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Top 10 Fruits Cats Can Eat

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Updated:  August 17th, 2022 Published:  November 21st, 2019

Are there any fruits that cats can safely eat? Yes, there are, but it’s always best to feed these treats in moderation.


Even though cats are obligate carnivores, there are certain fruits that can be added to their diet, or even given in small amounts as a snack every now and then. And these fruits may provide additional nutrients and fiber to help support a pet’s overall health. But, because some foods for humans aren’t appropriate for kitties, knowing which fruits are safe is key.


Also, when it comes to feeding your cat, you want to be sure that you are always providing the highest quality foods that are species-appropriate. When in doubt, consulting with a veterinarian or feline nutritionist for some guidance and tips is a smart move. That way, you can be sure you are giving your unique kitty the right types of foods and the appropriate balance of nutrients for her overall wellness.  


Below is a list of 10 fruits, in no particular order, that cats can eat. But, again, talk to your vet first if you have any questions or concerns regarding adding any fruits to your pet’s diet. That way, you can be sure you’re doing it correctly and safely. 


Related: Can Cats Eat Bananas?


1 - Blueberries


Blueberries aren’t only good for people, they can be a nutritious treat for kitties too. Just be sure to thoroughly wash these berries to remove pesticide residues and dirt—or, better yet, purchase organic blueberries to avoid pesticides as much as possible. To entice your kitty to eat the berries, you might cut them into pieces, offer them frozen, or mash them up, depending on what your cat prefers. Try out different options to see if your kitty will go for any of them. 


2 - Apples


As long as you peel the skin away and completely remove the stem, leaves, core, and seeds, which are considered toxic to cats, you can see if your kitty wants to have a bit of this fruit as a snack every now and then. Offer it in tiny pieces. Also, as is the case with all of the fruits on this list, you might opt to stick with organic apples if that gives you more peace of mind when offering some to your pet.  


3 - Strawberries


Fresh or frozen, mashed up, or pureed, strawberries are another safe, non-toxic fruit that can be given to cats in small amounts as a treat. Make sure the stem and leaves are removed. And, rather than giving your cat an entire strawberry, break it into tiny pieces to make it easier for her to eat it. Also, be sure to give strawberries to your pet plain, without any chocolate, whipped cream, etc.


Related: Can Cats Eat Apples?


4 - Melons


Your kitty might like to snack on melons, like cantaloupe and honeydew, when these are in season. Just make it a point to offer the melon after the seeds have been removed and the rind has been cut away as well.


5 - Watermelon


Another popular melon choice is watermelon. Again, just remove the rind and seeds before offering some to your kitty, who might like digging into this juicy fruit.


6 - Bananas


If your cat seems interested in bananas, you can offer her small pieces. In addition to giving her some frozen or fresh banana, you could even mash some up or blend it until it’s creamy, if that’s what your pet prefers.


7 - Cranberries


You might already be feeding your cat a commercial diet that contains cranberries, as this fruit might help keep the urinary tract healthy. Just check the ingredients list on your cat food to see if they are already something that your feline friend eats regularly. But, if you want to go a step further, it’s best to talk to your vet before offering small pieces of cranberries (without any other ingredients) to your kitty, especially if you are considering doing so to support your pet’s urinary health. A veterinarian can advise you on how to feed your cat some cranberries safely.  


8 - Pears


If your pet is showing an interest in trying your pear, just be sure to remove the skin and the seeds. Only give your cat a small amount of the flesh of the fruit, as the seeds are toxic. So, like other fruits, it is necessary to be careful with this one to be sure your kitty doesn’t ingest any part of the fruit that she shouldn’t. 


9 - Pineapple


Pineapple is another fruit that your cat might want to try in tiny amounts. Be sure to completely remove the skin and the core so you can offer the fruit’s flesh only. Also, it is best to stick with fresh pineapple rather than the canned variety. But be aware that some kitties might be allergic to pineapple. So, it may not be worth the risk to figure out if your cat will have a reaction to it. 


10 - Mango


Does your cat try to eat your mango? As long as you’ve removed the skin and the pit, you can offer her a small amount of this fruit to see if she likes it. Cut it into tiny pieces and let your cat take a bite, as you might be surprised to discover that she wants more. 


Will Your Cat Like Eating Fruit?


Some cats might like being fed some fruit every now and then as a little treat. Or, it might be appropriate for you to add fruits to your cat’s diet if you are following a veterinarian’s or nutritionist’s guidance regarding preparing homemade meals for your feline companion. 


Whether or not your kitty will like eating fruit—either combined with other ingredients or on their own—is something that you may need to figure out through trial and error. You might discover that your cat is pretty adventurous when it comes to trying new foods, or you might find that your picky feline friend doesn’t want any fruit at all. The key is to only offer fruits that are safe for your cat to consume. 


Small Amounts Are Best


No matter what fruit you offer to your cat, experts recommend only giving your pet small amounts. Avoid overdoing it, stick with fresh fruit that’s plain and without other ingredients, and break it into small pieces to avoid the risk of your pet choking on it. Also, keep an eye on your cat for symptoms like digestive upset so you can figure out if a particular fruit isn’t good for her. 


Remember, your feline companion is an obligate carnivore. And if you have questions about which fruits to give to your cat, talk to your veterinarian. They can even provide guidance on how much is safe to feed and how often it is appropriate to offer your kitty some fresh fruit. 


Basically, if your cat is being fed a well-balanced, species-appropriate diet, she should be getting the nutrition that she needs daily, and fruits might serve as a good occasional treat. Ultimately, though, your vet can guide you in the right direction when it comes to whether or not to give your one-of-a-kind cat some fruit.

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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While traveling with your pet can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be. Even though some  airlines can be a bit finicky about their rules and regulations, you can fly with your pet in tow safely and comfortably, as long as you know their requirements and follow them to the letter.Having your choice of airlines to travel with your dog as your companion, broadens your options when it comes to travel destinations and can eliminate a lot of usual travel-related stress factors in the process. In fact, flying your pet together with you can be simple, straightforward, and hassle-free! As long as you stick to the rules, that is. So, without further ado, what are the requirements for flying with a dog? Are there any universal practices you should know or does it really depend from company to company? Here’s everything you should know before packing your bags.What Are the Requirements for Flying with a Dog?Of course, it goes without saying that you can’t just appear with your pet at the check-in gate and fly away! There are many important rules involved, mainly in order to keep your pet safe, to comply with specific airline regulations, the rules of other countries, and the comfort of other passengers as well. It is also important to remember that different airlines might have different rules. It is crucial that you contact your desired airline beforehand, checking about any special regulations that they require. Still, there are some universal criteria that any pet will have to meet in order to fly on a plane.One of the foremost requirements that will allow your pet to fly on a plane is a health certificate. This is a special document that can be issued by your veterinarian after a thorough physical examination. It guarantees that your doggo is healthy, has no diseases, and has all the required vaccinations that are up to date. And, of course, this certificate needs to be recent. They are valid for only about 30 days, so make sure to do it in time. Some airlines also require that your pet be microchipped. This is advisable for all pet owners regardless of travel or not. The  microchip allows for quick and simple identification in case your pet gets lost and also serves as a sort of doggo credential. Just make sure that all the information stored on the chip is up-to-date!

Urine Tests Could Now Provide Early Detection of Cancer in Dogs

Cancer doesn’t discriminate – it affects all creatures around the world, including our cherished pets. Learning that your  dog has cancer can be such a devastating thing, but sadly, it is so common nowadays. John Robertson, research professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech says in his interview for  WTOP News  that “one in four dogs will be diagnosed with cancer,” and that “by the time they’re middle-aged, 50% of dogs will die of cancer after the age of 10 years.”Professor Robertson is part of a vast research team that has developed an innovative new noninvasive rapid test that utilizes a dog’s urine and allows potential early detection of cancer. “Usually, when a dog gets diagnosed with cancer, it’s usually quite advanced, with visible signs — we’re trying to detect cancer before these physical symptoms appear,” said fellow researcher Ryan Senger, associate professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “Cancer is going to change overall metabolism inside the body, and it’s going to change the way the kidneys function, which can be observed in the urine screening process,” Senger added.Through samples of dog urine, the research team discovered that cancerous subjects amongst the observed molecules had a unique “fingerprint” that could be used to indicate the presence of cancer. “We would like to be able to have dogs screened earlier, before cancer develops, throughout their lifetime, perhaps a once-a-year urine specimen,” said Robertson. “That tells us what the molecular fingerprint of the urine is, so if it changes and falls into that realm of fingerprints that define cancer, we’d be able to pay more attention to figure out what’s going on with the dog.”Robertson also added that there are 12 breeds of purebred dogs that have a much higher incidence of cancer. “We’re going to focus on being able to institute early, regular screening that’s going to help pick up earlier when they’re developing cancer, in the hopes that we can get better outcomes.”However, veterinary care is typically subsidized by the owner, Robertson emphasized, which is opposite to medical care, which is often paid for by insurance. “So, we intend to make our tests readily available at a price point that everyone can afford to regularly have their dog examined and screened.”, the professor added. Robertson said that urine screening is currently being researched, to determine whether it could be applied to humans as well, potentially bringing great changes to the discovery of cancer cells. The team’s findings were published in  Frontiers in Veterinary Science and make us very optimistic for the future of preventive veterinary medicine – an inexpensive, accurate way to screen for a potentially fatal illness could be life-changing for so many pets and their owners. Not to mention the implications if such a test could be adapted to be used on humans, as well! 

Hypothermia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

When a dog gets too cold, they’re at risk of hypothermia. But what is hypothermia, what are its symptoms, and what can be done to treat it? Below is a brief guide to dog hypothermia so you can have a better understanding of this condition and why it’s so important to prevent it.What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?Hypothermia develops when a dog’s body temperature drops to 99°F (37.2°C) or lower. A dog’s normal body temperature range is 99.5-102.5°F (37.5-39.2°C).There are three levels of hypothermia: mild, moderate, and severe.Mild hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature is between 90-99°F (32.2-37.2°C).Moderate hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls even more, to 82-90°F (27.8-32.2°C).Severe hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls below 82°F (27.8°C).Giving a dog the right treatment to bring their temperature back up is critical, as hypothermia can cause damage to organs, and it could be fatal.  Some dogs may be at greater risk of hypothermia. Puppies, seniors, and dogs who are thin or small are a few examples. Dogs who are ill, including those with chronic conditions, can also be more susceptible. Also, hairless dogs and those with short coats are other examples.What Causes Hypothermia in Dogs?Dogs who are in the cold for too long are at risk of hypothermia. And if they get wet, their body temperature can drop more rapidly. Never leave a dog outside when it’s too cold or windy, or when it’s raining or snowing.It doesn’t have to be extremely cold for dogs to feel the effects either, as a temperature less than 45°F (7.2°C) could put some dogs at risk. Before going outside with your dog, check the wind chill, too, as this will give you a better idea of what it actually feels like out there, and what the risk of frostbite and hypothermia really is.    Also, certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and shock, could increase a dog’s risk of hypothermia.Symptoms of Hypothermia in DogsAs a dog starts to feel cold, they’ll exhibit changes in behavior. Warming them up right away can prevent them from getting even colder. If hypothermia continues to set in, the situation will become more dire as the symptoms progress.Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:Mild hypothermia may cause a dog to shiver and experience weakness. They may also be less alert, and may try to find ways to stay warm, such as curling in a ball. If you were to feel the dog’s skin, ears, paws, legs, and tail, they may be cold to the touch.Moderate hypothermia may cause the breathing to become shallow and slow, and the muscles may become stiff, resulting in difficulty moving. The blood pressure may drop, and the dog may be even more lethargic and confused. If you were to check the gums, they may be pale.  Severe hypothermia may cause the pupils to become fixed and dilated, and a dog may have trouble breathing. They may not be as responsive, or they may become unresponsive. Also, they may not be shivering anymore. Collapse and coma may occur.How to Help a Hypothermic DogThe symptoms of hypothermia must be taken seriously. Contact your veterinarian even if you think your dog might only have mild hypothermia, as they can provide guidance on what to do, and they might advise bringing your dog in to be examined and treated.In cases of severe hypothermia, a veterinarian will need to treat your dog, so don’t try to fix this problem yourself.Here are a few steps you can take if your dog has mild hypothermia (again, talk to your vet first to be sure you’re taking the right steps and you can treat this at home):Dry your dog if they’re wet. Bring them to a warm area of your home, such as near a heat source. Wrap them in a blanket—you could even warm it up in the dryer first. Use products like the PetFusion Microplush Quilted Pet Blanket, which is super soft and has a light fill that provides more warmth.

Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

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