Can Cats Eat Watermelon? – a vET sweet answer

You need to know watermelon is the perfect, refreshing snack this time of year especially in the hot summer heat. Its flesh is sweet, juicy and hydrating, it’s eaten by people for a snack.

But what happens with our Cat friends? Is this vibrant fruit safe for cats? You’ll quickly learn that given that cats are obligate carnivores, their dietary requirements are vastly different from ours.

Watermelon probably does seem like such an innocent treat, but that is, again, why we need to know how it affects their health and if they can safely eat it at all. So let’s see can cats eat watermelon?

Understanding a Cat’s Diet

Cats, being obligate carnivores, these are by nature. They have the bodies to live off of a diet that is nearly all meat, the meat part being because it is where they get most of the necessary nutrients.

The nutrition of these people is based on proteins and fats from animal sources.

Humans, or even some dogs, do require carbohydrates, and most cats do not do well digesting fruits and vegetables.

While watermelon does taste good, it doesn’t have any of the essential nutrients that cats really need. Natural sugars and fiber in them are hard for cats to digest.

Although small amounts of fruit can sometimes be fed to rabbits as a treat or a supplement to a rabbit’s diet, it is not recommended.

What is Watermelon?

Citrullus lanatus is a tropical fruit, 90% of which is water or watermelon. It has a very high water content and a very sweet flavour.

Watermelon also has some other vitamin and mineral content that includes Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Potassium besides water.

It also is low in calories is low in calories, making it a guilt free fruit for humans.

Yet the components that leave watermelon refreshing and hydrating may not relate well to what cats need in regard to their diet.

Watermelon is made up of water, natural sugars and fiber, but cats need the high quality proteins and fats that they cannot get from watermelon.

Watermelon’s hydrating for humans, but it’s not so for your cat.

Is Watermelon Safe for Cats?

There are some foods that you can give your cat, a small amount of watermelon is one of these foods, however it should not be a normal part of your cats diet.

Fortunately, the flesh of the watermelon is non toxic to cats, so a nibble every now and then is alright.

However, just because you can eat a food doesn’t mean you should, and you should be aware of the dangers that come with consumption and precautions you can take to avoid the worse of the consequences.

Before you give watermelon to your cat it is imperative to remove the seeds and rind. The seeds and rind themselves are both potential choking hazards and can upset the digestive tract.

Plus the rind is rough and tough which isn’t easy on your cat’s digestive system to handle.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Blueberries? a complete guide Fot Cats

Benefits of watermelon for cat’s health

Watermelon, when given appropriately, does have some potential health benefits for cats:

• Hydration: Watermelon is mostly water; as such, it makes for a hydrating snack. Proper kidney function as well as overall health depends on hydration and if your cat isn’t drinking enough water on their own, that might be of use.
  
• Vitamins and Minerals: An antioxidant that supports immune function is Vitamin C found in Watermelon. Vitamin A is too small, providing small amounts of Vitamin A, which is necessary to keep your eyes and immune system in good order. Watermelon is also a good source of potassium, which helps keep muscles working and fluids balanced.

Watermelon can provide these benefits but can never replace the vital nutrients your cat needs to obtain from a high protein, animal based diet.

Also Read: Can Cats See in the Dark? – cats idea

Will Watermelon Be Harmful to Your Cat?

Despite the hydrating and nutrient benefits, there are several risks associated with feeding watermelon to cats:

• Seeds: Watermelon seeds aren’t toxic but they can be choking hazards. They could also cause intestinal blockage if swallowed. Make sure that your cat never eats a watermelon with seeds or remove the seeds first.
  
• Rind: Due to the tough, fibrous rind it is very difficult for cats to digest. Gastrointestinal upset can from it, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It’s also a choking hazard, so the rind must always be thrown away.
  
• High Sugar Content: The thing about watermelon is that it’s natural, but the sugar in watermelon can be bad for a cat’s health, particularly if the cat has something like diabetes or obesity. Unlike humans, cats cannot properly process sugar, and so these foods should be kept to a minimum.

Also Read: Can Cats Have Peanut Butter? – is it safe for cats? – cats idea

Introducing watermelon to your cat can be safe, but you’ll need to follow some rules.

If you’d like to give your cat watermelon, it’s important to introduce it in a safe and controlled way:

• Start with small portions: Start with a tiny bit, a bite size chunk, of the watermelon flesh and then see how they react. This allows you to look out for anything adverse reactions such as digestive upset.
  
• Remove seeds and rind: Never slice, offer or give your cat watermelon with all seeds and the rind. They should only eat the flesh of the fruit.
  
• Moderation is key: Watermelon shouldn’t be an everyday daily treat. As it is a special treat, use it only occasionally, instead of including it in the cat’s weekly diet.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Strawberries? A Complete Guide to Cats

Is Your Cat Sensitive to Watermelon?

Just as there can be new food sensitivities with any cat, some cats may show difficulties with watermelon. Common signs of an adverse reaction include:

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: If your cat gets gastrointestinal distress after eating watermelon, then this could mean that their stomach doesn’t process it well. In this case, you will stop feeding watermelon and take advice from the vet.
  
• Allergic reactions: Few cats have an allergy to certain fruits. When your cat’s symptoms include itching, swelling and/or excessive grooming, you should look out for those issues.
  If you see these symptoms in your cat, stop feeding watermelon to your cat and get in touch with your veterinarian.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Eggs? A Complete Guide to Cats Safety

Is Watermelon a Treat or Supplement?

Watermelon can be a refreshing treat for your cat, but it’s definitely not a nutritional supplement.

As a protein source from animal sources, cats are often fed on a diet full of such foods however, though watermelon hydrates and provides vitamins, it lacks the nutrients your cat needs.

Watermelon should only be offered very occasionally, not as a regular part of a dog’s diet.

It’s best used sparingly, for example, as something to give your cat to fight the summer heat or as a way to introduce variety into their snack options.

what are some alternatives to watermelon for cats, read on!

If your cat enjoys the occasional fruity treat, there are other, safer options to consider:

• Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is one of the hydrating fruits, which is also a storehouse of vitamins, and is a safer choice for your cat. All you need to do is remove the seeds and rind.
  
• Pumpkin: A cat friendly alternative to spinach is pumpkin, that is packed with fiber and great for digestion; it can be fed in small quantities. It also works well for cats who have digestive problems.
  
• Fresh chicken or turkey: Small pieces of lean cooked poultry are always a safe bet for cat protein, but they are too lean for the cat’s needs.

Wrap up on Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

While it is not exactly harmful to cats, watermelon should never make up a part of your cat’s quotidian meals.

Watermelon, when fed in moderation and prepared properly (no seeds, no rind) can be a refreshing and nutritious treat providing hydration as well as a few nutrients.

Always check the sugar content and also any sensitivities your cat may have but it’s a good addition to their food.

Remember moderation in all types of treats. It is not intended for watermelon to replace a balanced, protein rich diet for your cat’s health.

Also, always consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts in case you feel that your cat has an allergy.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Cashews? Discover the Benefits and Risks

FAQ: Can Cats Eat Watermelon?