Cantaloupe – Yay or Nay for your cat? Discover the answer to “Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe?” and other important questions with us in this article.
We love our summer fruits, especially cantaloupe – a delicious two-in-one combo of hydration and taste. If you are one from the clan and have thought – Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe while enjoying it, then think twice before sharing the fruit with your feline friend. Why? Let’s find out!
Can Cats Eat Raspberries? Find out here
What Is Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is a popular, orange-fleshed summer fruit that probably originated in Asia and Africa. It is rich in water, along with some carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Globally, China is among the top producers of cantaloupes.
Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is a refreshing fruit, and its low-sugar content makes it a healthy option for diabetes patients. Additionally, the seeds serve as a dried, healthy snack.
Cats are quite popular in seeking out food in the kitchen and giving it a lick or two. You might know this if you are a cat parent!
So, can Cats Eat Cantaloupe? Well, cats have been attracted to cantaloupes because of their smell – the amino acids in the fruit attracts them, even if they can not taste the original flavor; whether it is safe for them actually to eat the fruit is debatable.
Cantaloupes are harmless for cats and provide additional fibers and vitamins for an improved digestive system. As always, moderation is the key.
Is Cantaloupe Toxic For Cats?
The good news is – Cantaloupes are non-toxic for cats. Humans and felines can benefit from the cantaloupes’ water, dietary fiber, vitamins, and low-calorie content.
The sugar in cantaloupe is not suitable for feline consumption in large quantities.
Note: Cantaloupe seeds and rind are toxic for cats.
Does Cantaloupe Contain Any Nutritional Value for Cats?
Since cats are obligate carnivores by nature, they neither require fruits in their diet nor have the digestive mechanism to absorb them if consumed.
If ingested in moderate quantities, cantaloupes are rich in water and vitamins A and C, which can help cats maintain a sound digestive system, slow aging, and prevent dehydration and constipation.
How To Feed Cantaloupes To Cats?
It is well known that cats can not taste anything sweet in their mouth. Hence, it might be possible that your pet entirely rejects cantaloupe.
However, if it likes to gorge on, wash the fruit thoroughly, remove the rind and seeds, and cut it into small pieces before serving it to your pet. The ideal size may vary per the cat’s size, but one or two-inch thick pieces will suffice once every few weeks.
Can Cats Eat Cantaloupes? A Few Concerns.
- If given in moderation, cantaloupe can work like a medicine for cats with digestive and hydration issues.
- Remember to stay moderate, though, since it can also cause trouble if given in excessive quantities to cats.
- As safe as the sugar content in cantaloupe is for humans, it is super high from a feline point-of-view. So, it is not a good idea to feed lots of cantaloupe to a cat since it may result in weight gain and diabetes.
Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe Rind?
The rind of all melons is a strict no-no for cats. The hard and fibrous shell can cause choking and trouble the digestive system of cats. Always separate the rind from the flesh before feeding a cantaloupe to cats.
Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe Seeds
Although cantaloupe seeds are non-toxic, avoid feeding them to your kitty since the hard seeds may result in a choking hazard.
Can Cats Drink Cantaloupe Juice?
Cantaloupe juice, without additives like sugar or preservatives, can be fed to a cat occasionally. The amount of juice can vary from cat to cat due to its size and preference. The best is to give cats 50-60ml of it, once in 10-14 days.
Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe? Something Important!
- Keep control of the cantaloupe situation, even if your kitten seems never to get enough of it.
- If your pet shows symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal issues after eating cantaloupe, consider it a sign and consult a doctor.
Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe? Quick Takeaways!
- Cantaloupes are non-toxic to cats but should be given occasionally in moderation as a snack.
- Overdose of cantaloupe can harm a cat’s digestive system and may lead to vomiting, weight gain, and diarrhea.
- On the other hand, it can help a feline with hydration and constipation problems.
- Refrain from replacing the cat’s meal with cantaloupe since it derives no significant nutrition from it.
- Keep your pet away from cantaloupe seeds and rind, as they might result in a choking hazard.
