Can cats eat cranberries? You might have found yourself popping a few cranberries into your mouth, especially during the holiday season, and wondered whether you can share those berries with your cat. If humans can eat cranberries, can cats safely eat them too?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat cranberries. Although, as is often the case with human foods and felines, there are some big exceptions and sensible precautions you should definitely take.
As always, you must ask your veterinarian before sharing human foods with your cat. Here’s what you need to know about cranberries and cats.
How Are Cranberries Good For Cats?
Cranberries are packed with vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain a number of essential minerals including iron, copper, and magnesium.
Better yet, some studies claim that cranberries can help both humans and pets if they happen to be suffering from a urinary tract infection. This is because the cranberries are thought to turn the urine more acidic. That, in turn, makes it less likely that bacteria can prosper in the environment.
Although, while many people claim that cranberries can help out with urinary tract infections, other medical studies don’t support that claim. Some even suggest that the high level of oxalate in cranberries can actually aggravate some cats and lead to different bladder issues.
So if you’ve been considering adding cranberries to your feline’s diet, whether fresh, juiced, or in supplement form, you should definitely consult your regular vet beforehand.
How Can I Safely Give Cranberries To My Cat?
Cranberries are not toxic to cats. That said, you must ask your veterinarian if they are appropriate for your individual pet. After you get the okay from your vet, you can try giving your cat a taste of cranberries.
First of all, make sure that the cranberries you are serving to your cat are nothing but cranberry. Commercially bought cranberry juice often contains additional sugar, and dried cranberries may also include extra ingredients beyond the fruit.
If you think that adding cranberries to your cat’s mealtimes can help, definitely ask your vet about the best form of cranberries to feed to your cat along with the exact dosage.
Have you ever fed cranberries to your cat? Did your cat like them? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
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