Strawberries are sweet and juicy, and they are a summer staple on many tables. We love eating them. Even dogs can eat them and most of the dogs’ love eating them. But can cats eat strawberries? Continue reading to learn more…
Can Cats Eat Strawberries?
The quick answer is yes; strawberries are not poisonous to cats. The most important issue is: what health benefits does consuming them provide for your cat? To address this, we must first examine the cat’s digestive system and dietary requirements.
Cats are classified as obligate carnivores. This implies that their bodies operate optimally when they consume just animal proteins especially meat.
Their digestive systems are built to digest and use the proteins, lipids, and acids available in meats, but they lack the necessary enzymes to process and absorb the nutrients found in plant-based diets.
Cats’ digestive systems can only process 0-2 percent carbs. This quantity is about similar to the amount of plant-based material found in the alimentary canal of tiny prey animals such as rats, and it is only partially digested. Thus, providing fruits and vegetables to your cat carries dangers and gives no nutritional benefit.
Strawberries Provide Some Health Advantages
Strawberries provide a plethora of health advantages for both people and canines. They’re packed with potent antioxidants that help our immune system, as well as fiber, carbs, and even malic acid, which helps whiten teeth!
Strawberries are low in calories, contain a modest amount of sugar, and include vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, as well as magnesium, manganese, potassium, folate, all of which are necessary for the proper functioning of our neural systems. However, cats are a different matter.
Cats benefit only from the dietary fiber included in strawberries, as they lack the enzymes essential for plant digestion and absorption. Moreover, they lack sweet taste receptors and hence cannot detect the sweetness of a strawberry in the same way that people or dogs can.
Numerous cats have peculiar taste preferences and will seek out your food even if they are eating a healthy diet. Strawberries are not harmful, thus it is acceptable to serve your cat a little bit of strawberry. However, due to their unique nutritional requirements, your cat will flourish on commercial cat food that has been prepared by a professional feline nutritionist and cat treats that are nutritionally balanced.
What Is an Excessive Amount of Strawberry for Your Cat?
Do not be alarmed if your cat takes an inquisitive nibble of strawberry without your consent. A small nibble will not harm them. Strawberries do not pose a hazard to cats.
However, if cats and kittens continue to consume this sugary fruit on a regular basis, it may result in obesity and diabetic symptoms. Cats can handle strawberry sugar in modest amounts, but regularly boosting their blood sugar levels will cause long-term problems.
Among the symptoms of feline diabetes are the following:
- Appetite deficit
- Constant urination (it can be a symptom of chronic kidney disease)
- Excessive thirst (it can be a symptom of chronic kidney disease)
- Lack of capacity to jump
- Vomiting (it can be a symptom of chronic kidney disease)
Consult your veterinarian immediately if you detect any of these symptoms, since these might be the first signs of diabetes. Similarly, this is true for other sweet fruits.
Allergies are uncommon, although they can occur when cats consume novel foods. An allergic response to strawberry will manifest itself immediately after consumption and will involve the following:
- Diarrhea
- Eyes and/or nose that are itchy and/or watery
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Vomiting
- Wheezing or coughing
How to Offer Strawberries to Your Cat
Before offering your cat a slice of your strawberry, consult your veterinarian to ensure that there are no underlying health problems that would make consuming the strawberry unsafe.
After receiving permission, wash the fruit properly to remove pesticides, and then remove the stems and leaves. The stems and leaves can pose as a choking hazard.
Cut them into small pieces (preferably the same size of their kibble) and give them as a treat.
While fresh strawberries are healthy, processed strawberry syrups, ice creams, yogurt, and jams are not at all healthy as some of them usually contain an artificial sweetener, xylitol, which is fatal for your cat if it consumes it.