Can Cats Eat Blueberries? Yes, as an Occasional Treat

Why blueberries are safe for cats

Blueberries contain nothing known to be toxic to cats. They are small, low in calories and mostly water, with some fiber and vitamin C, and the ASPCA includes them in its list of fruits you can safely share with pets.

Cornell's Feline Health Center explains that cats are obligate carnivores and rely on nutrients found only in animal products. That means a blueberry is a novelty, not a nutritional boost: a complete cat food already supplies what a cat needs.

Blueberry products to avoid

The fruit is fine; the foods it comes in usually are not. Blueberry muffins, pancakes, pie filling and jam carry sugar, fat and sometimes xylitol, and blueberry yogurt adds dairy, which many cats are lactose intolerant to, according to Cornell.

Dried blueberries are often sweetened and are easy to overfeed because they are so small. Fruit salads may also contain grapes or raisins, which are best kept away from cats. Stick to plain, washed, fresh or frozen berries.

How to prepare blueberries for your cat

Rinse the berries under cold water and pull off any stems. Cut each one in half, or into quarters for a small or elderly cat, because a whole round berry can be a choking risk for a cat that gulps. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Frozen berries should be thawed or cut small, since a hard frozen ball is awkward for a cat to chew. Some cats prefer a halved berry rolled across the floor as a toy before they try it. Throw away any uneaten fruit after an hour.

A feeding mat under a ceramic bowl keeps any shared food in one place and easy to clean up.

How many blueberries a cat can have

Cornell suggests treats stay under 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories. For an average 8 to 10 lb adult cat, one or two blueberries a few times a week is a sensible limit. Smaller cats should have one, and overweight cats may be better with none.

Offer a single berry the first time and watch the litter box the next day. If your cat has diabetes, kidney disease or a sensitive gut, ask your vet before adding any fruit.

Can kittens eat blueberries?

A weaned kitten can try a quarter of a blueberry, but there is no reason to add fruit to a kitten's diet. Kittens grow fast and need the full nutrition of a complete kitten food, and small stomachs fill up quickly on extras.

If you do offer a taste, cut it small enough that it cannot lodge in the throat, give it once, and watch for loose stools or vomiting over the next day.

Signs blueberries disagreed with your cat, and when to call the vet

The most common reaction to new food in cats is mild stomach upset within a few hours to a day: vomiting, diarrhea or a soft stool. One episode that passes quickly is not usually a concern once the fruit stops.

Call your vet the same day if vomiting or diarrhea continues past 24 hours, if your cat stops eating, hides or seems lethargic, or if they are retching or pawing at the mouth after eating. A cat that has not eaten for a day or more should always be seen.

Other treats cats enjoy more

Most cats are far keener on a small piece of plain cooked chicken or turkey, with no skin, bones or seasoning, than on fruit. Commercial cat treats are formulated with feline nutrition in mind and make portion control easier.

If you enjoy sharing produce, small amounts of plain cooked broccoli, carrot or cucumber are other options the ASPCA lists. Avoid onion, garlic and chives, which are especially dangerous to cats.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.