Can Cats Eat Blueberries? 4 Things to Know Before Feeding

Not thinking, you left last night’s Farmer’s Market haul of fresh blueberries on your kitchen counter. Now, you’re home only to find strewn berries, a broken container, and one curious cat licking its paws in the corner.

Panicked, you wonder if blueberries are safe for cats.

You can relax. It’s perfectly safe for cats to eat blueberries.

In fact, blueberries can be a healthy occasional treat for cats, and you may even want to share yours with your feline friend — that is if you’re not too bitter about what happened while you were out!

Can Cats Eat Blueberries? 

Even though cats can safely eat blueberries, interestingly, they may not want to. 

If your cat does raid your blueberry stash, that’s actually somewhat unusual. Innate obligate carnivores, cats don’t have the genes required to equip them to taste sweetness. First and foremost, they are meat-eaters, and that is their preference. So, dining on sweet fruit may not be your cat’s primary choice for a snack.

Some cats, however, do enjoy the occasional piece of fruit, many of which are safe to consume.

These include:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Cucumbers
• Kiwi
• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Seedless watermelon

So, if your cat sneaks a bite from your bowl of one of these fruits — or steals from your grocery bag — you can rest assured your cat will be safe.

4 Things to Know Before You Feed Your Cat Blueberries

If your cat enjoys eating blueberries, and you’re considering offering them, make sure you understand these important facts about keeping your cat healthy.

1. Are Any Fruits Toxic to Cats?

Yes! While berries, bananas, and melons will not harm cats, several other popular fruits can be toxic to cats and should be avoided. Grapes or raisins can lead to organ failure and kidney disease in cats. Cats should not eat citrus fruits, including oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, because they can cause stomach issues, and cats should never eat avocados.

2. What Kind of Food Should I Feed My Cat?

Your cat should consume a complete and well-balanced diet, with small amounts of blueberries (no more than three) and other safe fruits only offered periodically.

Cats must have protein in their diets in order to survive; blueberries and other fruits are carbohydrates. So, you must feed your cat high-quality cat food created especially for feline nutritional needs.

Make sure the blueberry or fruit treat is easy for your cat to eat. Cut larger pieces into bite-size chunks and remove all peels, cores, and seeds.

3. Are Blueberries Good for Cats?

The occasional blueberry snack has many of the same health benefits for your feline as it does for you. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All of these contribute to good health for your cat.

They are also low in calories and high in water content. The occasional blueberry treat won’t contribute to weight gain in your cat and should also help with hydration.

4. What Is the Best Treat to Give a Cat?

Even though several fruits are safe and may provide some health benefits for cats, they may not be the best treat for your kitty.

If you want to offer your cat a special treat of human food that’s both nutritional for their unique physiology and enjoyable for their palate, choose a high protein option, such as lean cooked meat, cooked fish, or scrambled or hard-boiled eggs.

And you can never go wrong with choosing a commercially prepared treat. Economical, convenient, and safe, these treats come in multiple varieties and can be matched to your cat’s specific needs and tastes.