Can Cats Have Mango? Or Is It Toxic To Cats?

Mango is a fruit that is widely consumed worldwide. But what if you are having a mango, and your cat wants a piece? Should you give them? Can cats have mango? 

Is mango safe for cats? Well, yes. Even though they are carnivorous by nature, you can share your snack with them as it is not toxic to them.  

There is a catch, though. Cats cannot taste anything sweet, and this is a major reason why it does not appeal to them much. However, some cats love it, so you can give it without worrying about poisoning or harming them. 

Can Cats Have Mango?

Cats can have mango, but not necessarily because they love it. Some people might like it, while others might not. This can also happen when you offer them a piece and then refuse to accept it because of the smell. 

Mostly, they will not be interested in it because of their carnivorous nature. Moreover, they lack the sweet receptor, so they don’t even perceive the taste of it.  

However, if your cat is fond of veggies and fruits, you can give them to them. Remember that you should give it to them in moderation, as their digestive system won’t be used to it. But can cats eat mango skin? Well, no. You can give them the flesh but not the skin. 

Are There Any Nutritional Benefits?

Cats don’t need vegetables and fruits daily. Moreover, some are toxic to them. There are very few human foods that are safe for felines, and mangoes make it to that list.

Here is a list of nutrients in a cup of diced mangoes. 

1. Calories: 107 

2. Fat: 6g 

3. Fiber: 3g 

4. Protein: 1 g 

5. Sugar: 24 g 

6. Vitamin A: 25% of daily value 

7. Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg 

8. Vitamin C: 76% daily value 

9. Potassium: 257 mg 

Mangoes are not only delicious but also offer nutritional value to humans. However, it may not provide the same benefits for cats, or they may not be able to extract the necessary nutrients from it. 

Their digestive system is well-suited to digest meat but not vegetables and fruits. This is mainly because their digestive system does not need it. 

Are Mangoes Toxic To Cats?

As I mentioned earlier, mangoes are not toxic to cats. You can give them a piece if they want. However, there are a few things you should be aware of before offering it to them as a snack. 

1. Mangoes have a large pit that is too large for a cat to swallow. If they get hold of it or start chewing on it, a few bits and pieces of it could splinter off. These sharp pieces can damage their mouth, or the large pit can cause them to choke. 

2. Moreover, the fruit is high in sugar. That is the factor that makes it so appealing to humans. However, cats might have a problem dealing with so much sugar at once. It can cause them diarrhea or vomiting and cause unwanted weight gain. 

3. Then comes the question: Can cats have dried mangoes? There is also a risk involved. Dried mangoes have artificial sugar added to the natural sugar. Moreover, there are preservatives added. Everything together makes it difficult for them to chew. 

How Much Mango Can You Feed Your Cat?

By now, we have established that cats can have mangoes, but there is a limit to it. You can give them one to two cubes, but not more than that.  

You can give them a treat if they like it for their good behavior, but it should be occasional and not a part of their daily meal. If you give them too much mangoes, it can cause them health issues. 

How Should You Feed Them? 

At this point, you might be thinking of a lot of things. Many questions may come to mind. Can cats have mango juice? Can cats have mango sorbet? Here is everything you need to know about giving mangoes to your cats. 

1. Fresh Mangoes: Avoid giving them any type of mango juice or mango syrup. Moreover, do not give them mango or any kind of artificial drink. It can have artificial sugar, which can cause them harm. 

2. Tiny Cubes: Never give them whole mango. Dice it nicely into small bite-sized portions. 

3. No Peel: Can cats eat mango skin? No. Is mango skin poisonous to cats? The skin can be toxic to them. The dirt and pesticides can create problems for them. Always peel it before you give it to the cats. 

4. No Seeds: You need to remove the seed so they don’t bite it. It can cause them dental issues. 

What To Do If They Eat Too Much Mango? 

Does your cat like mango as well? It can happen. I have seen people who have an affinity for cats. Cats generally don’t like anything sweet, and the chances of them enjoying it are quite low. But it can happen.  

Mangoes are sweet but acidic. However, if they end up eating too much, or you accidentally feed too much mangoes, keep a check on them. You may experience some side effects, such as choking, vomiting, and diarrhea.  

However, if you are certain they are experiencing any allergic reaction or side effects, you should take them to a vet immediately. Moreover, if your cat has obesity or diabetes problems, avoid giving them mangoes. 

What Fruit Can Cats Not Eat?

Is there anything cats can’t eat? There are some fruits that you should not give your cats. Those can be toxic to them. These fruits can cause skin irritation, digestive issues, and food allergies in cats. Here are some of those fruits: 

1. Persimmons 

2. Citrus fruits 

3. Cherries 

4. Grapes  

Alternatives To Mango For Cats

Even if your cat loves fruits, these plant nutrients are not bioavailable to cats. So, there is no health benefits.  

You can give them fruits like an occasional snack, while meat is the main food that you should provide them.  

Besides mangoes, these are some of the foods that you can give them. You can also give them as an alternative to mangoes. 

1. Watermelon 

2. Pineapples 

3. Kiwi 

4. Blueberries 

5. Cantaloupe 

6. Strawberries 

7. Apples 

8. Blackberries 

9. Bananas  

Would You Give It To Them?

Mangoes are sweet, refreshing, and packed with nutrition. But can cats have mango? These can be an amazing snack or treat for them, adding some variety to their diet. However, cats cannot taste sweetness, so they are generally not attracted to this fruit. 

These are safe, and there is nothing to worry about if they sneak a bite from your plate. However, if they are overweight or have diabetes, try to keep it away from their reach, especially if it is dried mango.