Alice White
Cats are naturally curious. It is not uncommon for them to sniff the fruit bowl on the kitchen table or the strawberry plant in the garden with interest. But are strawberries actually poisonous for cats or is the kitty allowed to nibble on the sweet fruits? You’ll find the answer here.
Are Strawberry Plants and Leaves Poisonous to Cats?
- Cats are naturally carnivores. Fruit, vegetables, and herbs should only make up a small part of the feed.
- Strawberries are not poisonous to cats and can be eaten in small quantities.
- Sweet fruits contain a lot of sugar and should only be fed rarely.
Can Cats Eat Strawberries?
Cats are known to be very picky when it comes to choosing their food and often instinctively avoid foods that are not tolerable for their velvet paws. Nevertheless, it can happen that the cat tries a piece of fruit or a sweet strawberry from the garden.
The house tigers are basically pure carnivores, but they also need important fiber and vitamins, which are contained in plant-based products. Strawberries are therefore not harmful to the kitties per se.
What Amounts of Strawberries Can Cats Tolerate?
If your cat is interested in sniffing, licking, or even tasting a strawberry, you can safely let them nibble on the sweet fruit. Individual strawberries are well tolerated by cats. However, you should not feed your cat large portions of fruit, as the digestive system is sensitive and this can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
In addition, strawberries contain a lot of sugar and are therefore not suitable for a balanced cat diet. Your cat’s staple food should always be meat because the domestic cat’s digestion is optimally matched to the consumption of meat.
What Else Should You Watch Out for with Strawberries for Cats?
If you want to feed your cat strawberries in between, be sure to pay attention to the quality. Only feed fruits that you would eat yourself: Wash the fruits thoroughly, remove the stalk and only feed completely ripe fruits. If your cat shows no interest in strawberries, just enjoy the sweet berries yourself and look for another tasty snack for your velvet paw.
