Can cats eat strawberries?

Strawberries are a perfectly safe snack to feed your cat in moderation,” says Dr. Tina Wismer, senior director of the ASPCA Poison Control Center

Are there downsides to feeding your cat strawberries?

Despite being nutritious and delicious, strawberries lack nutrients, such as protein, taurine, and vitamin A that are essential for your cat’s overall health. Strawberries are also high in sugar and carbohydrates, which are difficult for cats to digest. Diabetic and overweight cats should avoid eating strawberries, because the high sugar content can impact insulin levels and put on pounds.

Should you feed your cat strawberries?

Whether you can feed your cat strawberries is a different question than whether you should feed your cat strawberries. Although they’re safe in moderation, strawberries aren’t necessarily the best choice for all cats.

Are cat allergic to strawberries?

Most cats develop allergies after being repeatedly exposed to food, so it’s unusual for a cat to have an immediate allergic reaction to trying strawberries. That said, your cat can develop a strawberry allergy. Some symptoms to be on the lookout for are a runny nose, diarrhea, swollen eyes, itchy skin, coughing, wheezing, and vomiting.

Can cats eat the stems of strawberries?

Technically, strawberry stems and leaves are non-toxic to cats. But it’s important to keep in mind that stems and leaves can be very difficult for cats to digest and can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction. Signs of a gastrointestinal obstruction include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pain, and straining to defecate.

How Often Can Cats Have Strawberries?

Cats should not eat strawberries often. Because of their high sugar content, eating too many strawberries can cause a cat to gain weight or potentially lead to diabetes. Exactly how many strawberries your cat should eat depends on your cat’s size, medical history, and food preferences.

What happens if my cat eats too many strawberries?

If your cat has eaten many strawberries, it’s important to keep an eye on them for signs of vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is a senior, diabetic, or might otherwise be sensitive to high sugar content, you should take your cat to the vet to be on the safe side because strawberries can spike their blood sugar.

What fruits are toxic to cats?

There are some fruits your cat should definitely steer clear of. Cherries, grapes, and raisins are toxic to cats and can cause kidney damage. Citrus fruits — lemons, oranges, and grapefruit, for example — are also likely to upset a cat’s stomach.

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by Andrew Marttila

July 19, 2023

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Andrew Marttila

Andrew is a professional animal photographer who specializes in cats. His work has been used across digital and print — from National Geographic to Good Morning America, and he’s the author of Shop Cats of New York (2019), Cats on Catnip (2018), and How to Take Awesome Photos of Cats (2020). He lives in San Diego, where he and his partner, Hannah Shaw, a.k.a. “ kitten lady,” run Orphan Kitten Club.

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