Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

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Navigating which treats your cat can and can’t eat can be overwhelming whether you’re a veteran cat owner or just brought home your first feline friend. Watermelon is a popular summer treat, and it’s possible that your cat is interested in what you’re eating.

Or, maybe your cat got into some watermelon while you were turned the other way. Regardless of the situation, it’s good to know the facts about whether can cats eat watermelon and make sure that your cat is safe.

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Can Cats Eat Watermelon
 

If you’re new to owning your cat, you might be wondering: Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

In this article, we will explore some key information about whether cats can eat watermelon. So, next time you’re enjoying some juicy watermelon, you know exactly whether your cat can have some, too.

Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

Yes, since watermelon flesh is not toxic to your cat they are allowed to eat it in small amounts. It can be a juicy, sweet treat for them to enjoy in moderation, and infrequently.

That being said, you will want to make sure that any bite-sized piece of watermelon that you offer your cat has been prepared properly. This means that you have gotten rid of any seeds, and the watermelon flesh has been removed from the watermelon rind.

This comes down to the fact that both the rind and the seeds can pose a choking hazard to your cat, as well as cause digestive upset if you’re not mindful about removing them.

In rare cases, the watermelon rind can even cause a block in your cat’s digestive tract, so it’s important that you always remove it. Bearing this in mind, you will need to make sure that you remove the rind and seeds and cut up the watermelon into tiny pieces to make it easier for your pet to swallow and digest.

Is It Safe For Cats To Eat Watermelon?

Can Cats Eat Watermelon

Yes, it is generally considered safe for cats to eat watermelon flesh in small amounts on a special occasions.

That being said, cats can have very sensitive stomachs, and just because watermelon flesh is okay for many cats to eat doesn’t mean that it will agree with your cat. While watermelon is unlikely to cause problems provided that your cat only eats a small amount of it infrequently, it has the potential to cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea.

If your cat shows any signs of gastrointestinal upset, it’s best to stop feeding them watermelon.

You should also make sure that you monitor them closely and call your veterinarian if you’re worried about their symptoms worsening or not improving. 

Is Watermelon Good For Cats?

As watermelon isn’t toxic to cats, they won’t likely experience any negative effects from eating watermelon provided they are in good health. Watermelon can also give your cat a boost of hydration, making it a nice treat to have on a hot summer’s day every now and again.

A grey cat eating a bowl of cut up watermelon

The big exception when it comes to feeding your cat watermelon is whether they have health problems. For cats that already have pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, the carbohydrate, and sugar content of watermelon makes it an unnecessary and inappropriate treatment to give them. 

If your cat falls into this category, they should never eat watermelon. You need to prioritize their health above anything else, and there are snacks that are more suitable that also take their health condition in mind.

You will also need to be mindful of conditions such as obesity. Despite the fact watermelon is mostly water, it still contains naturally occurring sugars.

As a result, it shouldn’t be given to your cat on a regular basis, or ever become a treat that you prioritize over cat-specific treats.

As I’ve already mentioned, watermelon may not agree with every cat’s digestive system. Therefore, with all things considered, watermelon isn’t necessarily good for your cat. However, provided it’s given to them in moderation, it’s not really bad for them either.

How Should You Feed Your Cat Watermelon?

A grey cat sniffing a watermelon rind

If you’re interested in introducing watermelon to your cat’s diet, then make sure that you do so slowly. 

You should also stick to one new food at a time because if they experience any issues with watermelon, you will be able to determine what food is making them sick.

Lastly, if you do want to offer your cat watermelon, know that it should be an infrequent treat. Watermelon should never become a part of your cat’s daily diet.

So, even if they seem like they can’t get enough of it, be sure to keep their watermelon consumption to a minimum to ensure you’re taking care of their stomach as best as you can.

Why Do Cats Love Watermelon?

There are various reasons why your cat might enjoy eating watermelon. Perhaps they enjoy the sweetness of the fruit, the fact it’s juicy, or the consistency of watermelon. 

It could be as simple as they’re attracted to it because they’ve seen you enjoying it.

In Summary

Yes, your cat can eat watermelon in small amounts when it has been prepared properly.

We hope this article has been helpful. Make sure that you only give watermelon to your cat in moderation and cut the pieces up small to help them digest it.

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