Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Can cats eat blueberries? What you need to know

Are blueberries safe for cats? Find out here

By
Cat with blueberries
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As a cat parent, you may be interested in incorporating fruit into your fur baby’s diet. Many fruits can provide nutritional benefits for your feline companion, but can cats eat blueberries? We have some good news. One of your favorite superfoods is perfectly safe for your cat to eat in moderation, but before you share blueberries with your kitty, you should be aware of the potential side effects. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about giving your cat blueberries.

Benefits of giving blueberries to cats

Blueberries are a low-calorie fruit packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy treat for your kitty. An excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, blueberries can help boost your cat’s immune system and prevent infections. Additionally, blueberries are high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and help even regulate your kitty’s bowel movements.

Recommended Videos

In terms of minerals, blueberries contain essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Potassium is essential for healthy muscle function, as it can help regulate blood pressure, while magnesium is necessary for bone and muscle health. Lastly, manganese helps support your cat’s metabolism.

Potential risks

While blueberries can provide some nutritional benefits for cats, it’s also important to keep in mind that they should only be given in moderation. Too many blueberries can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting in some cats. Also, the seeds and skin of blueberries can be potentially harmful to cats if ingested in large quantities. The seeds can cause digestive problems, and the skin can be difficult to digest for some cats, leading to digestive discomfort.

When feeding your cat blueberries, it’s essential to consider their individual dietary needs and any existing health conditions. If your cat has a history of digestive issues or is prone to urinary tract infections, it’s best to avoid feeding them blueberries altogether.

A fluffy black cat sits with their front paws on the dining table.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Safety tips for feeding blueberries to cats

To properly incorporate blueberries into your cat’s diet, start by giving them a small piece or two and watch for any adverse reactions. If all goes well, you can gradually increase the amount you give your kitty. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and not overdo it with any treat. Too many treats can lead to weight gain, causing a whole host of problems.

It’s also important to prepare blueberries before feeding them to your feline friend. Wash the berries thoroughly to remove any potential pesticides or harmful bacteria, and remove the stem and leaves. You can also mash or puree the blueberries for easier digestion and to eliminate potential choking hazards.

Blueberries can be a safe and healthy addition to your cat’s diet in moderation, and they may provide some health benefits. As with any new treat, it’s best to start off with small amounts and monitor your cat’s reaction before increasing the serving size, which helps reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues. With proper preparation and moderation, blueberries can be a tasty and nutritious treat for your feline friend.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Overgrooming cats: What causes it and how to stop it
How to deal with your cat's overgrooming
White cat grooming himself against a black background

Cat overgrooming? You'll want to understand what's causing this behavior. It's only natural to want to help! When cats overgroom, they lick and groom themselves excessively in one or more focused areas. This can lead to hair loss and, in some cases, even skin sores. There are multiple potential causes of overgrooming, and while you can treat issues like skin sores, it's important to get to the root of the overgrooming so you can prevent it. If you think your cat has developed this issue, you'll need to rule out a few potential causes, including physical and emotional ones.

Here's what you'll want to know about feline overgooming so you can help your cat look and feel their best.
Medical causes behind overgrooming

Read more
Can cats have Down syndrome? Here’s the truth
How to care for cats with genetic differences
An orange and white kitten on a pink blanket

Every cat owner feels that their buddy is one of a kind -- and every cat owner is right! No two kitties are the same, no matter how identical they may look on the outside. They each have their own preferences, experiences, cute names, and behaviors that shape the feline they are.
Sometimes, however, cats look different on the outside, too. In fact, one adorable internet-famous kitty named Monty became an icon for pets with facial differences after his adoring parents began sharing his story online. He has a chromosomal abnormality that caused him to be born without a nasal bridge, and many of his differences have caused fans to compare his condition to Down syndrome in humans. But can cats have Down syndrome?
Down syndrome cats may have similar chromosome differences and even similar characteristics to people with Down syndrome, but there's more here than meets the eye. Let's unpack the misconceptions about adorable cats with Down syndrome.

Can cats have Down syndrome?

Read more
What colors can cats see? A deep dive into their vision
How feline eyesight compares to humans' and dogs'
Orange cat close-up of face

In recent years, veterinarians have disproven everything we thought we knew about canine vision. Many folks are still finding out that dogs don't see the world in black and white, but in shades of blue and yellow. This fascinating discovery has led many pet owners to ask, "What colors can cats see? Is it the same as what dogs can see?" There's only one way to find out, so let's get researching!
There are many avenues to explore when it comes to feline vision, so let's break it down as simply -- and colorfully -- as possible. By the time you're done reading, you'll be able to imagine the world from your kitty's point of view.

Can cats see color?

Read more