Summer temperatures also put a strain on our little feline friends. The cat can eat watermelon. Let’s see what the experts say about the effects of watermelon!
Summer, as we know, puts a strain on not only our resistance due to the heat, but also that of our cat friends. The watermelon is the summer fruit par excellence. Sweet, fresh, thirst-quenching, it is a panacea for the palate and for the body when it’s too hot. But can our cat eat it? Let’s find out together!
The properties of the watermelon
It is no coincidence that the watermelon is the summer fruit par excellence. This large fruit is made from 92% water only, and contains few calories: just 30 per 100 grams of pulp. But despite this it is able to offer vitamins A and C, as well as several minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.
The bright red color of the fruit is due to the presence of lycopene, a hydrocarbon that does so much good for our blood pressure and in the fight against the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In short, eating watermelon gives us great benefits. But our cat obviously has different needs from those of our body, even if there are foods that we can share with him.
Watermelon yes, watermelon no
Can our beloved cats eat watermelon? Well, the answer is yes, but with due precautions. The cat is a carnivorous animal. Its diet consists of 90% meat, and fruit is absolutely not among the foods it eats in nature. This doesn’t mean he can’t eat it. The watermelon is moisturizing, and the cat, a desert animal, feels the benefits. In fact, he is not attracted to the sweet taste of the fruit, which he is not really able to perceive.
The risks of making your cat eat watermelon
Eating watermelon can be a very enjoyable time for cats. He too feels the need to cool off when temperatures are high, and fruit can help him. But pay attention to the doses! Well cut small pieces to give as a snack, but don’t overdo it. We always remember that cats have a much smaller stomach than ours. By ingesting large portions of watermelon they could also have digestive problems!
Also pay attention to the sugars contained in watermelon. The digestive system of cats does not dispose of sugar like our bodies. The cat is a desert animal and adding sugar to its diet would be a serious mistake. For this reason, experts recommend limiting the use of sweet foods in the cat’s diet. Watermelon included!
Beware of seeds
Before feeding the watermelon to the cat, it is good to clean it of the seeds that we find inside. It is a simple but extremely important operation, because if the cat ingests them, and especially if he breaks them with his teeth, it can be very dangerous for health. The seeds in fact contain small traces of cyanide. Although it is in minute quantities, the cat’s digestive system is unable to dispose of it.
Some useful tips
- If your cat is diabetic, absolutely avoid snacking on watermelon. Even if they are small pieces;
- Snacks only: The cat needs to eat several times throughout the day, making several small meals. Give him small pieces of watermelon as a snack, and never as a substitute for a full meal;
- Give the cat only the watermelon pulp. When preparing mini portions for him to eat as a snack, be sure not only to remove all the seeds, but also any layers of peel. This is very hard and difficult both to eat and to digest, especially for the cat;
- Beware of any allergies: remember that giving your cat a new food can always be a risk. We don’t know if he may be allergic to any food or not. So if it’s the first time you’re letting your cat try watermelon, proceed in moderation;
- Consult a veterinarian if you are unsure whether the cat can eat watermelon, or if they already have weight problems. The introduction of a new food into the diet in these cases must be carefully evaluated.
