Can Cats eat berries? Know the safety of Cats.

Can Cats Eat Berries?

Cats are obligatory carnivores and rely heavily on animal-based products. Interestingly, being carnivorous, they can also eat some human foods, including fruits. There are plenty of safe fruit options for your kitty cat that can be added as healthy treats to the cat diet.

However, you should know that not all fruits are safe for cats. Certain fruits can be harmful to cats and have adverse effects on their health. This is mainly because most fruits contain sugars, making it important to select the ideal portion size and low-sugar fruits.

Talking of fruits and berries is an excellent option for cats. They are filled with nutrients, including antioxidants, that protect your cat from several health issues. Berries are generally safe for cats, but can cats eat berries?

Can Cats Eat Berries?

Can Cats Eat Berries?

Yes! Cats can eat berries if your feline is not a diabetic cat. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are safe for cats as long as you feed them in moderation. These fruits are high in sugar, and giving them to healthy cats in large amounts can cause diarrhea, constipation, and stomach upset. Therefore, keeping fruit treats under 10% of your cat’s diet is important.

Before knowing whether berries are safe for cats, cat owners need to know the health condition of their feline. If a cat is diabetic, berries are toxic for cats in any quantity due to high sugar. Healthy cats can eat berries if you consider two things before feeding your feline friend.

  • Quantity
  • Frequency

A healthy cat can eat 1 or 2 berries in a week depending on the diet plan. Due to high sugar content, avoid giving them berries frequently. It is suggested that before adding any fruit to a cat’s diet, always consult with a veterinarian.

Let’s look at the nutritional composition of berries and how high carbs and sugar can affect your cat’s health.

Unlock the Nutritional Benefits of Berries for Cats

Berry Nutrients

Berries are often considered human foods but have health-beneficial nutrients for cats. Berries like fruits contain high amounts of antioxidants, polyphenols, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, potassium, and other essential minerals.

These nutrients make berries good for cats and can lead to some health benefits, including:

  • Antioxidants can help fight off free radicals from the body of your pet cat, which would otherwise lead to serious diseases like cancer and diabetes.
    • The fiber content in berries can help improve the efficiency of the digestive system of your feline as long as you feed them in moderation.
    • Vitamins A, C, K, and E can boost your cat’s immune system, improve skin condition, improve eyesight (specifically night vision), strengthen the bones and joints of your feline, and improve cardiovascular health.

    Similarly, the skin, seed, and leaves the part of the berry plant can also be beneficial for your pet cat. They contain flavonoids known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral benefits for your furry friend.

    Berries are good for cats, but how do they react to the taste of berries? Let’s dig in and find out whether or not cats like berries.

    Cat’s Taste For Berries

    do cats like berries?

    Berries have a sweet, sour, or tart taste. Regarding the taste buds of cats, they do not have sweet taste receptors. So, do cats like berries? Scientifically, cats cannot taste the sweet flavor and the sweetness of berries, leaving them with only the sour or tart taste.

    So, cats associate berries with an unpleasant sour/tart taste. Interestingly, it is in a cat’s nature to avoid unpleasant food, so your cat may not be fond of eating berries. Similarly, due to the lack of sweetness receptors, they cannot determine the number of sugars in food.

    Due to this, they will be eating too much sugar without even realizing it. This poses a substantial risk to your pet’s health and exposes them to obesity and diabetes.

    Talking of the taste of berries, there are different types of berries, with each having a unique nutritional composition. Let’s look at some berries that are safe for cats.

    What Kind of Berries Can Cats Eat?

    What kind of berries can cats eat?

    There are many types of berries safe for cats. These include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Cats can eat any kind of berries but in moderation. Although they belong to the same family of berries, they have rather different nutritional values in terms of sugar content and antioxidants, amongst others.

    The highest amount of sugar is found in blueberries. This makes them slightly riskier than other berries. On the contrary, raspberries have the lowest amount of sugar, thus making them even better for cats. It is important for cat owners to know about what kind of berries can cats eat?

    Here’s a detailed insight into different types of berries for cats.

    Blueberries

    Blueberries are a rich source of vitamin K and also high in sugar and calories.

    They can be offered to your pet kitty as a healthy treat but in moderation. Vitamin K in blueberries can significantly improve blood clotting and help prevent bleeding.

    100g of blueberries are rich in the following nutrients, which can benefit cats.

    • Calories : 57 kcal
    • Dietary fiber : 2.4 g
    • Vitamin K : 19.3 μg
    • Sugar : 9.96 g

    These berries contain antioxidants (polyphenols)that have anti-cancer properties and reduce the risk of heart disease.

    SUMMARY

    Raw blueberries contain Dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, and Antioxidants. Feeding blueberries to cats can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer due to nutrient benefits.

    Raspberries

    Raspberries have a unique sweet and sour taste. They contain high amounts of vitamin C, folate, magnesium, potassium, iron, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help boost your cat’s overall health and protect it from diseases. Moreover, raspberries are also low in sugars, making them safer for felines than other berries.

    100g of raw raspberries are mainly rich in the following nutrients, which can benefit cats.

    • Calories : 53 kcal
    • Dietary fiber : 8g
    • Manganese : 22 mg
    • Vitamin C: 26.2 mg
    • Sugar : 4.42 g
    • Antioxidant : High

    Raw raspberries are known as low glycemic index fruit and low in micronutrients. Due to their low glycemic index and no starch, raspberries are edible for cats.

    Note: Quantity still is an important factor to consider before feeding your feline.

    SUMMARY

    Raw raspberries, as an aggregate fruit, are a rich source of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, antioxidants, and sugar. These berries are low in glycemic index and have less sugar than others.

    Strawberries

    Strawberries are high in Potassium, and Vitamin C. Potassium helps properly function the heart, nerves, and muscles in pets. In contrast, Vitamin C supports cats’ immune systems, joints, and bones.

    100g of raw strawberries supplies the following nutrients,

    • Calories : 33 kcal
    • Dietary fiber : 2g
    • Vitamin C : 58.8mg
    • Potassium: 154mg
    • Phosphorus: 24mg
    • Magnesium: 13mg
    • Sugar : 4.89 g

    Although vitamin C benefits cats, their bodies can produce vitamin C. Feeding them too many strawberries will increase their exposure to vitamin C, creating oxalate stones in their kidneys. It would help if you stuck to small serving sizes of strawberries.

    SUMMARY

    Strawberries are high in Vitamin C, Potassium, Phosphorus, and, Magnesium. These berries are low in fiber and calories. High Vitamin C in strawberries can impact the health of cats.

    Goji Berries

    Goji berries are another kind of berry which is highly nutritious for humans.

    But most cat owners want to know, can cats eat Goji berries or not? No for both healthy and a diabetic cat. Cats cannot eat goji berries even if your feline is healthy or a diabetic cat. These berries are high in sugar and fiber, which are not safe for cats in any quantity. Pet owners need to maintain the weight of their cats to avoid obesity.
    Goji berries may appear as raisins poisonous to cats, but luckily, goji berries are nothing like raisins except physical appearance.

    100g of raw goji berries provide following nutrients,

    • Calories : 98 kcal
    • Dietary fiber : 13g
    • Vitamin C : 48.8mg
    • Iron : 6.8mg
    • Calcium : 190mg
    • Proteins : 14.3g
    • Sugar : 45.6 g

    Goji Berries are a rich source of antioxidants and amino acids, making them perfect for your feline’s health. Goji berries are usually consumed in dried and juice form.

    The dried form of Goji berries is unsafe for cats in any quantity. when offered as treats, whereas goji juice is bad for cats. Goji juice may contain added sugars and other ingredients, thus making them bad for your furry friend.

    Summary

    Goji berries are high in sugar and fiber, which are toxic for cats. From a Nutritional perspective, goji berries are good for cats because these berries are a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

    Juniper Berries

    Can Cats Eat Juniper Berries? Yes. Cats can eat juniper berries but in moderation. These berries are safe for cats because it has no sugar content. Juniper berries are rich mostly in dietary fiber, vitamin C and proteins. These Nutrients helps to improve overall immune system of a cat.

    Juniper berries are stone fruit and are often suggested for the treatment of urinary treatment infections. But, they can cause kidney issues and abdominal pain in cats when fed too frequently.

    100g of raw goji berries provide following nutrients,

    • Calories : 386 kcal
    • Dietary fiber : 12.7g
    • Vitamin C : High
      • Proteins : 19.8g
      • Sugar : 0 g

      Interestingly, juniper berry oil extract can also be used if you’re looking for the digestive, nervous system, and skin benefits of juniper berries for cats without risking your cat’s health.

      On a side note, you should know that juniper bush and plant parts are safe for cats. Due to high fiber, if ingested, it will cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pains. So, ensure your pet kitty does not have access to juniper plants or consume a lot of dried juniper berries.

      Summary

      Juniper berries don’t have any sugar, which makes them safe for cats. The essential oils and extracts from juniper berry plants can be used as antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antibacterial activities.

      Hawthorn Berries

      Can cats eat hawthorn berries? Cats can eat hawthorn berries because it has less fiber and no sugar. These berries have potassium which supports muscles, the nervous system, and the heart to function properly in cats and humans.

      100g of raw goji berries provide following nutrients,

      • Calories : 102 kcal
      • Dietary fiber : 3.1g
          • Potassium : 299g
          • Sugar : 0g

          It is worth mentioning that since hawthorn berries are not a natural part of your cat’s diet, you need to exercise caution when feeding them to your cat. Make sure you feed them in small quantities and only sometimes.

          Keep in mind not all berries are safe for cats. Some forms of berries are poisonous to cats and will take a substantial toll on their health by causing symptoms of toxicity.

          Summary

          Cats can eat berries of that kind which have less sugar and fiber. Hawthorn berries are one the berry which cats can eat. Cats can eat other berries if given in small amounts and not frequently. The best recommendation is to consult veterinarians for better food choices.

          When Are Berries Poisonous to Cats?

          Berries can be either completely toxic to cats or cause berry poisoning when consumed in larger quantities. Here’s what you need to know about berries poisoning and its impact on your cat’s health:

          Berry Plants

          Berry plants can be toxic to cats. Whether it is the fruit or leaves and foliage, these are considered poisonous to cats. These include:

          • Holly plant
          • Berries of the nightshade plant
          • Mistletoe plant berries
          • Yew plant

          According to ASPCA, there are tens of different toxic berry plants. Consuming any part of these plants like digestive upset, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma, lethargy, and other serious concerns.

          You should immediately take your pet to the vet if your cat accidentally eats any part of the berry plants or other toxic plants.

          Frozen Berries

          Can Cats Eat Frozen berries? Store-bought frozen berries contain added sugars and preservatives. The added number of sugars will bump up the sugar content your pet cat receives from berries, thus exposing them to greater risks of obesity and diabetes.

          Similarly, preservatives can lead to dry stools and constipation. This can be quite discomforting and unpleasant for your cat, so you should avoid feeding them commercially frozen berries.

          Other berries to avoid include grapes, raisins, and currants, as they are toxic to cats.

          Now that you have insight into safe berries, here’s how you should safely feed them to your furry friend.

          How To Safely Feed Berries in Cat Food?

          You cannot simply put berries in your cat’s food bowl and let your pet cat have a go at it. You need to take care of some do’s and don’ts. Here’s how you should safely feed berries to cats.

          Do’s

          • Clean The Berries and Feed in Moderation – You must wash the berries thoroughly to remove all the dirt and pesticides. Next, you need to factor in small portions and ensure you do not offer more than 2 or 3 berries.
          • Mix With Other Foods – The next step to feeding berries in cat food is to cut them into small chunks or create a paste of these berries by mashing them. Once you have prepared small chunks or a paste of the berries, you need to mix it with your cat’s favorite food and let your cat have a go. Interestingly, you can also feed mixed berries to your cat.
          • Check Freshness – When offering your cat any berries, make sure the berries are fresh. If your pet cat eats moldy berries, it will suffer from various health issues. These can be in the form of vomit, tremors, hyperactivity, and fever. So, always give fresh berries to your cat.

          Don’ts

          • Berry Flavor Cat Food – When looking for foods, you might come across berry flavor cat food. Although berry-flavored cat food will bring variety to your cat’s diet, these are harmful to your cat’s health as they contain additives and preservatives. So, rather than giving berry flavor cat food, you should get fresh berries and mix them in your cat’s meals.
          • Berries To Avoid – There are some berries for cats to avoid, like grapes, raisins, and currants. These are harmful to your cat’s health and are considered poisonous for cats. You should avoid offering any amount of such berries to your cat. 

          Kitten and Berries

          Can kitten eats berries? Kittens can eat berries, but it is not a recommended diet for them. However, young kittens have a delicate digestive system, and berries might not be their healthy treat. Berries contain high carbs and sugars, making your kitten ill.

          The effects are directly linked to the number of berries your kitten consumes. A small portion of berries should be fine for kittens. However, if your kitten consumes berries in large amounts, it will lead to gastrointestinal upset, which will be quite an energy draining and unpleasant for your kitten.

          Due to this, it is best to avoid feeding berries to kittens altogether. Once your kitten is a few months old, you should consult your vet before introducing it to adult foods like berries.

          Summary

          Kittens can eat berries but require a specially formulated diet for growth. If kittens eat many berries, it can cause digestive issues.

          What Fruit is Safe for Cats?

          There are many different fruits, but not all are safe or healthy for cats. Here is a list of safe fruits according to the ASPCA.

          • Apples
          • Bananas
          • Kiwi
          • Cucumbers
          • Pineapples
          • Cantaloupe

          Conclusion:

          What we concluded for Can Cats Eat Berries?

          Cats can eat berries in small quantities. 2 or 3 are generally considered safe for cats. Anything more than this will expose your furry cat, which may cause digestive, and stomach upset.

          Furthermore, only a few berries, like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, goji berries, juniper, and hawthorn berries, are safe for cats. It is crucial to know that fruits are only meant to be given as treats and should not be greater than 10% of the total diet of your cat.

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