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Can Cats Eat Watermelon?
Can cats eat watermelon? With the long and hot days of summer upon us, nothing sounds more refreshing than a cold piece of watermelon. But how does your cat feel about that? And is it a good idea and safe to let a kitty also enjoy this fruit?
In addition to being refreshing and operating as a palate cleanser, watermelon is filled with health benefits. However, a cat’s digestive system is different from that of a human or a dog because the latter two are carnivorous, and watermelon could possibly cause an upset stomach in a cat.
Watermelon is also made into various drinks because of its pleasing and slushy texture and can be incorporated into many different types of recipes. Most importantly from a health viewpoint is that it helps to keep you hydrated when that is such an important issue. In addition, being 92% water, it makes you feel full for a longer period of time, is packed with amino acids. is low in calories at only 46 calories for a cup, and has no cholesterol.
More Health Benefits
Watermelon is not only delicious, it’s filled with minerals, vitamins such as Vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, and carotenoids. It also has the nutrients potassium. biotin, magnesium, many healthy antioxidants, and is rich in fiber. Lycopene, that gives tomatoes and watermelon that bright red color, lowers blood pressure, and helps to fight cardiovascular disease.
How Are Cats Affected by Eating Watermelon?
However, although some cats also enjoy this fruit with its distinctive and appealing taste, texture, and scent that some cats find irresistible. Some “human” foods are non-toxic or are even beneficial to a cat, but others could cause problems.
Fruit is not part of the natural diet of a cat even though many cats enjoy the coolness, taste, texture, and hydration. There is a natural sugar found in fruit, and too much can cause digestive or diabetic issues, obesity, or other long-term health problems… Feed a cat only small quantities of watermelon and not as a replacement for a meal.
As a side note, if you worry about your cat’s sugar intake, check the ingredients list on the packages and be sure that the cat treats do not have excess amounts of sugar as well as carbohydrates.
Watermelon Seeds and Rind
If you decide to try to feed your cat watermelon, you must make absolutely sure that all the seeds have been removed because they can present a choking hazard, an intestinal blocker, and are filled with cyanide that could cause poisoning in a cat’s small and delicate systems. As for the rind, the cat may gnaw on it, but it is too rubbery to eat, is hard to digest, and could cause gastrointestinal upset.
Fruits Cats Should Not Eat According to the ASPCA
- Any type of citrus because the citric acid may cause problems in the central nervous system as well as the other mentioned issues.
- Coconut or coconut oil can be one of the causes of an upset stomach in cats.
- Raisins, grapes, and currants are toxic to cats.
Vegetables as an Alternative and Healthy Snack
If you want to consider something other than the hydrating watermelon, there are excellent nutrients in vegetables when they are part of the cat’s balanced meals. However, not all cats will eat veggies.
The ASPCA reports that the following vegetables are NOT toxic to cats: celery, carrots, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, green bell peppers, peas, and pumpkin that often appears in cat food as tasty fiber. Watermelon is similar to pumpkin in fiber content, and both are quite safe for your cat to eat.
However, do not replace the important carnivorous nutrients in cat food that are properly formulated. Introduce vegetables sparingly.
When Is a Good Time To Give a Cat Watermelon?
A prime time is during the summer heat if your cat is somewhat dehydrated or constipated. Frozen watermelon on a stick will take more time to eat, but every minute will be enjoyed. It is soft and easy to eat, and it feels good in the mouth! If you like to put some salt on your portion, skip that for the cat because it is not good for them.
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