Cats are carnivores and require their diet to contain at least 70% meat proteins. Felines do not have sweet taste receptors on their tongues and do not usually show much interest in the sweetness found in fruit.
However, cats can eat apples and unsweetened/homemade applesauce in small quantities and not often. Processed shop-bought applesauce should be avoided as it will contain too much sugar or other additives that can cause problems for your cat.
A small amount of applesauce can be used as an occasional treat for your cat as it contains vitamin C. Pureed apple may be easier for your cat to digest as applesauce is already mashed up. However, it should not be a regular part of your cat’s daily diet.
Humans require some plant-based fiber in their daily diet, but as cats are true carnivores, they do not need plant-based fiber to keep them healthy as long as they are on a nutritionally balanced food designed for cats.
What fruit can my cat eat
My cat won’t touch any fruit – he may occasionally sniff it but then turns his nose up and walks away. However, if your cat does like fruit, there are some that they can safely eat in minimal amounts as a treat. You should only provide a maximum of 2% of your cat’s diet as fruit, which equates to about one inch of fruit.
Fruit can be used in place of cat treats to aid in weight loss for your pet.
- Apples – cut up into small bitesize chunks or slices – apple is much healthier than applesauce for your cat. This is because the apple’s flesh contains calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Do not give seeds or stalk.
- Banana – small pieces in chewable chunks can be eaten either fresh or frozen. Bananas contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and carbohydrates.
- Watermelon – small slices of seedless watermelon are hydrating in warm weather. Do not give rind or seeds.
- Mangos – cut up small bitesize slices – rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber. Do not feed the skin or seed.
- Cantaloupe – cut into small cubes or slices – rich in vitamin C, beta carotene, antioxidants, and fiber. Cantaloupe may appeal to your cat as the smell is similar to meat proteins.
- Pineapple – only tiny pieces of fresh pineapple, tinned pineapple is usually in a sugary syrup. Pineapple has a high fructose content and vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
- Honeydew – cut into small bitesize pieces or thin slices. Do not give the rind or seeds.
- Apricots – cut thin slices or small cubes. Do not feed seed or stalk.
- Kiwi – cut into small pieces or thin slices. Remove the skin.
- Nectarine – cut into small pieces or thin slices. Do not feed the seed or stalk.
- Pears – cut thin slices or into small bitesize pieces. Remove the stem, seeds, and stalk.
- Cucumber – cut into thin slices and remove the skin for easy digestion.
Can cats eat berries
It is safe to let your cat eat various types of berries. Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins A, C, vitamins K, vitamin E and are high in fiber. Always cut the berries into small bitesize bits for your cat.
Although berries are a great source of vitamins and fiber for us humans, cats don’t get the same health benefit from them as we do. This is because cats’ amounts of these super fruits are too small to gain any real health benefit other than a tasty treat.
What fruit is unsafe for my cat
Fruit is great for us humans, but cats can’t eat all the fruits that we can. There is some fruit that you really can’t give to your furry friend.
Like our other furry friends, dogs and cats cannot eat:
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Sultanas
These fruits can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. It can also cause them to become lethargic and can cause acute kidney failure.
Citrus fruits are not suitable for your cat either.
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
Citrus fruits have oils and compounds that irritate the digestive system. This can result in vomiting and/or diarrhea. It is also known to cause their central nervous system to depress in extreme cases.
My Cat Doesn’t Like Fruit; Will They Be Healthy
My cat has no interest in fruit, so he doesn’t get any.
He has good quality cat food that he eats daily and occasionally has some fish, chicken, or tuna to stop him from getting bored with his food.
He is a healthy and active twelve-year-old cat with no negative impact from not eating fruit. So, in all honesty, if your cat doesn’t like fruit, but has good quality cat food, it is nothing to worry about. It is not necessary for them. They don’t eat fruit in the wild. They are carnivores.
I hope that you found this article helpful.
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