Can Cats Eat Watermelon

Watermelons are widely known as a great summertime treat. It’s sweet, refreshing, and considered as nectar to give relief from the exhausting heat of summer. In fact, they are highly nutritious for our health and contain lots of healthy facts that work for our well-being. So, why not share a part of this great fruit for the benefit of your cat? That will be a great idea, isn’t it? Actually, things are quite different for cats. They are carnivores, and like the other pets, they can’t eat anything you provide them with. Before giving any new foods to them, you need to first find what role it’ll play in your cat’s digestive system. So, let’s see can cats eat watermelon or not!

Watermelon is not only delicious; it is filled with several types of healthy fats too. And since our cat is a part of our family, sharing this highly beneficial content is not a sin, isn’t it? I also appreciate this bonding of love. But that sensitive bowel system of your cat will stand against this bonding. So, let’s see what will happen if your cat is ingested with watermelon.

Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

Containing more than 90% of watermelon doesn’t have any toxic elements that can harm your cat. So, the answer to your question is yes; they can eat watermelon. You may have seen numerous videos on YouTube where cats are shown to be enjoying watermelons. They were eating the pieces of watermelons as if they were tuna or any of their favorite foods.

But watermelon shouldn’t give at a larger amount, to be honest. Cats are carnivores in nature. This means they live on meat and obtains the required amount of nutrition from meat. Their digestive system isn’t designed for fruits and vegetables. Therefore, watermelon is literally not a suitable option for them.

But what about the nutritional part of watermelon? Aren’t you thinking these? Okay, let’s have a brief discussion and distinguish between the advantages and disadvantages of watermelon.

The Nutrients of Watermelon

If you have a look at the nutritional part of the watermelon, you will notice these items:

• Potassium
• Vitamin B6
• Antioxidants
• Amino acids
• Vitamin A and C

All these things are undoubtedly beneficial for any kitty. It can work for the well-being of our beloved cat. So, if you consider these, you’re obviously providing your cat with lots of healthy facts. That’s great, isn’t it?
But hold on!

Watermelon is sweet, and the sweetness of this fruit is like a curse to the cats. Cats shouldn’t eat sweets by any means. As I have mentioned above, their bowel system isn’t actually designed to tolerate the sweetness.

If your cat is suffering from a diabetic issue, you must keep the watermelon 1 mile away from your cat. However, some healthy cats can eat watermelon and enjoy the goodness of it. But make sure not to give them as much as they want. This is because too much watermelon can trigger certain health issues in them. Beware!

So, if you have got a healthy cat, you can give her a bite of watermelon or two-bite max. You can also use watermelon as a healthy treat for them. But no matters what you do, just make sure not to replace their regular meal with the watermelon or use it too often. If you do so, the consequences are discussed above.

What About the Water Factor?

Well, cats are not like a human. And like us, they don’t feel the strong sense of being dehydrated. That’s why their water intake is below normal. You may have noticed they usually drink a fewer amount of water daily if you are providing them with dry cat food. In fact, some cats can survive in the driest weather.

Watermelon is indeed a great source of water, but that large amount of water is literally useless for the cats. Honestly, this larger amount of water is no use for them in some angles.
However, giving a smaller bite of this great tasting food will boost their water intake. But make sure not to use an overdose, and the larger quantity of water in the watermelon can do that without letting you know. That’s why I would rather suggest sticking with the freshwater supplies that come from the pet fountains. Those items look outstanding and will provide your cat with the required amount of water whenever they need it.

The Antioxidants of Watermelon, Are They Useful to the Cats?

All living beings on this planet need antioxidants; cats are not an exception to it. They also need several types of antioxidants. If you pay attention to the detoxing properties of watermelon, you will find lycopene, water, and vitamin C. All of these are essential and takes part in the well-being of our furball.

Congratulations! The antioxidants of watermelon are useful for your cats, finally. But do you know some foods are more beneficial for the cats because of having a significant amount of antioxidants? Berries are considered as nectar for the cats for delivering the required amount of antioxidants to the cats. So, bring some berries like blueberries and cranberries instead of watermelon. They are ideal can fulfill the requirements of antioxidants in their body.

The Seeds

This is the poisonous factor of watermelon. We all know how it feels when we suddenly chew the seeds. That’s literally awkward! They hard to chew and not tastes good at all. Besides, it also creates a great obstacle in our digestion.

Well, somehow, they don’t cause a great problem. At the end of the day, our stomachs manage to digest them. But the case is worst for the cat. They are more vulnerable to cats and can lead them to death.
Yes, you have heard that right. These seeds contain cyanide. Cyanide is poisonous for cats, no matters what breed and what ages of cat you have. So, make sure to extract the seeds before giving any piece of watermelon.

Above all, the seeds of watermelon cause indigestion and trigger several digestive issues in your cat. They can also make your cat choke and even block the intestines. Therefore, pay proper attention to your cat so that they don’t eat the seeds by any means.

If they somehow eat the seeds, do not wait to see the consequences. Call your vet as early as possible.

Can You Give Watermelon to Your Cat?

Honestly, after knowing about the bad sides of watermelon on our kitty’s health, I would never let them eat the watermelon. Although they are nutritious and have lots of healthy fats, you can’t ignore their bad sides too. In fact, there is numerous substitute for watermelon, and they are way more nutritious for the cats. So, if you are looking for the best occasional food for your cat, you should select the foods that are completely safe for your cat’s health.

On the other hand, if you are using one of the best cat foods, you won’t have to depend on the nutrition of watermelon. Those foods are designed to deliver the right amount of nutrition without triggering any types of health issues. So, it will be better if you continue using the regular cat food from a premium brand.

Conclusion

“Can cats eat watermelon?” The answer is yes, they can, but only a small seed-less bite. Hopefully, you have understood the facts. Let me know if you are confused about anything.