Can Cats Have Watermelon? What you need to know?

The ultimate healthful and hydrating summer pleasure, at least for humans, is watermelon. The answer is yes if you’re wondering if your cat can eat watermelon. Cats are generally thought to be safe with watermelon. But before include the fruit in your cat’s diet, find out more about whether it’s actually a healthy treat for your feline and whether any safety measures need to be taken before you can give it to her.

Does feeding watermelon to cats have any nutritional advantages?

Does feeding watermelon to cats have any nutritional advantages

Cats have certain nutrient needs that must be supplied by their diet, and these needs are different from what we humans need in terms of nutrients. “Cats don’t have a minimal daily carbohydrate requirement, and watermelon is fairly high in carbohydrate content,” Theresa Entriken, DVM, a veterinary consultant based in Leawood, Kan. says. 

“As obligate carnivores, cats rely on nutrients found only in animal products. The simplest and most convenient way to meet the nutrient requirements of a cat,” the Clinical Nutrition Service at the University of Missouri Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service in Columbia, Mo. explains, “is to provide them with a complete and balanced commercial diet formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an individual with a PhD in animal nutrition.” 

This implies that as long as your cat is getting all the nutrients he requires from his diet, he won’t need treats like watermelon. Furthermore, when it comes to nutrition, more isn’t always better. In some instances, providing a cat with more nutrition than he requires can potentially lead to issues.  

Watermelon doesn’t contain any nutrients, so would it hurt my cat?

Watermelon doesn't contain any nutrients

There are certain precautions to take before feeding your cat watermelon, even though it is not thought to be dangerous to cats.

First off, cats in good health are thought to be safe around watermelon. Therefore, Entriken advises avoiding watermelon if your cat has a medical issue (such as diabetes), as simple carbohydrates like those contained in watermelon are readily absorbed and digested. 

Second,Bear in mind that each cat is unique. Their reactions to different foods can vary substantially depending on how well they tolerate them. “Cats must be considered individually,” the Clinical Nutrition Service explains, “as some cats may consume a particular food item with no issue and another cat may consume the same item and develop vomiting, diarrhea, or other adverse signs.”

Thirdly, Your cat should get most of his calories from diets that are specifically prepared to supply him with the nutrients he requires. Watermelon and other human foods should only be given in moderation and on occasion..  

How can I safely feed watermelon to my cat?

How can I safely feed watermelon to my cat

Taking into account the caveats above and feline nutritional needs, the following guidelines offer steps to safely feed watermelon to your cat:

  • Ask. Before introducing your cat any new human foods, even if they are commonly thought to be safe for pets, see your veterinarian.. 
  • Calculate. Calculating the right amount of watermelon for your cat to eat will require some math. Your cat shouldn’t consume more than 10% of its daily calories from treats, according to the Clinical Nutrition Service. For instance, if your cat consumes 250 calories per day, just 25 of those calories should come from treats. One cup of watermelon is thought to have roughly 45 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The daily food intake that cats require to maintain a healthy weight varies. Consult your veterinarian about creating a diet plan tailored to your cat. If you are unsure of how many calories he need or what weight is optimum for him.
  • Prepare. Before cutting a part of the watermelon into manageable pieces for your pet, thoroughly wash the fruit with water. The ideal bites are little, roughly the size of your cat’s kibble. To prevent stomach discomfort, keep in mind to remove the seeds. Additionally, you should avoid giving your cat the rind because it may be difficult for him to digest.
  • Monitor. According to the Clinical Nutrition Service, even healthy diets can cause unexpected side effects, so keep an eye out for your pet’s first signs of digestive distress (such as vomiting or diarrhoea) after trying a new food. A smart approach is to only introduce one new dish at a time. In this manner, you can more readily identify the cause of the issue if your cat does start to exhibit symptoms of disease. Contact your veterinarian if you believe your cat is reacting poorly to watermelon.. 

Can cats eat watermelon?

Just because your cat can enjoy a treat of watermelon doesn’t necessarily mean it should. The basic line is that nutrients should come first, just like with any reward. There’s no need to make an extra effort to convince your cat to eat watermelon. Because it isn’t a component of a comprehensive and balanced diet for cats. Entriken says “Most cats aren’t attracted to sweet-tasting foods, and would prefer chicken or fish to watermelon”. The best method to satisfy your cat’s cravings. Though, is to adhere to the mentioned above instructions if he is intrigued and meowing for a taste. 

If you’re unsure if your cat is getting the nutrients he needs from the food he eats on a daily basis, talk to your veterinarian about your concerns. They are prepared to help you choose solutions that are appropriate for your pet. And if you’ve observed that you keep asking the same questions to your vet, that’s on purpose. Open and sincere communication between you and your veterinarian is essential to maintaining your cat’s safety and wellness. No matter how unimportant it may seem, any topic is up for discussion.

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