If you’re wondering whether cats can eat watermelon, the answer is yes, but not always!
Watermelons contain a high level of citrulline, which isn’t great for your cat to eat regularly.
However, suppose you have access to organic watermelon with low citrulline content. In that case, it can be OK to feed it to your cat occasionally, as long as you don’t make it a regular occurrence.
Most people will tell you that cats can’t eat watermelon, but many cat owners have discovered this isn’t true.
Cats can eat many things that most consider off-limits to their feline friends. So, can cats eat watermelon?
Yes, they can—if it’s the right kind of watermelon and if you cut it up correctly.
Before serving it to your cat, you should always check what foods are safe with your veterinarian.
Does My Cat Like Watermelon?
Watermelon is a delicious fruit that many people enjoy in the summer. But can cats eat watermelon? It turns out they can!
There are two different types of watermelons: seedless and seeded.
Both types are safe for cats to eat, but there are some things you should know before feeding your cat any watermelon.
Here’s everything you need to know about whether your cat can eat watermelon:
- Watermelon is high in water content, so it’s a healthy snack for cats and humans alike.
- Although watermelon is low in protein and fat, it has a lot of vitamins A and C, as well as vitamin B6.
- Don’t give your cat too much watermelon, though, because this could lead to gastrointestinal distress (i.e., diarrhea)
- If your kitty gets diarrhea from overeating watermelon, don’t worry! Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with three tablespoons of cold water and feed them every hour until their stomach settles down. You can also offer some bland food like rice or boiled chicken.
- You should be fine if you monitor how much watermelon your cat eats.
- When giving watermelon to your pet, make sure it’s cut up into small pieces so they have a good time chewing on it and avoid choking hazards.
When Is Watermelon Bad for Cats?
When watermelon is terrible for cats, the fruit contains citric acid, which can cause problems for your cat’s urinary tract and kidneys.
When watermelon is suitable for cats, it is when the fruit does not contain citric acid, so you can be sure your cat won’t have any adverse reactions. The texture of watermelon also makes it a great treat because they will enjoy chewing on the fruit.
Knowing if your cat has diabetes before feeding them watermelon is essential because this food could spike their blood sugar levels.
The citric acid in watermelon can build up your cat’s system, leading to kidney stones or other kidney issues.
The citric acid in watermelon also lowers calcium absorption rates, meaning the body will absorb less calcium.
Other natural acids in watermelon may promote the growth of bacteria in your cat’s intestines and make her more susceptible to a bladder infection.
How Much of a Watermelon Should My Cat Have?
Can cats eat watermelon? It’s a bit of a debate whether Some say that watermelon is a fruit and should not be consumed by cats because it contains too much sugar, but others say it’s OK for your cat to have a little bit of the melon now and then.
You will want to take some precautions if you let your cat enjoy the occasional piece of watermelon.
If you decide it’s OK for your cat to eat a little watermelon now and then, you’ll want to ensure you know how much is too much.
Some experts say one slice every couple of days is OK, while others say no amount of watermelon should be fed to cats.
It all comes down to your cat’s health and whether they will consume more than just a few bites or go crazy if there isn’t any in their bowl.
If you’re concerned about too much sugar, choose a low-sugar melon. If you have never fed watermelon, start with a bite or two and watch closely for unusual behavior like vomiting or diarrhea.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Can cats eat watermelon but should not eat watermelon seeds? Raw watermelon seeds are a choking hazard for cats, so avoiding giving them these is best. Giving your cat watermelon slices is safe, and they may enjoy it.
However, they should not have a lot of fruit as too much sugar can cause weight gain in cats and diarrhea.
If you’re considering getting your cat a small piece of watermelon or a slice, watch them closely because some animals do not like the texture or taste of this fruit.
Ensure they also drink enough water since overeating fruit can make them sick. When preparing watermelon, remove the seeds and rinds before cutting up chunks to ensure nothing gets stuck in their teeth.
Can Kittens Eat Watermelon?
It is OK for kittens to eat watermelon. However, it is not recommended that they overeat it because watermelon is a fruit that contains sugar and can lead to diarrhea in kittens.
It is best if the watermelon is pureed or chopped into small pieces to distribute the sugar and other chemicals more evenly.
In addition, make sure you stay with your cat while he eats his food to know when he has had enough. Otherwise, the kitten could overeat and get sick from overeating carbohydrates.
If your kitten does overfill, give him some milk so he does not get dehydrated from drinking too much milk.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon Rind?
Can cats eat watermelon rind? Yes, cats can eat rind if it’s not toxic or rotten. If you have a piece of watermelon rind, give it to your kitty and see how she reacts.
Some cats will eat the entire watermelon rind, while others will turn up their nose at the bitter taste.
Watermelon rinds are also a good source of vitamins such as A, C, and potassium. They’re also high in fiber, which helps cats with digestion and is suitable for preventing hairballs.
The watermelon is full of lycopene, an antioxidant that fights against cancerous cells and promotes healthy skin for your kitty!
Ensure the watermelon is ripe enough so your cat won’t choke on it. As long as there are no allergies to it, you should be able to let your cat nibble on a little bit of watermelon rind from time to time without any problems.
What Are Healthy Treats for Cats?
Can cats eat watermelon? Cats are often on a strict diet of dry food, but certain fruits and vegetables can be a healthy addition for your feline friend.
For example, watermelon is an excellent choice for your cat. Other healthy cat treats include bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, and tomatoes.
Avoid giving your cat anything sweet or sugary, which can lead to obesity and tooth decay. Finally, avoid feeding them onion or garlic because they’re toxic to cats. When in doubt, ask your vet before giving your cat any food not listed above.
They will let you know if the food is safe for your pet! Cats usually get their daily dose of fluids through their canned food.
However, it’s essential to keep track of how much fluid intake your cat has had just in case they need extra hydration due to their age or health condition.
Is Watermelon Safe for Diabetic Cats?
Watermelon is safe for diabetic cats as long as it’s in moderation. Diabetic cats must maintain their blood sugar levels, so feeding them a slice of watermelon won’t impact those levels.
One caveat: if your cat has kidney or urinary problems, the extra water from the fruit may be problematic.
Other than that, you can feed your diabetic cat watermelon! Other safe fruits and vegetables for diabetic cats include broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, celery sticks, green beans, and peas.
To provide your diabetic kitty with essential vitamins and minerals, don’t forget to give him fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill.
With these foods, plenty of exercise, and vet-approved medication, your diabetic cat should live a healthy life without feeling deprived!