Can Cats Eat Watermelons? Is It Toxic To Them?
Watermelon is a refreshing snack and offers numerous health benefits for humans. But, what should you do when your feline wants a piece of your snack? Can cats eat watermelon? Is it good for them?
Well, you can give them watermelons, as they are safe and non-toxic. However, the health benefits are not like those of humans. Cats often ask for a piece of your fruit, but not everything is safe for them.
People often ask what fruit is cat safe? Can cats eat mango? This case is quite similar to that. You can give your cat a piece of your snack, but do not go overboard.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon? Is It Good For Them?

It is safe to say that cats can eat watermelon or watermelon treats. You can occasionally offer them a piece. However, because they are obligate carnivores, they cannot extract a lot of nutritional value from vegetables and fruits.
Is watermelon safe for cats? It is. You can give them watermelons, but there is nothing extraordinary or recommended to use them in their diet regularly.
However, they can benefit from the extra hydration as almost 90% of watermelon is water. You can give your feline baby a small amount of watermelon.
Can Kittens Eat Watermelon?

Just like adult cats, watermelon is safe for healthy kittens. However, there are no nutritional benefits. Even though it is good for hydration, it contains vitamin C and potassium, the benefits are not much for kittens. They need a well-balanced diet to grow.
It is because of the sugar content that you need to limit the quantity for adult cats. Kittens have more delicate digestive systems than adult cats, so it is better to give them kitten food. If you ask, Can kittens have adult cat food, the answer would be no.
Benefits Of Watermelon For Cats
Watermelon is full of nutrients. It has potassium, biotin, magnesium, fatty acids, antioxidents, protein, vitamin A, B1, B6, C, and carotenoids. Moreover, it is rich in fiber and has very low calories.
Dr. Rachek Barrack, DVM, and owner of Animal Acupuncture, a veterinary practice based in New York City, told chewy.com that in some circumstances, doctors themselves recommend watermelon.
- Does Watermelon Help Keep My Cat Hydrated? Yes, it does. It has high water content and lots of electrolytes. However, this is not a water replacement.
- It promotes urination and clears inflammation and heat.
- It keeps blood pressure in check and prevents any cardiovascular diseases.
- Moreover, it is low in calories and contains one calorie per tablespoon, which is just the right amount for them.
- It has 10 grams of super per cup, which is suitable for cats than any other fruit.
What Are The Risks Of Watermelon Consumption?

Even though watermelon is not toxic to cats, you need to take some precautions when giving it to them. Human foods like these should always be given in moderation. Some cats might like human foods, while others don’t.
If this is the first time you are giving them watermelon, you need to keep an eye on them for allergic reactions. Also, look out for any signs of diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal issues, and vomiting.
Is it safe for cats to eat large amounts of watermelon? Watermelons are high in carbohydrates, and it is not necessary for their diet. So, even though it is good for hydration, they need more protein than anything else. And you need to give it to them in moderation.
Should You Be Worried If They Had Some Watermelon?
It is not common for cats to get sick from watermelons. The flesh is not toxic to them, and a small amount is safe for them. However, when consumed in large amounts, it can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea and vomiting.
If you notice some ill effects after eating watermelons, you need to take them to a vet immediately. Also, if they have eaten the seeds or rind in large quantities, they might fall sick.
How To Safely Give Them Watermelons?

If you are thinking of giving them watermelons, make sure you wash the fruit with water. Cut a small portion of the fruit into bite-sized pieces and remove the seeds and rind to ensure they do not upset their stomach.
Also, introduce these in their diet slowly, and check if there are any signs of gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. The moment you notice any bad reaction, contact a vet.
Can cats eat watermelon every day? Can cats eat watermelon juice? No, do not give them watermelon on a daily basis. Use it as an occasional treat. And that can be in the form of juice as well.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Watermelon seeds contain cyanide. This is something that is quite dangerous for cats. Even though one to two seeds does nto affect humans, but cats have a delicate digestive system and can affect them.
Moreover, seeds can cause them to choke, especially in smaller car breeds or kittens. You need to keep an eye on them and be careful when you are giving them watermelons.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon Rind?
If you think of the nutritional benefits of watermelon for cats, you know that it will be from the flesh and not the rind. It is difficult for them to chew and digest.
Moreover, they can choke on it, upset their stomach, and block their intestinal tract. It is best to remove the rind before you feed them watermelons.
Do Cats Like The Taste Of Watermelon?

Most of the cats do not grow a liking for watermelon, while some enjoy it thoroughly. They do not have the taste gland that detects sweetness, so it is safe to say that the cats who like watermelons do so for reasons other than taste. It is because of the texture or the moisture.
So, can cats eat watermelons? Yes, they can, but in small amounts and occasionally. But, it is not necessary that it would be because of the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the common questions people ask when discussing whether cats can eat watermelons.
Your cat might not like watermelons because of their carnivorous nature. Also, they don’t have sweet receptors in their mouth. Even though it is not toxic, it is also not a natural part of their diet
Yes, cats can have some health benefits when given in moderation. But it should never become a part of their regular diet. Also, it is best to consult a vet before giving them watermelon.
You can give your cat watermelons in small amounts as a treat. However, this should be a small portion, just one to two pieces. You should give it to them occasionally.
Cats don’t taste watermelons like humans do. Some enjoy it because of the moisture and texture, and not as anything sweet. They lack the sweet receptors and mostly experience a watery taste.
Feeding watermelons in small amounts does not pose a risk. But giving them in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal issues because of the high amount of sugar and carbohydrates.
Diabetic cats should never have watermelons. Giving in small quantities is generally safe for healthy cats, but you should never give it to diabetic cats. Natural sugars can cause blood sugar spikes and worsen their condition.
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