Packed with a generous amount of vitamin C and decent amounts of copper, potassium, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6, watermelons are healthy for humans and some animals.
But, can our feline friends eat watermelon too? The answer is yes. Cats can eat watermelon. However, you need to be cautious when preparing and serving watermelon to your cat. Here, we discuss all essential information you ought to know about watermelon, whether it is safe for cats to eat, and the best ways to serve your feline companion this summer fruit.
Is Watermelon Healthy for Cats?
Watermelon is packed with several essential nutrients and vitamins that benefit our overall health. It has low calories and is rich in dietary fiber. Watermelon is also made up of 92% water, making it an excellent hydrating and refreshing fruit on hot summer days. But, cats have different nutritional requirements than humans.
Unlike humans, cats are obligate carnivores. They need a higher protein diet and must feed accordingly. Watermelon is high in carbohydrates, and our furry friends have no essential need for dietary carbohydrates.
While watermelon can be an exceptional way for cats to take water, there is no need to feed them watermelon as long as you maintain a balanced, nutritional diet. Feeding cats with too much watermelon can lead to adverse health conditions like constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Is Watermelon Poisonous to Cats?
Watermelon is not poisonous to cats – at least when fed in moderation. However, since it’s delicious, you might end up feeding your cat too much watermelon. Remember, fruit isn’t an essential part of a cat’s natural diet, and its high sugar levels, 6 grams of sugar per every 100 grams of water, can lead to health issues like diabetes, diarrhea, and vomiting. It’s advisable to avoid feeding large watermelon quantities to your cat, especially as a meal replacement.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Cats should never eat watermelon seeds. Watermelon seeds contain cyanide, which can be detrimental when ingested by cats. Cats have small and delicate digestive systems that make them more susceptible to the toxins contained in watermelon seeds. The seeds can also choke cats, especially tiny kittens, so ensure you remove all the seeds before feeding them watermelon.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon Rind?
Nutritional benefits of watermelon to cats lie on the flesh and not in the rind. The rind of the watermelon is hard and cannot be easily digested by cats. Feeding your cat the rind of watermelon can lead to gastrointestinal problems like constipation, intestinal blockages and can cause choking. It’s, therefore, best to remove the rind before feeding your cat watermelon.
What Are the Best Ways to Serve Watermelon to Cats?
While cats can eat watermelon, moderation is key. Watermelons have high sugar contents that can throw the cat’s digestive system into a loop since they aren’t designed to process sugars effectively. You can either give them small watermelon slices as a snack or mix them with their regular food.
Remove the rind and seeds before serving, as they can both have detrimental health effects on your feline buddy. You can also puree watermelon and add it to your cat’s food as a healthy and refreshing treat. As long as you feed your cat watermelon in moderation, it can be a delicious and healthy summer snack for them.
Wrap Up
Feeding your cat a watermelon is safe as long as you avoid the seeds and rind. However, since your cat doesn’t have a sweet tooth as humans do, it’s best to give them small portions of watermelon as an occasional treat instead of serving it as a meal replacement. Watermelon can also be a delicious and refreshing way to keep your cat hydrated. As long as you maintain a balanced diet, and feed it in moderation, it poses no threat to their health.