food rather than trying to introduce anything new.

It’s important that you take your kitten regularly to the vet and track his growth. As time passes, you can add more stuff into his diet, but don’t forget to do your research first.

Conclusion

Can cats eat dates? On paper, the answer is yes. In practice, though, it’s not the best idea to feed your cat dates because there are barely any nutritional benefits.

If you want to treat your feline to a tasty snack, then opt for something that he’s used to eating and that provides nutritional value such as lamb, fish, or chicken. And even then, keep an eye on how he reacts to those types of food.

Always, and I can’t stress this enough, talk to your vet and inform yourself before making any notable changes in your pet’s diet.

Read more: Can Cats Eat Kiwi? Is This Fruit Harmful To Cats?

And don’t even act like you don’t know the look we’re talking about! The one that makes you feel like the worst pet parent in the world because you refused to let her taste your chocolate pudding (!?) after she scoffed down an entire bowl of kitty kibble.

It’s the look that makes you rethink every choice you’ve ever made that led you straight to this moment. And we can’t forget, the look that makes you wonder whether you’re the only one who doesn’t seem to know anything about your cat’s nutritional needs and wants.

You have nothing to worry about – cats are curious creatures and they don’t stray away from doing everything (and we mean everything) to get what they want. They’re like the Ariana Grande of the animal kingdom – they see it, they like it, they want it, they get it!

Going back to the point, though, can cats eat plums? According to our friends over at the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), cats absolutely can’t and shouldn’t eat plums. Certain plum parts contain cyanide which makes the fruit toxic to your curious companion.

But, before you start freaking out and getting rid of EVERY. SINGLE. PLUM your cat’s ever dreamed of munching, you might want to take a breather. Plums (their flesh, at least) aren’t the worst thing she can eat, but here’s what to expect if she does.

What’s so glum about plums?

“They’re big and small, purple and orange, with yellow and red flesh! They’re mouth-watering, paw-licking, and absolutely divine regardless of the way you prepare them! Who wouldn’t want to munch on this heavenly pitted fruit!?” said every cat ever.

And for a good reason, too! Plums are amazing when we’re talking about their versatility and diversity, but also when we’re talking about the never-seen-before nutritional and health benefits they bring to the table. What even are plums, though?

Plums are a type of stone fruit (because of the pit or “stone” in the middle of their flesh) that originated from China. They moved to Japan, parts of Europe, and America, and now they’re present pretty much everywhere throughout the world. They are super sweet and in the same plant family as peaches, nectarines, and apricots.

They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your immune system, maintain the health of your nervous system, and ensure the proper function of your digestive system. Vitamins A, C, K, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin have your systems covered to a tee.

How come cats can’t eat plums, then? Plums are pretty great, except for one pretty BIG fact – the stem, leaves, and pit of the plum contain cyanide. And unfortunately, cyanide can make your cat seriously sick, which is why this fruit is on the ASPCA’s naughty list.

Why can cats NOT eat plums?

“But, maybe cats can eat the flesh of the plum? Maybe they can have a nibble? Maybe they can have a lick?” No, cats CAN’T eat plums and there are a couple of things to consider before you start having second thoughts (or even better, before your four-legged friend starts sampling them).

Cats are carnivores, which means they need meat, animal protein, and animal nutrients to survive and thrive. They don’t need fruits, veggies, and whole grains the same way humans need them. They don’t even possess the enzymes necessary to break down most foods humans eat on a regular basis.

How’s that possible!? Well, here’s some food for thought. Wild cats spend most of their day hunting and then feeding off their prey. They scoff down pretty much everything – organs, bones, and stomach contents. That’s a natural part of their diet and their digestive systems are designed to process it.

But, not-so-wild cats spend most of their day nibbling on carefully crafted cat food and cat treats. Their digestive systems are accustomed to breaking down and processing foods that have been made for domesticated felines, so they don’t need to do that much work.

Cats can’t even taste sweet things because sweet things aren’t a natural part of their diet! Cats don’t like plums because of their taste, they like them because they’re curious. They like them because they’re cats and they like everything they can get their paws on.

But, other than being of no nutritional value to your four-legged friend, we can’t forget about the two BIGGEST reasons why cats can’t eat plums.

1. Cyanide poisoning

That’s right! We’ve brushed upon the fact that the stem, leaves, and pit of the plum contain cyanide, but you might be seeking a more detailed explanation. We’ve heard of cyanide before (let’s just say that the reputation precedes the chemical), but what makes cyanide poisonous to cats?

Here’s the thing – most fruits contain a little bit of cyanide that’s not poisonous to humans. Apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, prunes, and apples contain a minuscule amount of the chemical somewhere on them and they’re all just as poisonous to cats as plums.

Actually, these scrumptious nature candies contain cyanide glycoside, which turns to hydrogen cyanide when digested. The latter is the biggest culprit because that’s the one that makes plums so poisonous to our four-legged friends.

So, should your cat eat one too many plums, you might want to keep an eye out for some of the most common symptoms of cyanide poisoning: drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, wheezing, panting, red mucus membranes, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Contact your vet the moment that you notice any of these signs. Your vet should be able to provide your cat with proper supportive care and medication that should make your cat feel better.

2. Choking hazard

And we can’t forget about the pit of this stone fruit! Not only do the plum pits contain cyanide, but they also pose a choking hazard to your precious pet. They’re pretty small, so naturally, they can become wedged in your cat’s throat, esophagus, or anywhere throughout the digestive tract.

And we can’t forget about the skin of the plum! That’s right, the skin can become a choking hazard too, if your curious creature should chew and nibble on these parts of the plum without success. Plum’s flesh seems pretty soft and manageable, but the skin isn’t – especially not for a cat.

And don’t even get me started on the stem – chewy, hard, and small enough to get stuck pretty much anywhere.

So, what have we learned so far? Repeat after me:

Cats can’t eat plums. The stem, leaves, and pit of the plum contain cyanide and can cause harm to your cat’s health. The stem, skin, and pit of the plum can become a choking hazard. STAY AWAY FROM THE PLUM!

What to do if your cat eats a plum?

Contact your vet THE MOMENT you notice your cat munching on a plum. Don’t get me wrong, she might be completely safe, giving the plum a little lick or even a little bite. But, she might also be at risk of cyanide poisoning if she makes a wrong move and nibbles on something really, really bad.

Don’t delay in taking her to the emergency animal center at the first sign of cyanide poisoning. Keep your eyes peeled on anything ranging from drooling, dilated pupils, and difficulty breathing to red mucus membranes, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cyanide poisoning can cause your cat to go into shock, so naturally, it’s incredibly important to stay calm and collect your thoughts. Figure out which parts of the plum she’s eaten because this can help your vet determine how much cyanide she’s consumed.

Stay positive – your cat might have to spend some time with your vet after cyanide poisoning treatment (lots of IV tubes, lots of sodium nitrate, and lots of supportive care). She might need some time to recover, but she should be as good as new once the cyanide is out of her system.

Can cats eat other fruit?

Let’s cut to the good news: Cats CAN eat other fruits!

“Oh, you’re not here to shut down every single dream I’ve ever had!? I can actually eat something delicious and NOT spend the rest of the day in and out of the litterbox!?” – you can just imagine your cat saying right about now.

Cats might not be able to munch on plums (who needs them anyway!?) but there are a bunch of other fruits they can tuck into whenever they’re looking for a pick-me-up.

We’re talking about blueberries, strawberries (and other berries), bananas, mangoes, pineapples, cantaloupes, watermelons, and even apples (minus the stem and the seeds, though). We guarantee your curious creature can find something she’ll enjoy throughout the summer.

Remember to always consult with your vet before adding new foods to your cat’s diet. Fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and cherries can cause harm to your cat’s health, which means they have no business on your kitchen counter.

Trust me, your cat’s better off munching on cat food, cat treats, or an occasional berry or two.

You’re pretty sure she could already pare down her pear consumption because you’ve never heard of cats munching on this sweet treat. You’ve never noticed her sniffing around while you’re cutting up some fruit for your afternoon snack. You’ve never even seen her scrunch up her nose at the lingering fragrance.

“But, here we are, aren’t we!? There’s a first time for everything!”, you think to yourself. Your curious creature’s been getting chubbier and chunkier lately. So, she might even benefit from nibbling on pear rather than pork chops (right!?).

You’re positive she would LOVE leaning into a summer menu beaming with fruits – mouth-watering baked pears supervened by paw-licking pear custard pie and topped with an appealing pear apéritif (mocktail, of course!) Yes, you and your precious purrincess are bad and boujee.

“Argh, can cats eat pears because that sounds great?!” You came knocking at the right door! We’re locked, loaded, and ready to give you the scoop on the weird relationship between cats and pears.

According to our friends over at the APSCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), cats can eat pears. Pears are filled to the brim with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can bring different sorts of benefits to your cat’s table.

And, they make for a quick and easy pick-me-up for when your mischievous monster’s acting up. But, there’s always a but when we’re talking about feeding your feline friend something that isn’t supposed to be a part of a cat’s diet.

Can cats eat pears?

“She can’t keep her paws to herself, she’s pushing that pear around the apartment like she’s gone completely bonkers!” Cats are curious creatures and they absolutely love learning new things about the world around them. And yes, that includes learning about pears by snatching them from your kitchen counter.

Cats can eat pears – and you can breathe out and prepare yourself to learn everything about the big, teardrop-shaped fruit. Pears grow on pear trees and shrubs. They can be found in China, Europe, and the United States (and many other parts of the world, depending on the type).

They’re a member of the Rosaceae family alongside apples, plums, peaches, and nectarines. Pears are super sweet and super versatile – they can be a part of savory dishes, salads, desserts, and even alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Who wouldn’t want to get a load of that?!

But, cats are carnivores. On the off chance that you’ve been living under a rock, that means that they need a bunch of meat and animal protein in their diets. They don’t need fruits, veggies, and whole grains in their diets the same way humans do.

They don’t even possess the digestive enzymes necessary to break down and process most foods humans eat every day. Trust me, you must be mindful of the sneaky difference between foods that are healthy for the pet parent but detrimental for the pet.

Cats can eat pears, but they shouldn’t eat them as a regular part of their diet. They can have a nibble or two when they’re looking for a little somethin’ somethin’. Anything more than that could cause a bunch of digestive problems (vomiting and diarrhea, check).

How can cats eat pears safely?

“What do you mean when you say that cats can only eat pears on occasion? What do you mean ‘pears aren’t unsafe for cats but they shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet’? How can my cat eat pears without the repercussions?”

Feeding your four-legged friend anything that isn’t a natural part of their diet doesn’t come easy. There are many questions that need to be answered and veterinarians that need to be consulted. But, you can do that with a couple of simple tips and tricks!

Do’s

Your little munchkin’s giving you the look that says “hurry up before I snatch that pear right out of your hands!”? You have little to worry about! Cats can eat pears and your cat can have a pear locked, loaded, and ready to go within minutes. How?

Make sure to wash your pears before you feed them to your munching monster. Pears can have a bunch of pesticides and herbicides on their skin, and trust me, you don’t want those suckers anywhere near your cat. Washing them thoroughly in vinegar water should save you and your cat many sleepless nights.

Don’t forget to peel your pears, too! Pear peels can be pretty rough on your cat’s stomach and cause her a bunch of digestive problems. We’re talking nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea ALL AT ONCE. Cats tend to have pretty sensitive stomachs so you’re better off removing the thing that can cause her trouble.

And, of course, cut the pears into paw-sized bites. Munching and nibbling on a pear that hasn’t been cut can become a choking hazard. Cutting the pear into tiny tidbits can ensure your feline doesn’t eat too much – you can easily control the portion.

Pears are pretty great because they’re beaming with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. An occasional bite of pear can boost your cat’s immune system, ensure the health of her digestive system, and maintain the proper function of her nervous system.

Fiber provides bulk to help food move through the digestive tract and retains water to help your cat deal with digestive problems. Vitamins C helps the production of collagen, and vitamin K ensures the proper synthesis of protein. Potassium and copper help regulate your cat’s body functions.

Pears are pretty great, don’t you think?

Don’ts

But, they can easily become not-so-great when you’re not paying enough attention. Cats can eat pears only on occasion because these tasty treats are packed with sugar and… cyanide. “Wait, what?!” Worry not, we’re bringing you the don’ts of feeding pears to your cat.

“Sugar, yes please!”, never have the words of the Maroon 5 song been as wrong as they are right now. Pears contain quite a lot of sugar, which humans don’t make much fuss about because we’re talking about natural, unprocessed sugar.

But, our furry friends’ digestive systems don’t care where the sugar comes from. They have a rough time digesting this carbohydrate either way. They’re carnivores and they don’t possess the enzymes necessary to break down and process fructose. They don’t really need it for anything.

What does that mean for your furball? Well, on the off chance that she does keep munching on pears every single day she might develop digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. She might even develop other health problems such as weight gain, obesity, and diabetes.

And, what’s this whole thing about cyanide? Shouldn’t pears be off limits to your fur child if they contain cyanide? The flesh of the pear (and pretty much every other part) doesn’t contain this dangerous compound. This is why pears are considered safe for felines.

But, the seeds of the pear contain a certain amount of cyanide which can cause harm to your feline friend. Unless you remove the seeds (and prepare the pear the way we’ve mentioned above), your feline might experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include drooling, wheezing, watery eyes, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your vet the moment that you notice any of these symptoms.

Can cats eat fresh pears?

Yes, cats can eat fresh pears! Actually, that’s the best way you can incorporate this tasty treat into your cat’s diet. Fresh pears contain the most amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can make your purr machine happy and healthy.

Don’t forget to wash, peel, cut, and remove the seeds before you feed the pear to your cat! Fresh pears are great! But, there’s always a but when you’re feeding your cat something she isn’t necessarily supposed to eat. Make sure you only give her one or two bites before you take the pear away for good.

She might beg and meow for you to come back, but you’re better off staying on the safe side of things. You don’t want to spend the night at the emergency animal center because you couldn’t say “No!” to those paw-dorable eyes!

Can cats eat dried pears?

Cats can’t eat dried pears! Fresh pears might not be the best thing your little munchkin can munch on while you’re watching the reruns of Friends. They might not be a sugar-free option for a cat treat. But, at least they’re better than the dried ones because they contain a lot less sugar.

That’s right, dried pears are beaming with sugar that can send your four-legged friend running to her litter box. Her legs might be quick, but they’re not quick enough for the amount of sugar contained in a packet of dried pears.

But, there’s a catch – you can make them on your own! Making dried pears from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen can be a great bonding moment. And, it can also be a great way to avoid excess sugar and to make something your friend can munch on.

Can cats eat canned pears?

Cats can’t eat canned pears! Yep, canned pears can contain a bunch of dangerous ingredients apart from the aforementioned sugars. Unfortunately, canned pears contain sweeteners and preservatives that can cause harm to your cat’s health.

Some sweeteners and preservatives are even considered poisonous to felines. So, unless you’ve done your research and spoken to a professional, you’re better off avoiding canned pears (and other canned fruits).

And, let’s be honest, your feline would rather munch on something saltier and meatier. Make sure you always keep a couple of cat treats under your sleeve for whenever she’s begging you to taste something she shouldn’t. Make your cat’s health your priority and keep the canned pears out of her reach.

Of course, your little carnivore gets all of the important nutrients from meat, and you know that you should serve her human food moderately. But what about this fruit?

There are plenty of ways you can consume this vitamin bomb – flavored water, punch, and guava juice. Some chefs use it a lot as a part of particular sauces, either hot or cold ones. You can eat it fresh, dried, and even eat it with some spices.

Guava contains an abundance of fibers and vitamin C together with other very important nutrients for human beings. Some parts of it, mostly leaves, are used as medicine. Unfortunately, this fruit is a good home for some parasites that eat it up completely.

So, we know that there are a lot of health benefits for us when it comes to this fruit, but can you serve it to your kitty? Let’s find out!

Can cats eat guava?

The shortest answer is yes. Like any other fruit, guava is not dangerous for cats, at least no one has proved it yet. There’s nothing toxic in it for your feline, but its seeds can be a choking hazard, so make sure to get rid of those before serving guava to your furbaby.

Guava contains high levels of pectin which is mostly used as a thickener in cooking and baking. It is also used as a medicine for high triglycerides and cholesterol, heartburn, and other diseases.

Sometimes, people eat this fruit to control diarrhea. That’s the reason why guava, unlike other fruit can cause constipation in cats. Because of this, bigger amounts of this tropical treat are not good for your feline.

This fruit also contains oxalate, the substance that can be found in a lot of vegetables and fruits like raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. It can cause some problems even to the human digestive system.

Consuming larger amounts of these fruits that contain oxalate, including avocados, grapefruits, and oranges as well is more likely to cause some illness. So, before you decide to feed your feline any human food, consult with your vet first.

However, when it comes to cats, we’re talking about some severe issues like the development of bladder stones and other urinary tract problems. Guava seeds have a lot of oxalates, so make sure your feline doesn’t eat them.

You have to pay attention to the high presence of sugar in this tropical fruit as well. That can cause harm to your kitty since cats cannot taste sugar, and there’s no specific reason why you should feed them sugary food.

Their taste buds are not developed enough so they can’t feel when they’re eating sweets and she won’t crave that kind of food. She may want it though for different reasons such as smell for example.

So, give one or two slices of guava to your feline from time to time, but not as an everyday treat. Two to three times a week won’t be a big problem. She can even get some nutrition out of it!

Guava can stay in the fridge for 3-4 days without turning bad, so you have enough time. However, make sure your cat has a lot of meat in her diet because as an obligate carnivore, she needs it.

All of the important nutrition that she needs for her body to function properly can be found in meat and cat food. Whatever you do, don’t avoid that in her diet. She’ll be grateful and you’ll have one happy and healthy pet.

We’ve covered reasons why it’s not a great idea for your cats to eat guava. Now, we have to learn what are the benefits, so let’s go.

Benefits of eating guava for your furbaby

Okay, so time to figure out why this tropical beauty is a good choice for your feline. We know why we should eat it and we’ve learned that cats can eat guava too. But, what are the benefits?

On the positive side, guava has a lot of good vitamins and minerals important for your furbaby’s body to function normally and her overall health. There are a lot of antioxidants, potassium, fiber, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.

Iron helps your cat’s blood, similar to ours. It increases levels of hemoglobin and it carries enzymes that are essential for regulating some body functions. Potassium helps with the normal functioning of muscles and nerves.

Calcium, just like for us, it’s beneficial for your cat’s bones, teeth, and gums. Vitamin A is crucial for her good sight, especially night vision and it keeps her skin healthy.

Fibers that can be found in guava are helping with constipation. Vitamin C is going to give her a perfect immune system boost and it helps to get rid of harmful viruses and bacteria that may cause different infections.

If you decide to serve guava to your feline, cut it into slices and remove seeds from it. You can mash it and mix it with her food, or you can make a juice out of it. Another great way of serving it can be in combination with other fruit, so you can make her fruit salad.

Pay attention that you include only those fruits that are not harmful to your feline and ask your vet about it if you’re not sure. In case you notice something out of the ordinary, ask for medical assistance immediately.

There is some human food that can be pretty dangerous for cats and that is good for us, but combining guava with apples, bananas, watermelon, papaya or cantaloupe can be a great choice. These will provide her with some extra nutritive ingredients and keep her hydrated.

Can cats eat guava leaves?

This question doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer to it. If she likes the structure, same as with the skin of guava, she can munch on them. There’s nothing toxic proven to exist in guava leaves. In case you notice some changes, do not hesitate to call your vet and explain what happened in detail.

Can cats eat guava paste?

Yes, yes, yes! You can serve guava paste to your feline. Wash it thoroughly, remove as many seeds as possible, chop it into smaller pieces and then mash it. You can simply add it to her dry food to make it easier to digest or mix it in her bowl with other fruits.

Can cats drink guava juice?

Hell yes! Fresh homemade guava juice is one of the best things you can serve your cat. She’ll definitely enjoy it and she may ask for another round. However, make sure you give her guava, even as a juice, in moderate amounts.

Don’t add processed sugar to it, because it’s absolutely not good for your kitty, and well, guava is sweet enough on its own.

Can cats eat canned guava?

Please, avoid giving packed or canned guava to your feline because you never know which chemicals and preservatives were used. Most of them can hurt your furbaby’s digestive system and she gets nothing out of it.

Finally, always keep in mind that if you want to feed your feline some human food, consult with the vet first because you can never know if it’s toxic or not. Your kitty may be allergic to some ingredients and you may not be aware of it, and that’s another reason why you’ll need those consultations.

Your oddball certainly wants to! Whether she sees you snacking on orange slices or sipping on orange juice, she can’t stop meowing and pleading for your to let her have a taste. Saying no to her precious purrs feels like a heartbreak waiting to happen, but…

You have to be honest, oranges are like the Kim Kardashian of citrus fruits. Sure, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and mandarin oranges come close with their delicious taste and versatile use, but oranges have that je ne sais quoi.

They’re packed with vitamins (vitamin C), minerals (potassium, magnesium), and antioxidants. They’re loaded with nutritional and health benefits. Not to mention that they’re a great ally to the immune system, nervous system, and digestive system.

There’s only one problem when it comes to your question of whether cats can eat oranges. Oranges are great for you, but not as much for your cat. According to our friends over at the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty), oranges are toxic to cats.

Consuming oranges can lead to an array of gastrointestinal and digestive problems, as well as cause damage to her central nervous system. There are several reasons oranges (and other citrus fruits) have such a negative effect on your cat’s health. We’re here to help you figure them out!

Can cats eat oranges, and should they?

Let’s start with the short answer: NO. Cats are obligate carnivores which means that they require predominantly meat in their diet in order to survive and thrive. While that doesn’t mean that they can’t benefit from an occasional fruit or veggie, they’re better off sticking with animal-sourced nutrients.

What do we mean by that? Oranges are packed with vitamin C, right? This vitamin is responsible for the growth, development, and repair of tissue. This vitamin plays an essential role in your cat’s body.

But, your cat doesn’t really need to get this vitamin from oranges because felines can make their own vitamin C. This vitamin gets synthesized in your cat’s liver. This means she doesn’t need to get it from other sources (unless she’s experiencing a vitamin C deficiency, of course).

Let’s not forget about the fact that the smell of citrus makes cats nervous and nauseous. Cat haters and cat trainers often use oranges, lemons, and limes as repellents.

Last, but certainly not least, you might be wondering what exactly makes oranges toxic to cats? Well, these tangy treats contain essential oil extracts known as limonene, linalool, and psoralens, which can cause severe photosensitivity and citrus poisoning in cats.

Let’s just say your feline friend would be better off munching on some blueberries rather than sneaking orange slices out of your Old Fashioned. Cats can’t eat oranges for so many reasons, and here’s what to expect when Ms. McFluffer decides to disobey your orders.

What to expect when your cat eats an orange?

Whether she sneaked a couple of licks of your orange juice or munched on some rogue orange peels, your furry friend might end up rushing to her litter box right away. Her symptoms might range in severity depending on how much orange she scoffed down, so you might want to keep an eye on her.

More times than not, eating oranges – be it the pulp, peel, seeds, or other parts of an orange – results in citrus poisoning. Most symptoms include digestive problems such as stomach aches, vomiting, drooling diarrhea, and constipation, which aren’t as dangerous as you might think.

But, eating oranges can also affect the nervous system. You might notice symptoms such as allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity, tremors, seizures, and depression. And let’s not forget about the damage too much vitamin C can cause to your cat’s urinary tract.

Most of these side effects depend on how much orange your furry friend managed to consume. And, of course, which part of the orange she got her paws on.

Orange peels typically contain higher levels of essential oils, which explains why you should never feed your cat oranges OR orange peels. Most cat owners start panicking as soon as they realize their furry friend ate something she wasn’t supposed to.

So, here’s what you need to do when you realize she sneaked a couple of orange slices while you were busy watching Rachel and Ross fighting over yet another “we were on a break” moment. First things first, contact your vet.

Catch him up to speed and follow his advice to a T. If necessary, schedule an emergency visit and keep a close eye on any changes in your cat’s behavior. Citrus poisoning rarely ends in fatal results, but it’s safe to say that cats really cannot eat oranges.

Can kittens eat oranges?

Having read everything we’ve discussed up until this point, you might already know the answer to this question. But to confirm, kittens can’t eat oranges or any other citrus fruit without facing serious repercussions.

Kittens have a sensitive digestive system and they’re pretty much supposed to only feed off of their mother’s milk. When they get to the ripe age of around twelve months, they’re supposed to level up to kitten food and kitten kibble. But, there should definitely be no oranges in your kitten’s diet.

We’ve mentioned how citrus poisoning almost never ends in fatality, but kittens might even be an exception to that rule. It’s safe to say that you should keep your favorite summer drink far out of your kitto’s reach.

Can cats eat orange peels?

Again, let’s chase right to the chase here: NO. Essential oils are pretty much the main reason oranges have such a negative impact on your cat’s health. Unfortunately, orange peels contain the highest levels of essential oils out of all the fruit’s parts.

Additionally, orange peels contain the highest levels of citric acid, which can lead to numerous gastrointestinal and digestive problems. Let’s just say your furry friend will probably spend the rest of the day in her litter box if she manages to sneak a bite of your candied orange peels.

What about orange seeds?

This one’s another hard NO. As we’ve mentioned in one of the previous paragraphs, oranges are considered toxic to cats because they contain essential oils that can lead to photosensitivity, citrus poisoning, and numerous other health problems.

Along with orange peels, orange seeds also contain high levels of limonene and linalool (which sound like your average lollipop names but are pretty far from harmless). And, to nobody’s surprise, they also contain citric acid, which can lead to stomachache, diarrhea, and vomiting.

But, you have little to worry about because cats aren’t commonly known for their love of orange seeds, lemon seeds, or even mandarin orange seeds.

Can cats have orange juice?

Last but not least, you guessed it, cats cannot have orange juice. Everything we’ve mentioned up to now applies to your favorite summer refreshment.

Orange juice doesn’t contain the same amount of essential oils and citric acid. But, it’s better to stay on the safe side when it comes to your cat’s health. Orange juice contains other harmful ingredients you can’t trace back to orange peels and orange seeds.

So, sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives might be the final nail in the coffin for this tangy human drink.

Conclusion

When life gives you lemons, don’t make any lemonade because you can’t share it with your furry friend. We’ve answered your “can cats eat oranges or other citrus” conundrum definitively with a NO.

Oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits might lead to numerous gastrointestinal and digestive problems, photosensitivity, and citrus poisoning.

It’s best to keep any citrusy treat for yourself and out of your cat’s reach.

One thing’s for sure, your cat doesn’t seem weirded out by this odd-looking, straight-out-of-a-Dr.-Seuss-book, psychedelic artichoke. She makes the “O” face whenever she sees you munching on a chunk. She gives you the look and starts meowing and purring to let you know she’s plotting her next move.

Sometimes she even climbs on the kitchen counter. She chases it around while you’re preparing the ingredients for your Instagram-worthy acai bowl. But you’re not so keen on letting her take a bite – I mean, you don’t want her to spend the rest of the day in and out of the litter box.

You’re pretty sure you’ve never seen Garfield scoff down a fruit salad. But you’ve seen him devour an entire thing of lasagna in one sitting. Your feline friend doesn’t seem to have any vegan or plant-based tendencies. So, you’re taking some time out of your day to look up “can cats eat dragon fruit?”.

And we’re coming through with the answers you’re looking for! According to our friends over at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), dragon fruit gets a passing grade. This tropical fruit brings numerous nutritional and health benefits to the table, and who doesn’t like that!?

But, before you and your purrincess head out to Starbucks to get yourselves some Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers, you might want to consider a couple of stumbling blocks. Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

What is dragon fruit?

Where do we even start!? Dragon fruit, strawberry pear, pitaya, or even pitahaya (pick a favorite name, they’re all equally adorable) looks like something straight out of a children’s fairy tale book.

One of the most common types of this tropical fruit is pink with green scales (hence the “dragon” part of the name) on the outside and white flesh with black seeds on the inside. Some of the other variants you might come across are pink with pink flesh, pink with purple flesh, and yellow with white flesh.

What does it taste like!? An incredibly sweet combination of kiwi and pear would be the best way to describe the taste of this summery treat. Humans around the world can’t seem to get enough of dragon fruit. They put it in pretty much everything, from smoothies and acai bowls to salads and desserts.

And, this tropical fruit comes with heaps of nutritional and health benefits. A couple of bites can help improve the quality of your and your feline friend’s lives. So, grab your pen and paper and start jotting down everything you need to know about dragon fruit before you go for your next grocery run.

What are the nutritional and health benefits of dragon fruit?

When determining whether cats can eat dragon fruit, it’s important to keep in mind that this tropical fruit does bring a lot of benefits. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and numerous essential nutrients. 

But, it’s just as important to understand that these nutrients might not have the same effect on your precious purrincess. She’s much more likely to thrive on carefully crafted cat food and cat treats. That said, it won’t hurt to surprise her with an occasional dragon fruit nibble.

So, what exactly does dragon fruit bring to the table? First things first, this tropical fruit contains high levels of fiber which can be beneficial for both your and your furry friend. Fiber can help with digestive problems, provide bulk to help food move through your digestive tract, and improve metabolic function.

Dragon fruit also contains a bunch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The most prominent of the bunch, vitamin C, helps to boost the immune system and enables the body to fight against infections and inflammation.

But here’s what we mean when we say your feline friend might not get the same benefits from dragon fruit as you do.

Felines already synthesize vitamin C within their liver. So, your furball doesn’t necessarily need to acquire this vitamin from other sources (unless she’s already battling liver disease, but that’s a topic for another day).

Let’s not forget about iron, magnesium, lycopene, and carotenoids that make up for everything else, though! These nutrients can reduce the risk of cancer, improve heart health, and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

But… There’s always a but when it comes to feeding your cat anything that isn’t a part of her regular diet. Who’s to say cats can eat dragon fruit with zero repercussions?

Can cats eat dragon fruit safely?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one to look up whether or not cats can eat dragon fruit. Our furry friends can’t seem to get over the fact that this tropical treat doesn’t fall under the category of things they’re supposed to consume on a regular basis.

You see, cats are obligate carnivores. They pretty much have to consume a bunch of meat, animal protein, and animal-sourced nutrients to survive. Fruits and veggies might be great for you, but they’re not necessarily great for your kitto in trying to lead a happy and healthy life.

What do we mean by that!? Well, you shouldn’t be surprised if your furry friend spends the rest of the day with symptoms of stomachache, diarrhea, and vomiting after she accidentally scoffs down an entire bowl of dragon fruit.

Her digestive system doesn’t contain the enzymes necessary to break down and process fructose (which can be found in dragon fruit and other fruits). She can’t get the same benefits from dragon fruit that humans do. There aren’t enough reasons for her to consume this tropical fruit regularly.

If you had to take your cat to McDonald’s, a hundred bucks says she’d forego the Tropical Pie with Sundae for the Chicken McNuggets. Trust me, she would rather munch on meaty morsels than bore herself to death with tasteless dragon fruit. How’s that possible?

Cats are completely sweet blind! They can’t taste sweet things no matter how much they’d like to. They’re genetically predisposed to spend every single one of their nine lives on a Keto diet. So, while cats can eat dragon fruit, that doesn’t mean that they should.

How to safely feed dragon fruit to your cat?

Quit dragon your feet and read everything you need to know about feeding dragon fruit to your cat without getting her in trouble. Poor pun aside, there’s hardly anything better than seeing your cat happy and healthy, so what are you waiting for!?

First things first, don’t forget to clean your dragon fruit. You don’t want your precious purrincess munching on whatever bacteria, parasites, and viruses might be lurking under those scales! Secondly, cut the dragon fruit in half and scoop out the flesh and make sure you don’t scoop out any of the bitter parts.

Cut the flesh into smaller bites and offer them to your cat on their own or alongside other paw-licking foods. And voila, you have the purrfect Sunday snack for you AND your furry friend!

What to do when your cat eats too much dragon fruit?

We already know that cats can eat dragon fruit as an occasional treat. But, can they eat dragon fruit as a regular part of their diet? Can they eat a bunch of dragon fruit in one sitting? Of course not, and it’s your responsibility to make sure your furkid doesn’t overindulge in this tropical treat.

Sure, a couple of bites of dragon fruit every now and then shouldn’t cause any adverse reactions. But, we can’t say the same thing about scoffing down an entire bowl (or even worse, downing the entire Mango Dragonfruit Starbucks Refresher).

So, what do you do when you have a greedy little gremlin on your hands? Don’t worry, she would have to consume A LOT of dragon fruit to experience severe digestive symptoms such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

But, you can always contact your vet and check whether the two of you should pay him a visit. On the off chance that she experiences symptoms of a dragon fruit allergy, you might have to take her to the nearest emergency animal center.

She should feel much better as soon as she gets most of the fruit out of her system.

Can kittens eat dragon fruit?

A bit of dragon fruit here and there shouldn’t harm your kitten, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.

You see, kittens ideally shouldn’t consume anything other than their mother’s milk. Their digestive systems aren’t fully developed and equipped with the enzymes necessary to break down most foods.

Once your kitten gets a bit bigger, you can consult with your vet and surprise her with a couple of bites of dragon fruit every now and then. But no, as a general rule, kittens can’t eat dragon fruit.

Can cats eat other fruits?

The answer to this question isn’t a simple yes or no.

Cats don’t necessarily need any fruits and veggies in their diet. But, who’s to say that they can benefit from those vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants? And what about the importance of fiber in their digestive tract?

Just like with any other human foods, you have to keep an eye out for harmful compounds, oils, and toxins that can be found in particular fruits. With that in mind, cats can’t and shouldn’t eat lemons, limes, oranges, grapes, and cherries.

These fruits contain different compounds that can cause harm to your cat’s health. On the other hand, there’s pretty much nothing stopping you from feeding your cat an occasional peach, mango, papaya, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, banana, honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon… The list goes on and on!

Cats can eat dragon fruit, but…

Don’t forget to provide your furry friend with a balanced diet of tailored cat food (and the occasional cat treat) before feeding her a bit of dragon fruit.

The famous “too much of anything can make you sick” policy applies to your furry friend, too. Consult with your vet before making any significant changes to your cat’s diet. But, other than that, feel free to surprise your kitto with a purrfect Sunday snack.

You may be interested: Can Cats Eat Guava? Can You Serve This Exotic Fruit To Your Furbaby?

Your cat certainly can’t seem to resist nature’s candy. She’s aware she’s on a strict Keto diet (no carbohydrates for her sensitive tummy), but she doesn’t seem to care. Whenever she sees you munching on pomegranate seeds, she starts meowing and pleading for your to let her have a taste.

How can you say no to her when she gives you that look!? You have nothing left to do but to hop online and look up whether cats can eat pomegranates. And luckily for you (and your furchild), they can!

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), pomegranates aren’t toxic to cats. These tasty treats are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to ensure the health of your cat’s immune, nervous, and digestive systems.

And they’re pretty delicious, especially when you know how to prepare them properly. Whether you decide to serve them as is or sprinkle them on top of Lizzo’s famous nature’s cereal, you’re bound to make your curious creature happy AND healthy.

But, it’s never a good idea to go overboard with foods that aren’t supposed to be a regular part of your cat’s diet. Grab a pen and paper, scroll down, and take some notes on what’s so great (and not so great) about feeding pomegranate to your feline friend.

So, can cats eat pomegranate?

Here’s the thing, cats are obligate carnivores. This means they need predominantly meat, animal protein, and animal-sourced nutrients in their diets to survive and thrive. Fruits and veggies might be a great choice for humans, but they aren’t necessarily great for felines.

That said, it doesn’t mean cats can’t benefit from a carefully crafted smoothie bowl, Lizzo’s nature’s cereal bowl, or any other bowl containing pomegranate seeds and other mouth-watering fruits. The only problem – cats can’t really taste sweet things.

That’s right, your furball doesn’t possess the sweetness receptors that are responsible for tasting the Nutella’s, Raffaelo’s, and Ferrero Rocher’s of the world (not that she should eat any of them anyway). While you possess thousands of taste buds, she only possesses a couple hundred.

Pitty the kitty as much as you want, but don’t forget that she really prefers munching on meat. She would much rather scoff down a generous chunk of chicken than a pomegranate smoothie bowl. Or, she could simply gobble down both with a couple of twists and tweaks.

Cats can eat pomegranate, but they shouldn’t eat too much or too often. A couple of pomegranate seeds every now and then shouldn’t cause any adverse reactions. But, they certainly would add some nutritional and health benefits.

What’s so great about pomegranate?

First things first, pomegranates aren’t healthy for your cat the same way her regular diet would be. Don’t get me wrong, pomegranate contains a bunch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your cat in so many ways. But, they aren’t a natural part of your cat’s diet.

What does that mean!? Well, when we’re talking about this whole “can cats eat pomegranate” thing, we aren’t talking about feeding your cat pomegranates every single day. Minuscule morsels aren’t harmful to cats. But, they can become harmful if you feed them to your cat the wrong way.

Keep that in mind while we delve into the amazing benefits your furry friend can get from an occasional pomegranate treat.

1. Fiber

Let me guess, you aren’t surprised to learn that pomegranates are packed with fiber? Most fruits and veggies contain high levels of fiber, which seems to make them a great between-meals snack for your furry friend.

What makes fiber such a staple in your cat’s diet? Fiber does wonders for your cat’s digestive system because it provides bulk, helping the food move through her digestive tract. Whether she’s dealing with constipation or diarrhea, fiber seems to be the G.O.A.T.

Cats that spend most of their time in the wild typically get their fiber from cartilage and bones. But, your precious purrincess spends most of her time at home and she might need a bit more help getting these nutrients. Unless she’s a mouser, of course!

2. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Potassium, punicalagin and punicic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B9… We have to be honest, pomegranates are an antioxidant powerhouse and they wear their superfood label with pride. We know how great pomegranates are for humans, but they’re surprisingly pretty great for our furry friends, too.

Let’s name a few benefits, why don’t we? Potassium helps maintain the normal function of muscles and nerves. Without potassium, your cat would experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, nausea, lethargy, and arrhythmia.

Punicalagin and punicic acid, two of the most powerful antioxidants out there, lower the risk of heart disease. Vitamin C boosts your cat’s immune system, nervous system, and digestive system. Vitamin B9 boosts your cat’s red blood cells and DNA synthesis.

It’s quite handy keeping a couple of pomegranate seeds on hand to surprise your furry friend with a helping of health from time to time.

3. Water

Have you ever bitten into a handful of pomegranate seeds? These tasty treats contain a bunch of water, helping to hydrate your body. And, luckily for you, they can do the same thing for your furry friend.

Cats are notoriously bad a staying hydrated because they don’t really remember to drink their daily dose of water. They prefer getting their liquids from different types of food, which is where pomegranates step in to save the day. 

A couple of pomegranate seeds every now and then can keep your furry friend happy, healthy, AND hydrated.

What’s so bad about pomegranates?

“Cats can eat pomegranates, so there’s no reason why my cat shouldn’t eat a pomegranate or two every day, right!?“

While that might sound like a great idea, trust me, Ms. McFluffer won’t become the healthiest and the most nourished munchkin in the world from eating pomegranates every single day. When it comes to feeding your cat foods that aren’t supposed to be a regular part of her diet, a little goes a long way.

A couple of pomegranate seeds every now and then are enough for your furry friend to reap the benefits without the risks. But, when the two of you decide to ignore the doctor’s orders, you’re putting her at risk of experiencing a bunch of health problems.

Vitamin C toxicity, gastrointestinal problems, choking on a rogue pomegranate seed… None of these risks sound like something you want your feline friend to experience, do they? Take a closer look at what we’re talking about before deciding to go gung-ho.

1. Vitamin C toxicity

A couple of paragraphs ago we went on and on about the importance of vitamin C in your cat’s diet. Now we’re trying to tell you your cat could experience symptoms of toxicity from consuming too much vitamin C!? Yes, that’s pretty much exactly what’s happening!

Here’s the thing. We didn’t lie when we talked about vitamin C being one of the most important antioxidants for your cat. This vitamin boosts her immune system, helps relieve any allergies she might have, promotes muscle and bone health, and maintains the proper absorption of other vitamins.

But, here’s the most important part: Vitamin C gets synthesized within her own liver. That’s right, your furry friend has the ability to produce her own vitamin C, which means she doesn’t need to get vitamin C from other sources.

So, when she gobbles down too many pomegranate seeds, she might experience something known as vitamin C toxicity. Some of the most common symptoms to keep an eye out for include headache, stomachache, weakness, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Yikes!

2. Gastrointestinal problems

Pomegranates aren’t necessarily a natural part of your cat’s diet. Your cat shouldn’t consume a lot of fruits and veggies because they’re typically packed with fiber, fructose, sucrose, and glucose.

These compounds are the main reason your cat might have a hard time breaking down and digesting pomegranate seeds. Your cat’s digestive system doesn’t contain the enzymes necessary to process carbohydrates because she doesn’t really need carbohydrates, to begin with.

She probably won’t experience severe gastrointestinal problems from a couple of pomegranate seeds. But, she certainly will when she devours an entire pomegranate in one sitting.

3. Choking hazard

Last but not least, pomegranate seeds might not be the easiest thing for your cat to munch on. These minuscule morsels might get stuck in between your cat’s teeth causing her to throw tantrums until she manages to get them out. Or worse yet, they could become a choking hazard. Makes you wonder whether they’re even worth the risk!?

Cats can eat pomegranates, but…

…should they? Pomegranates are labeled as safe for feline consumption and make for a great treat because they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And they’re rich in fiber, which can help your furry friend to have a much more pleasurable litter box experience.

We could go on and on about the nutritional and health benefits pomegranates bring to the table, but we can’t forget that cats shouldn’t eat pomegranates on a regular basis. Pomegranates are a great occasional treat, but they shouldn’t be anything more than that.