Are you curious whether your cat could enjoy nibbling a piece of the fruit you’re enjoying? Perhaps they can. Cats are carnivorous animals, meaning their diet should consist primarily of meat; however, certain fruits are permissible from time to time.
If you are contemplating offering some fruit as a treat to your cat, there are a few things you must keep in mind.
Cats do not possess the ability to detect sweetness1, so may not enjoy the taste or texture of fruits. Most fruits contain too much sugar for cats’ nutritional needs and could contribute to weight gain and lead to health concerns like diabetes2.2
Before adding new foods to your cat’s diet, always consult with their veterinarian first in order to make sure it is safe and suitable. Introduce new food gradually in small portions to monitor reactions from your cat; any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions (e.g. vomiting or diarrhea) should prompt you to discontinue feeding it and seek professional advice immediately.
Fruit should not make up a significant part of your cat’s diet, so only give small portions as occasional treats. As a rule of thumb, treats should not account for more than 10 percent of daily calorie consumption and fruit should comprise even less of their treat allowance. If you have any queries about adding new food items into their diet plan, be sure to speak to a veterinarian who can offer tailored advice and assistance.