Can cats eat Strawberries?

We, humans, eat various kinds of foods. As warm weather comes, we like to have something refreshing such as watermelon, cantaloupe or strawberries.

Besides, strawberry is a great, tasty treat for us, and just like with any other tasty foods, we are often tempted to share some pieces from our delicious bites with our beloved cats. However, before we decide to do this, we have to know the clear answer to the question: Can cats eat strawberries?

You most probably know already that most cats are fastidious creatures, but sometimes they get very curious about what their owners are eating, and they wouldn’t mind experimenting with new types of foods. Therefore, it is very important to know which human foods are safe for them to consume and which ones they should stay away from.

In addition, cats’ bodies function differently than humans, and while we eat several foods safely and even get nutritional benefits, cats might have a problem with digesting them which can cause then several health issues.

So when it comes down to cats and strawberries, we should be well aware if it is safe for them to consume or it carries some dangerous or even life-threatening effects. This article will outline all the benefits and risks that strawberries can pose to cats and advise on the best ways to offer this tasty treat for a cat to enjoy.

Can cats eat Strawberries? – Only in moderation

If you are hesitating to feed your cat strawberries, I am very pleased to say: yes, you can. In moderation, cats can eat strawberries. According to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), this refreshing fruit is not toxic to cats. However, there are still some important things to consider when offering your cat this amazing treat.

So now that you know you can feed your cat strawberries, let’s have a closer look at the precautions you should take in order to do it in the safest way:

• First of all, remove the leaves and stems of the strawberry as they can cause several health issues like skin irritation, sneezing and eye problems.
• Always thoroughly wash and rinse the strawberries as they are usually sprayed with a lot of toxic chemicals.
• It is also recommended to cut the strawberries into small pieces to make your cat’s digestion easier and help to avoid any stomach troubles.
• If you are going to feed your cat strawberries for the first time, watch out for signs of allergy.
• Last, but not least moderation is key. Feed your cat only small amounts of strawberries at a time. Offer it only occasionally as a treat and don’t make it as a usual part of her daily diet.

Caution – important note: Although strawberries are great tasty treats for your feline companion, please do not make the mistake and confuse fresh strawberries with strawberry-flavored things. Nowadays, a lot of things are strawberry-flavored, be it yogurts, creams, chocolates, or syrups. Canned strawberries are also out of the question. All these foods have a high content of processed sugar which is absolutely not healthy for cats.

All in all, yes, your cat can eat fresh, washed and cut strawberries safely without having any health problems. Forget about strawberry-flavored foods and limit the amount she can have at a time and so it can be a great tasty treat for your pet cat.

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About cats and strawberries

Strawberry, a widely grown and well-known plant, is one of the most beloved fruits among people because of its amazing aroma, watery texture, and sweet taste.

It is not only consumed as fresh fruit but also can be eaten as dried in cereal bars or as flavoring in juices or chocolates. It is a very popular flavoring in dairy products as well such as in milk, yogurt, ice cream, smoothie or milkshake.

In addition to foods and beverages, artificial strawberry f