Strawberries are the favorite fruit of millions of people. Their sweet, juicy taste, rich aroma, and colorful, vibrant red presentation make anyone crave a couple. So it’s no wonder curious cats occasionally ask to try them – even cats crave them! But have you ever wondered if it is dangerous for them – can cats eat strawberries?
Strawberry is one of the most consumed fruits worldwide, with a production of more than 9 million tons per year, with China, the United States, Egypt, and Mexico as the primary producers. Besides being a delicious fruit we mix with many meals and desserts, it is widely used for its aromatic and characteristic scent and fragrance.
If we talk about properties, strawberries have plenty because, besides being composed almost entirely of water, they are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and anthocyanins, which help reduce cholesterol. The list does not end there because strawberries also help protect and prevent the body. For example, they serve as an excellent anti-inflammatory, fight constipation, their flavonoids and phenols maintain brain health and delay cellular aging, and are a great ally to reduce the risk of hypertension.
Sounds like the ideal snack for both you and your kitty, right? But before you give a bowl of strawberries to Miss Kitty, let me tell you that all these wonderful benefits are only for humans, meaning your cat doesn’t benefit from them even if she eats strawberries every day.
Are you confused? Don’t worry. Here you’ll find all the information you need to learn about strawberries as a cat snack, so you’ll know how to make the best decision before you start sharing fruit with your furry friend.
Can cats eat strawberries?
The quick answer is yes. Cats can eat strawberries because they are not toxic to their health. Now, if the question were, should a cat eat strawberries? The answer is no. In the same way, humans should not eat potato chips, which are of no benefit to us.
Cats’ bodies are very different from humans. Their tiny bodies cannot absorb all the vitamins that fruits such as strawberries have. Due to their wild and hunting nature, their digestive system is adapted to process only meat, and their bodies mostly require protein. That said, we understand that they don’t need fats, sugars, and all the vitamins that fruits like strawberries have.
When a cat eats a strawberry, all that happens is that it fills its stomach, so it could function as a snack but not as a nutritious one; it is simply a filler or a craving that we can help satisfy from time to time.
Is there a problem if my cat eats strawberries?
Although strawberries are not toxic for cats, the problem comes when we overfeed the cat or when we offer it foods with high caloric content, or in this case, high sugar content. Although the sugar content of strawberries is shallow, as the cat does not require it, it cannot transform it into energy, and it simply stays in its body, contributing little by little to the feared overweight.
To avoid problems of obesity and diabetes, it should be enough if you keep it down to one or two strawberries from time to time, along with a balanced diet and portions by your cat’s age and activity level.
Other problems that may result from the consumption of strawberries include the following:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Allergic reaction (itchiness, skin breakouts, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose)
- Abdominal pain
- Dental cavities
Most of the adverse reactions a cat may experience when eating strawberries are related to possible gastrointestinal discomfort. This reaction happens because the cat’s stomach can’t digest this food, making it difficult to process.
If your furry friend has any of these symptoms, you should always go to your veterinarian to check on your cat and get more information about it.
Healthy snack options
If you like to share food with your cat but are worried that it will harm or not benefit him, don’t worry. I will give you a list of options you can try with your little fur ball. Who said a delicious treat and taking care of your kitty’s health don’t go together?
- Cooked fish filled with omega-3 fatty acids. Remember to remove all the bones and never give raw fish to a cat.
- Cooked meat such as chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, and liver. Golden rule: remove skin and bones, and never serve it raw.
- Oats, brown rice, couscous, and corn are excellent sources of fiber.
- Cooked eggs, a cat’s favorite, and the best thing, you don’t have to season them.
- And preferably vegetables, rather than fruits, all rich in fiber and water: peas, carrots, steamed broccoli, spinach, zucchini, celery, cucumber, pumpkin, asparagus, and green bell peppers!
Can cats eat strawberries? Final words
Now that you know that cats can eat strawberries without any problem but that giving them this fruit too often is not advisable, I hope you will consider this the next time you share your snacks with your little feline friend.
And if you have any questions or comments about this topic, don’t hesitate to leave them in the space below; we will be happy to answer them! Has your cat ever tried strawberries? Tell us about your experience in the comments!