Watermelon is a delicious, healthy treat for humans, especially in the hot summer months. Juices, smoothies, sorbets, or just simple wedges – all delicious and refreshing!
But is this hydrating snack something that we can share with our cats? Or are these seeded delights best kept for human enjoyment?
Can cats eat watermelon?
Watermelon is a large gourd fruit from the Cucurbit family. Cultivated varieties usually have a thick green rind with pink, sweet flesh, and black seeds, though some wild varieties are quite bitter. It has been bred not only for food but also as a way to store water in dry climates.
Cats can eat fresh watermelon quite safely, so there is no harm in offering them a small mouthful of your snack. Avoid feeding them the rind, as this is fibrous and could be difficult for cats to digest properly. The seeds, like many fruits, contain a small amount of cyanide. It is unlikely that this would be harmful to a cat, but it is best to avoid feeding them this part of the fruit if you can.
Cats can eat fresh watermelon quite safely, so there is no harm in offering them a small mouthful of your snack.
Do cats like watermelon?
Domestic cats are carnivores, and plant material (including fluids such as watermelon) does not naturally form a significant part of their diet in the wild. However, some cats do enjoy eating plants, and they may show an interest in any food that you are also eating.
Watermelon is appealing to humans because of its sweet, juicy flavor. However, cats cannot taste sweet foods properly, so they are unlikely to find watermelon as interesting as humans do.
The unique texture of watermelon may be appealing to some cats – it has a freshness and crunchiness that is not found in many other foods, which may intrigue them. The high water content may also appeal to cats during the hot summer months. Overall, however, most cats are unlikely to be interested in eating fresh watermelon.
There are some dishes containing watermelon that may be more interesting for our cats. For example, cats often enjoy ice cream – probably because it has a high-fat content, as well as high sugar – so they may be interested in watermelon-flavored versions. However, many cats are lactose intolerant, so eating ice cream can lead to an upset stomach (vomiting, diarrhea, or both) and should be avoided if possible.
Cats cannot taste sweet foods properly, so they are unlikely to find watermelon as interesting as humans do.
Is watermelon good for cats?
There are no known nutritional benefits to cats from eating watermelon. The fresh fruit does contain vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, but cats who are eating a complete and balanced diet should not need any additional vitamins or minerals, as they will get everything that they need from their regular food.
Watermelon does have a higher water content than many other foods, so feeding a little may help to increase cats’ fluid intake, especially in the warmer weather. Cats do not naturally drink a lot of water, so feeding fluid-rich foods can sometimes help to prevent dehydration, especially in older cats who are more vulnerable to hot temperatures.
Is watermelon bad for cats?
The flesh of watermelon is safe for them to eat in small quantities. However, as with any new food, cats may suffer an upset stomach (vomiting and/or diarrhea) after eating it, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or eat a large amount of fruit.
Watermelon rind is very high in fiber and is difficult for cats to digest properly. Eating significant amounts of rind could lead to a blockage in the intestines, so avoid offering your cat this part of the fruit.
The seeds in watermelon do contain small amounts of cyanide, as do many other fruit seeds. Eating a few seeds is unlikely to cause any harm, but you should avoid feeding watermelon seeds to cats if possible. If your cat eats a significant number of watermelon seeds, contact your veterinarian for advice.
As a fruit, watermelon is high in water and fiber, and relatively low in other nutrients. If your cat was to eat too much watermelon, this could lead to them not eating enough of their regular food. If this happens regularly over a period of time, it could lead to them developing deficiencies in various vitamins, minerals, or other important nutrients.
As a general rule, ninety percent of the food that a cat eats (by weight) should be a complete and balanced diet. The remaining ten percent can be complimentary food or treats, which could include watermelon if your cat likes it.
If your cat was to eat too much watermelon, this could lead to them not eating enough of their regular food.
My cat has eaten watermelon – do I need to be worried?
It is unlikely that your cat will become sick from eating watermelon. The flesh is not toxic to cats, and they can eat a small amount quite safely. However, larger amounts could lead to a mild stomach upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea) if cats are not used to eating it. The rind and seeds can also cause problems if they are eaten in significant amounts.
If your cat is experiencing symptoms after eating watermelon, or they have eaten a large amount of rind or seeds, then you should arrange an appointment with your veterinarian so they can be examined.
Conclusion
Watermelon flesh is not toxic to cats and can be a healthy, hydrating snack if fed in small quantities. However, cats cannot taste sweetness, so many of them are not interested in sharing this snack with us. Avoid feeding the rind or seeds if possible, as there is a risk of side effects from these. Eating larger amounts of watermelon can lead to an upset stomach, and could also stop cats from eating their normal food, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies. If you are concerned about your cat after they have eaten watermelon, you should call your veterinarian for advice.
