Can Cats Have Strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are a tasty and refreshing snack that we love to enjoy throughout the year. Many pet owners like to share their snacks with their pets. Dogs are known for enjoying strawberries, but if you’re a cat owner, you may be wondering can cats have strawberries.

So, can cats have strawberries?

Essentially, yes, cats can eat strawberries as the fruit isn’t poisonous to cats. However, even though strawberries are safe, it’s important to know if your cat receives any health benefits from the berries.

We’ll cover more about strawberries and cats in this post, including if there are any risks to cats eating the berries, as well as how to serve the fruit to your cat (see also ‘Can Cats Eat Lettuce?‘).

Cats Dietary Requirements

Cats are known as obligate carnivores, which means they do well on animal protein diets that are full of meat. 

They have digestive organs which are equipped to break down the acids, fats, and proteins within the meat. However, they are deficient in primary enzymes required for breaking down nutrients within plant-based products. 

Cats can manage between 0% and 2% of carbohydrates within their digestive system. This is equivalent to the amount of plant-based matter seen in the gastrointestinal tracts of little prey animals, like rats. 

Additionally, this amount of carbohydrates is only somewhat broken down. Giving your cats plant-based foods, like vegetables and fruits, has little nutritional advantages, as well as associated risks (see also ‘Can Cats Have Peaches?‘).  

Nutritious Benefits Of Strawberries

Strawberries have several noteworthy benefits for dogs and humans. They are full of fiber, potent antioxidants that can support immunity, and malic acid that may make teeth whiter. 

Strawberries are also a low-calorie food that’s packed with significant minerals and vitamins for proper health. These include Potassium, Magnesium, and Folate, as well as Vitamins A, C, and B6. 

These nutrients can do wonders for our nerves and sensory apparatus, but the same can’t be said for cats. 

The only benefit cats receive from strawberries is the fiber. Cats don’t have the enzymes needed to break down and retrieve plant nutrients. They also lack the taste receptors needed to taste sweet foods, so they won’t be able to enjoy the fruit as dogs or humans can. 

A lot of cats may want to try your food, even if they are used to their optimum diet. As strawberries aren’t poisonous, you can give your cat a tiny bit of a strawberry to try. 

Even though they aren’t toxic, remember that cats have particular dietary needs. They will do their best on cat food developed by qualified feline dieticians, as well as cat treats made with their nutritional requirements in mind. 

Most cats will stick their nose up at strawberries as they don’t have the necessary taste receptors, but your cat may be different! If your cat does seem to like strawberries, you will need to prepare them to avoid any health issues later. We’ll cover this in the following section. 

Preparing Strawberries For Your Cat

Always check with your cat’s veterinarian before giving them a bite of a strawberry, as they may have health problems related to consuming fruit and plant-based products.

After you have approval, always wash the strawberries thoroughly before giving them to your cat. This will remove any fertilizer or pesticides remaining on the fruit. Take off any leaves and stems, as your cat may choke on these later. 

Slice the strawberries into tiny pieces, roughly no bigger than your pet’s kibble. Offer your cat a piece and see if they respond. Remember that your cat may feel like eating berries one minute, but may decide against it the next. 

Fresh strawberries are safe for your cat, as long as you wash and prepare them well. However, you should never give your cat processed strawberry products, like strawberry yogurt, ice cream, syrup, and jam. These may contain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, a substance that can be fatal to your cat.

Dangers Linked To Cats Eating Strawberries

You should avoid giving your cat strawberries if they have diabetes or are overweight. Strawberries are high in sugar, an excess of which can increase your pet’s blood sugar, leading to severe health risks.  

Diabetes is one of these conditions. The cat may put on weight after eating a lot of food or treats. This is why you should always speak to your cat’s vet before giving them foods designed for human consumption. 

Here are some signs of diabetes to look out for:

• Urinating often
• Poor appetite
• Thirstiness
• Stomach problems
• Vomiting
• Unable to jump 

An excess of carbohydrates can also wreak havoc on your cat’s digestive organs. This can lead to constipation, abdominal cramps, poor appetite, and diarrhea. Remember to see your vet at once if your cat exhibits any of these symptoms.

New foods may also lead to allergic reactions in your cat. These symptoms may happen soon after ingesting the food, including:

• Wheezing/coughing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sneezing/runny nose
• Watery, itchy nose/and or eyes

Seek help from your vet whenever you notice these symptoms. Allergies may not be common, but it’s important to keep an eye out for these when giving your cat new foods. 

Final Thoughts

Yes, strawberries are safe for your cat, as long as you wash them thoroughly, remove any leaves and stalks, and only give them small pieces. 

However, cats do best on a protein-based diet. They don’t have the enzymes necessary to break down plant-based foods, or the taste receptors to enjoy the sweet flavors within the berries. 

Nevertheless, if your cat seems to be the exception, remember to check with your veterinarian and only give them small pieces. A good idea is to ensure 90% of your kitty’s diet is sourced from regular cat food, while the latter 10% may come from treats. 

If you exceed 10%, there is a risk of your cat developing serious conditions, like diabetes or obesity. If your cat already has one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid giving them strawberries, as the sugar content may make these conditions worse.

Overall, your cat should be fine if they eat a strawberry, but it’s best to stick to meat dishes and commercial treats instead of plant-based foods.