Updated: September 14, 2023 by CanCat Eat
Today’s question is “Can cats eat watermelon or can cats have watermelon“. As pet lovers, our cats are very picky eaters. A normal indoor cat takes most of the time sleeping. But, They follow their regular diet. And, There is some cat who like to try new food given by their owner. That means some cats will try to eat whatever they provide them.
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Can Cats Eat Watermelon
Cats normally spend their life eating other animal meat. But, there are some cats who love to eat watermelons. Not only cats, but even dogs, and other animals also love to eat them. There is no surprise, as we know watermelon can rehydrate. They are rich in water content. here is a video of cats eating watermelon.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon
The good news is yes. Cats can eat watermelon. Watermelon is very safe for cats to eat. Even, watermelon provides a health benefit to our feline friends by supplying them with water content. Melons like cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon fruits are safe to eat. You may have heard some cats love to eat watermelon.
Heath Benefit
If you have noticed your cat normally doesn’t eat much water. Cats normally do not drink too much water. Because the cat evolved from being desert-dwelling creatures. This is why you do not find them drinking too much and that is how they adapted to it.
Because cats do not drink much water, this can cause health problems. Some Cats don’t drink enough water. They may suffer from dehydration. This can also lead to kidney disease and even lower urinary tract infections.
https://www.lapetite.com/parent-resource-center/blog/2017/06/5-fun-facts-about-watermelons-for-national-watermelon-month/
You could allow your cat to eat watermelon is a smart way to increase her water intake. If this does not work then buying a water fountain or use a water faucet. Watermelon is a good source of Vitamins A and Vitamin C as well as dietary fiber. This can also help in good digestive function in our feline friends.
What Nutrition Watermelon Contains?
Watermelon has around 20 calories per 100 grams, making it a low-calorie fruit. Watermelon is a delicious fruit like popcorn and pumpkin. It provides refreshment and this tropical fruit is made up of water and sugar. This big and round fruit is rich in lycopene. As per recent research, Lycopene is beneficial for bone health. As well as They are also beneficial for cardiovascular or heart diseases. Here is the list of the nutrients found in watermelons:
- Carotenoid lycopene
- Phenolic antioxidants
- Pantothenic acid
- Copper
- Biotin
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin A in the form of carotenoids
- Vitamin B1
This fruit is low in minerals such as potassium and magnesium. This fruit is rich in Vitamins A and C. If you don’t know yet, ripe watermelon with a reddish color is e more nutritious, compared to an unripe one. They are known to be white-colored.
We have discussed the nutritional benefits found in watermelons. And, we also found this fruit very tasty. Let’s see the health benefits of watermelon for cats. Watermelon normally comes out on summer days similar to shrimp and mangoes. And with a good explanation, It is watery and sweet, which means it can help with overheating summer days.
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Watermelons are low in calories
Cats are natural-born hunters. They normally feed on other animal meat which is high in protein. The protein comprises amino acids. And, They are significant in the growth and maintenance of the body. The sugar contained in the watermelon is natural. Furthermore, cats are crab blind. They also can’t taste sweet. And, low-calorie fruit like watermelon is good for both cats and humans and is important to keep a healthy diet.
Watermelons are a good source of Water
This is a healthy fruit and a good source of water. So, cats love them. Human uses water in all the organs, cells, and tissues to help stabilize our temperature. Even if it needs water to maintain our supplementary bodily functions through breathing, sweating, and even digestion, our body loses water.
And, it is important to keep ourselves hydrated. So, water contains fruit like watermelons. is one of the good choices for us as well as for our feline friends.
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They are Health For us
Because cats do not drink much water, this can cause health problems. They may suffer from dehydration. According to Pet Food Sherpa this can also lead to kidney disease and even lower urinary tract infections.
Fruit like watermelon contains dietary fiber and many vital nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium. Dietary fiber from these fruits could benefit the body by decreasing blood cholesterol levels. This may lead to a lower risk of heart problems. If you love to travel a lot and love to take your cat with you. Then, you should use a Cat Backpack.
But, now the question is if all these benefits affect our feline friend.
Do Cats Really Need Watermelon
The good thing is watermelons is safe for cats. And how it also offers nutritional benefits for your loving feline friend. But, the worst thing to note down, that the rind and the seeds of watermelon must be removed before the cat can actually eat it. But overall, the seasoned fruit is beneficial for cats, and there is no doubt about it.
1. Watermelon contains 90% water. That means your cat will be hydrated if they eat them.
2. This fruit has sufficient dietary fibers that also help the cat’s digestive system.
3. Watermelon contains Vitamin A and Vitamin C which can also be beneficial for your feline friend. Because they also need vitamins to maintain a well-balanced diet.
But, cats are known as carnivorous animals. You should always keep in mind that their diet must include meat and quality cat food.
And it is safe to assume that in some ways, watermelons have some health benefits for your furry friend as well.
How Watermelons Affect Cats
Let’s find out, how good and bad are watermelons for our cats.
The Good Is
As we have discussed earlier, watermelon is a great source of Vitamins A and C, These are also very important nutrients for the body. Other than that, it provides a good water supply. So, watermelons actually affect your furry cat’s health in a positive way.
And, The Bad
You may want to avoid feeding your indoor cat with watermelons. if they suffer from diabetes. Why should we avoid them if they have diabetes? Aside from being a good source of water, watermelons are also high in sugar. It is always important to note that there are vitamins and minerals found in this tropical fruit with sugar.
But, not all the vitamins and minerals will directly benefit your cat in comparison to other food as they are carnivorous animals. Cats still need to drink water to survive and watermelons have a mouthful of water.
And, the most important thing, watermelons are good for cats. But, do not turn them into your cat’s main source of food. But They rather consider it as delightful treats.
Can Cats Eat Watermelons seed? No, You should Remove it
The content of Watermelon is very safe for your cat to consume. But, the seeds are not to be eaten by your furry friend. But, Why?
Watermelon seeds have a substance that could be risky for your cat, such as cyanide. If she bites the seeds may cause the release of toxins that are harmful to your feline friend. It can also cause her to start vomiting. And some cases even get sick with diarrhea.
While there’s some chance that the seed may simply pass through her when the cat poops. But, there is also the risk. Therefore, it may cause internal damage. The seed could get stuck in the cat’s throat when they eat the watermelon seeds.
The Seeds And Rind Of Watermelon Can Be Very Harmful To Cats
When we think about eating watermelon. We normally remove the seeds. But, we do not usually eat its rinds.
The rind is the green hard shell of the watermelon. The seeds are found inside the fruit and scattered all over the red juicy fruit. As we humans always avoid them eating, So, we should also do the same for our lovable cat.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon Rind
The rinds of this summer fruit can be beneficial for humans. And it helps to stimulate better. It also promotes a healthier heart. Even also suggests a better performance in bed. However, these benefits do not concern your cat’s health. At least, it does more harm than good.
The rind of the fruit can be hard for your cat to digest. It is better to be on the safe side than to see your cat sick. So, just remove them before they cause problems such as gastrointestinal upset to your sweet feline friend.
Removing the watermelon seeds is very important
The seeds found in the watermelon must also be removed before feeding the watermelon to your cat. The primary reason for removing seeds is to avoid the possibility of an upset stomach for your cat.
1. It may result in intestinal blockage in cats.
2. The seeds of watermelon contain harmful compounds such as cyanide also known as cyanogenic glycosides.
3. If your cat digests the seeds may result in cyanide-based poisoning.
And even though it could actually take quite a massive amount of seeds before it can cause serious harm to you. cat. It is still highly advisable to be on the safe side at all times. Especially if it is your cat’s first time she is trying anything new like watermelons.
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Symptoms Of Watermelon Allergies And Toxicity In Cats
Sometimes if you are giving new food to your cat could lead to an allergic reaction.
As cat owners, It is wise to feed your furry feline friend with a small amount first. Especially if she is eating it for the first time. You should also examine your cat if she is eating it the first time
This is to avoid the following:
1. Vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Indigestion
4. Poisoning
5. Intestinal blockage
6. Choking
7. Internal damage
And, if these symptoms will continue. Then, you should stop feeding watermelons to your cat. Because clearly then, this fruit is not compatible or comfortable with your cat.
How frequently should you give watermelon?
Even though, we already know that watermelon is safe for cats to consume. It doesn’t mean that we should add it as part of your cat’s diet. It should only be considered an occasional treat. And, cats must only consume it in small amounts, but not every day.
After all, cats are carnivorous animals. They need to eat a lot of meat and protein in their diet. Of course, a fruit like a watermelon can’t provide their dietary need.
According to Experts, a treat like watermelons should not make up more than more10 percent of a cat’s diet. The remaining Rest of percent should be a portion of high-quality cat food.
Remember, If you give too much plant matter like watermelons in large amounts every day can upset your cat’s stomach.
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What to do if your cat vomits after eating too many watermelons
But, what you should do if your cat vomits after eating too many watermelons at a time?
The vet will normally advise stopping giving the cat food and water, until after the cat has stopped vomiting. Once she stops vomiting. Then you could introduce water slowly into your cat. Then give her a normal bland diet such as boiled potatoes with some rice.
Precaution Before Feeding Watermelons To Cats
You find out that your cat sniffing a watermelon and trying to lick a piece of it. What you should do then, let her explore the fruit?
It’s okay for your feline friend to do so. They are curious animals. They normally sniff things before they eat anything. If they like it then they will start licking it. if they start licking it that means she likes Watermelons. But, you should keep in mind some of these tips when feeding your cat with this summer fruit:
1. You should remove the rind and rind of this fruit. Cats may find the juicy rind fun to chew on. But it could be difficult to digest for them.
2. Good thing to know don’t give your cat watermelon if she has diabetes. Diabetic cats should maintain a low-sugar diet.
3. If your cat is attracted to the color of the watermelon. You could find a toy like that on Amazon.
Why Do Cats Like Watermelon
With all these benefits watermelon is a good human food for cats. But, we recommend only to give as a treat to cats. You may have seen or heard some cats love to eat watermelon. But, why Watermelons? Why do cats love to eat watermelon. Ever some cats like to play with watermelon?
1. Watermelon is a summer fruit that has over 90% water content. So, it could play a big role in rehydrating your cat.
2. Recent studies show cats (and other carnivores like them) can’t taste sweet because they are lacking sweet sensors. The researcher suggests they lost their ability to detect sugars. They are crab blind.
3. Some cats love to play with watermelons. They love the shape, color, and texture of this juicy fruit. Some even go crazy over watermelon. You should check the video.
Can Cats Eat Melon
Yes, cats can eat melon. Some cats love to play with melons like watermelons, and cantaloupes. You can give your cat melon as a treat every now and then. If you find cats eating watermelon, then you do not have to worry too much. But, if you are still in doubt. Then you should take advice from a vet.
Can Cats Eat Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melon is well known for its taste. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals. It will be a great treat for your cat. You can serve honeydew to your cat occasionally sometimes. But, keep the serving amount minimum.
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Conclusion
Watermelon is one of the many human foods that are safe for cats as well and she loves and enjoys it. They are high content in water and should rehydrate your cat.
But this doesn’t mean that you should only feed your cat with watermelons every day. This popular summer fruit must also be used as an occasional treat. But, it is not part of a feline’s daily diet.
If you want to give your cat a watermelon, then first you should remove the seeds and the rind from it. Only the juicy center part must be given to her. Hope, you have got your answer on “can cats eat watermelon” from this article.
Kitty with a Watermelon Addiction
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