Cats are curious by nature. They can’t seem to control that instinct to know what is going on or what is that curious object they can’t stop seeing, and let’s not start with that delicious smell that kills them with curiosity. Whatever the reason you have to share your food with your cat, surely you have wondered, is this food toxic for my poor cat? And because we don’t want you to panic, today we will help you solve at least part of that doubt. That is why in this interesting article, we are going to talk about raspberries. Can cats eat raspberries, or are they toxic for them? Let’s find out.
All cat parents know that most of the time, it is impossible to sit down to eat without their little furry bundle of joy prowling, meowing, and demanding a piece of their tasty food. Many are such good actors that they seem to stage dramatic scenes in which they pretend they haven’t eaten for days.
That’s why no one finds it strange if, occasionally, a cat eats a piece of human food, either because it has managed to steal it or because you like to share it with your little friend, or perhaps because you’ve decided to share it to have a quiet supper.
Can cats eat raspberries? Before we start
You’ve probably read this in many places, and there will be no exception, cats are obligate carnivores. We emphasize this because the cat’s digestive system is adapted to only process meat. Any other food can be very heavy or impossible to digest and not provide any nutritional benefit.
Most of the foods we eat, for example, an apple, provide us with fiber and vitamins, while for the cat, it would only be a filler, something like the equivalent of eating a donut, tastes great but is not beneficial.
Considering the above, cats should not eat any fruit, including raspberries, although this does not mean all fruits are toxic. We can share many fruits and vegetables with our cats without fear of them being dangerous for your cat. The only thing we must remember is that we can give them as a snack from time to time, but never as food or a complement to their essential meat-based diet.
A little about raspberries
The raspberry is a small edible red fruit, very popular all over the world. We can consume raspberries alone, frozen, in juice, pure, dried fruit, or even in pie filling. Currently, more than nine hundred thousand tons of fruit are produced yearly, with Russia being the largest producer, followed by Mexico, Poland, and Serbia.
These tiny fruits mainly comprise water, representing 86%, 12% carbohydrates, and only 1% proteins. They are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and manganese.
OK. Can cats eat raspberries?
While raspberries bring incredible benefits to humans, such as improving heart health, helping treat diabetes, or boosting immunity, unfortunately, it’s a different story for our furry cats. Every organism is unique, and cats’ bodies don’t absorb these nutrients, and that’s because everything a cat needs is taken from meat-based foods, such as their kibble or wet food.
Luckily, raspberries are one of those fruits that cats can eat without risk of poisoning or significant complications. So if your cat steals a raspberry from you one day, don’t worry; you don’t have to rush to the vet. Cats love raspberries because they love their flavor, look appealing to the eye, and have a fresh aroma. After all, it is a fruit of moderate sweetness. Cats generally don’t like sweet foods.
How to give a raspberry to a cat?
If you want to share this fruit with your cat, you can give him the whole piece without fear of choking, as its soft texture will help him to chew it without problems. You can give him the fruit as it is, although they also love it frozen because then it becomes a yummy and fun challenge, perfect for hot summers.
As with any treat, raspberries should not be given in excess or daily. You can occasionally give him 2 or 3 raspberries as a snack or incentive, but never more than that because although they don’t harm him, you must remember that his stomach is not prepared to digest them, and less in large quantities.
Possible side effects
Although they are not toxic for your little fur ball, raspberries may cause discomfort. Perhaps his stomach is not used to this type of fruit, or he overate. Whatever the case, it is always advisable to visit a veterinarian to prevent any significant problems.
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- Upset stomach
- Abdominal Pain
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Foul-smelling stool
Other fruits a cat can eat
- Watermelon
- Melon
- Peeled apple
- Pear
- Strawberries
- Banana
Can cats eat raspberries? The bottom line
There you have it, raspberries are not toxic for your cat and won’t kill him if he eats them, but that doesn’t mean you should give him as many as he wants. Remember to only give him 1 or 2 as an occasional treat, never as a meal replacement. And if you notice any side effects, take him to the vet immediately.
Do you have a cat that loves raspberries? Let us know in the comments!