Can Cats Eat Fruit? Mostly Unneeded, One Big No

Why cats do not need fruit

Cornell's Feline Health Center describes cats as obligate carnivores that rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Their natural diet is high in protein, moderate in fat and minimal in carbohydrates. Fruit is mostly sugar, water and fiber, which means it adds little that a complete cat food does not already supply.

Many cats ignore fruit altogether, because they cannot taste sweetness the way people do. If yours is curious about a bite of your snack, that is usually about texture or the fact that you are eating, not about hunger. A cat puzzle feeder is a better way to turn that curiosity into something useful.

The fruit to avoid: grapes and raisins

Grapes and raisins are the clear exception to any relaxed attitude. The ASPCA lists them among the foods to avoid feeding pets, says tartaric acid is the suspected toxin, and links exposure to kidney damage. Most documented cases involve dogs, and it is not clear how a cat would react, so there is no amount that can be called safe for a cat.

Keep fruit salad, trail mix, cereal and baked goods that contain raisins or currants out of reach. If your cat ate any grape or raisin, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away; a consultation fee may apply. Do not wait for signs, because kidney problems may not show at first.

Hidden risks in fruit products

Fruit is rarely the only thing in the food. Fruit snacks, jam, pie filling and sweetened yogurt can contain a lot of sugar, and some sugar-free versions use xylitol. Pet Poison Helpline lists candies, gelatin snacks, jams and syrups among xylitol-containing products, and says that if you suspect a cat has eaten xylitol you should contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible.

Fruit that is baked, candied or mixed with chocolate, nuts, onion or garlic brings in its own hazards. The ASPCA flags onion and garlic as especially risky for cats and warns that fatty nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis. Check the ingredient list on anything packaged before your cat gets near it.

Pits, seeds, rinds and peels

Even when the flesh itself is not a concern, the parts around it often are. Pits and large seeds can cause choking or block a small cat's digestive tract, and rinds and peels are tough to digest. Cut away everything that is not soft flesh, and never leave a core or pit where your cat can grab it.

Small cats and kittens are the most vulnerable to blockages, since their throats and intestines are narrow. A cat that vomits repeatedly, strains, stops eating or has a painful belly after swallowing something it should not have needs to be seen the same day.

If you still want to offer fruit

Ask your vet first, especially if your cat has diabetes, kidney disease or a weight problem. If your vet says a taste is fine, keep it tiny, plain, fresh and free of pits, seeds, peel and sugar, and offer it only once in a while so you can see how your cat handles it.

Cornell advises that treats should not exceed roughly 10 to 15 percent of daily calories, and fruit counts toward that. Cornell also notes that obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in cats, so sugary extras are worth watching. Treats are better chosen for your cat's own food than for your fruit bowl.

Most cats are happier working for their own food than eating fruit, so a slow feeder or a fresh cat bowl setup is a better way to make mealtimes interesting.

Signs your cat did not tolerate it

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite, lethargy or hiding after your cat eats something new. Mild stomach upset can settle on its own, but a cat that is vomiting repeatedly or refusing food for more than a day should see a vet.

Call your vet immediately for any grape or raisin exposure, increased thirst or urination, weakness, tremors or collapse. In those cases, do not try home remedies; go to the nearest emergency clinic.

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