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Is Watermelon Safe for Cats?

 
Laura García Ortiz
By Laura García Ortiz, Veterinarian specialized in feline medicine. October 21, 2024
Is Watermelon Safe for Cats?
Cats

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Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit enjoyed by many, especially during the summer months. But if you're a cat owner, you may wonder whether this sweet treat is safe for your feline friend. While cats are obligate carnivores and don't require fruits in their diet, watermelon, when given in moderation, can be a safe and enjoyable snack for some cats. However, there are both benefits and risks to consider before sharing this fruit with your pet.

In this AnimalWised article, we will explore if watermelon is safe for cats, as well as the potential health benefits and risks involved.

You may also be interested in: Is Jicama Safe for Cats?
Contents
  1. Is it safe to give your cat watermelon?
  2. Benefits of watermelon for cats
  3. How to give watermelon to a cat?
  4. Why does my cat hate watermelon?
  5. Contraindications of watermelon in cats

Is it safe to give your cat watermelon?

Watermelon, scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus, is a fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Originally native to Africa, it is now cultivated worldwide. This fruit is composed of about 90% water, making it an excellent hydrating snack, and its bright red pulp owes its color to lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Inside, watermelon contains numerous seeds, which are often rich in vitamin E and can be enjoyed toasted. However, watermelon is relatively high in sugar, with nearly 8 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams, making it less suitable for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are adapted to a diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein.

Cats are primarily carnivores and obtain their essential nutrients from animal tissue. Their diet is rich in protein and fat, which provide the necessary amino acids for energy and overall health. Unlike humans, cats have minimal carbohydrate requirements and can thrive on a diet low in carbohydrates. Excessive carbohydrate intake can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes.

While cats can tolerate small amounts of watermelon as an occasional treat, it's not a necessity for their diet. Watermelon can offer hydration and additional vitamins and minerals. Remember, cats primarily rely on meat for their nutritional needs. Offering them a variety of protein-rich foods, such as canned or raw meat, will ensure they receive the essential nutrients they require.

Benefits of watermelon for cats

The primary benefit of watermelon for cats is hydration. As mentioned, watermelon is composed of about 90% water, so offering a few small pieces can help increase a cat's water intake.

This is particularly beneficial since cats often drink little water, a trait rooted in their evolutionary history. Adequate hydration is essential for cats, as it can help prevent common health issues such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and kidney disease.

Another significant advantage of watermelon is its high lycopene content, an antioxidant known for its potential to help prevent heart disease and support bone health. Additionally, watermelon is a source of dietary fiber, which can have a mild laxative effect, aiding in cases of constipation.

Watermelon also contains various vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for cats, including:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
  • Vitamin C
  • Copper
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Biotin
  • Magnesium

However, it's important to remember that cats are primarily carnivores and their diet should be based on meat. While watermelon can be a healthy treat occasionally, it should not replace a balanced and nutritious diet for cats.

If you're curious about keeping your cat hydrated, don’t miss our guide on encouraging your cat to drink more water.

How to give watermelon to a cat?

Yes, cats can eat watermelon, but it's important to know how and when to offer it to them.

Watermelon should not be given daily; instead, offering it once a week is a reasonable approach.

Ideally, you should cut the watermelon into small, seedless squares and remove the rind. The rind and seeds can be harmful to cats. The rind and seeds of watermelon can be harmful to cats due to their tough texture, bitter taste, and potential for causing digestive problems or allergic reactions.

You can place these pieces in their regular food bowl or use them as a treat. It's crucial to supervise your cat while they eat watermelon, as, although it’s a soft and moist fruit, there’s always a risk of choking, especially if they eat too quickly.

While allergies to watermelon are quite rare, some cats may still have adverse reactions, including diarrhea, if their digestive system doesn’t tolerate it well. Always introduce any new food slowly and in moderation to see how your cat reacts.

If you’re looking for a fun treat idea for your cat, check out our guide to simple, homemade snacks your feline will love.

Is Watermelon Safe for Cats? - How to give watermelon to a cat?

Why does my cat hate watermelon?

Some cats may reject watermelon because they lack the taste buds needed to perceive sweetness. As a result, they primarily experience the texture, moisture, and freshness of the fruit rather than its flavor, and not all cats enjoy the texture of watermelon.

If your cat is uninterested in eating watermelon, it's best not to force them. Instead, you can try offering another type of fruit. Remember that fruit is not a necessary component of a cat's diet; rather, it can serve as an occasional snack or treat. If your cat chooses not to eat watermelon, there’s no cause for concern, as they can remain properly nourished without it.

Are cats scared of watermelons?

Your cat's fear of watermelon could be due to a negative experience, such as a startling noise or feeling unwell after eating it. Their strong sense of smell and taste might also make the unfamiliar scent or flavor unsettling.

Additionally, their natural hunting instincts might perceive watermelon as a potential threat, triggering fear.

If your cat’s reaction to watermelons has you puzzled, you might find it interesting to explore why some cats are afraid of almost everything.

Contraindications of watermelon in cats

Watermelon can pose risks to cats if not offered correctly. While it can cause allergies or digestive issues, the primary concerns arise from the potential ingestion of the rind or seeds.

If a cat ingests the rind, they may experience difficulty digesting it, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. This is why it is so important to remove the rind before offering watermelon.

Regarding the seeds, while they do not contain cyanide in harmful amounts for cats, they can still pose a choking hazard or potentially lead to gastrointestinal blockages if ingested. To avoid any risks, it’s best to remove all seeds before giving watermelon to your cat.

Additionally, it is not advisable to offer watermelon to cats that are overweight, have diabetes, or suffer from diarrhea, as its sugar and fiber content could worsen these conditions.

If you want to read similar articles to Is Watermelon Safe for Cats?, we recommend you visit our Homemade diets category.

Bibliography
  • JD Rode. Handbook of veterinary toxicology. Available at: http://www.rednacionaldeveterinarias.com.uy/articulos/farmacologia%E2%80%8F/Manual_de_toxicolog_a_veterinaria.pdf
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Is Watermelon Safe for Cats?