During the hot and humid months, watermelon is a staple snack that people reach for to help them stay cool and refreshed.
A few years ago, a clowder of cats in Japan went viral after video footage of them posing in watermelon hats hit YouTube. Naturally, this all leads to the question of, can cats eat watermelon?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat watermelon so long as you follow some safety guidelines. And as always, you must consult your vet before sharing any human foods with your cat.
So with National Watermelon Day coming up on August 3rd, here’s all you need to know about sharing a tasty, fruity treat with your feline friend.
Is Watermelon Safe For Cats?
Good news first: Yep, watermelon is widely considered to be a safe food for cats. The fruit isn’t just safe — it also offers certain key health benefits to felines.
Most importantly, it’s high in water content. Cats, notoriously, are not great at drinking enough water, especially during heatwaves, so any way to sneak a little more liquid into their diet should be welcomed.
Beyond the fruit’s water benefits, it’s also very high in fiber, so snacking on a slice can help keep your kitty regular.
Although, it should be noted that if your cat has any particular eating issues or disorders — or suffers from diabetes — then you should consult your vet before ever feeding your cat watermelon.
How Should You Feed Watermelon To Cats?
While watermelon is safe for cats, there are a couple of precautions to take if you’re going to try feeding it to your feline.
First of all, remove the seeds. Not only could your cat choke one one, but there is a chance they could release some icky toxins that might lead to vomiting. And no one likes seeing a puking cat.
Secondly, it’s best to remove the rind. This is simply because it can be trickier for a cat to digest.
So, Can Cats Eat Watermelon?
Undoubtedly, yes, cats can eat watermelon.
But as ever, limit the amount of human food given to a cat, keep the snack session supervised, and make sure there are absolutely no seeds in the fruit. Enjoy!
Does your cat love to scarf down some watermelon during the summer months? Are you going to share some yummy fruits with your furry friend on National Watermelon Day? Let us know in the comments below!
