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Can Cats Have Blueberries? Here are the 5 Benefits

I love blueberries, and I’ve always wondered if my kitten Watson can have some too. So can cats have blueberries? After a brief chat with the vet, I was told that blueberries are actually good for cats. With moderation, these tiny berries can help a cat dodge some health problems. Still, blueberries are not supposed to be a major part of any feline’s diet.

Can cats have blueberries?

can cats eat blueberries

can cats have blueberries

Blueberries are dubbed superfoods because they are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that are beneficial for the body.

It’s also a very versatile fruit that can grace different desserts. But for your cat, it’s best to serve blueberries fresh and clean.

Blueberries are a great source of Vitamins A, C, E, and K. While more studies are needed to prove its benefits to cats, vets believe that it won’t hurt a kitty if given a piece or two.

Aside from that, blueberries provide a dose of manganese, iron, and potassium. It’s also rich in antioxidants that help flush out free radicals in the body. This could have the same effect on your cat.

However, you should know that blueberries are sweet. It contains natural sugar that can be detrimental to a cat’s health if given in large amounts.

 

Benefits of giving blueberries to cats

can cats eat blueberry

Blueberries are not just beneficial to humans. They also provide a slew of health benefits to cats. Still, I want to emphasize that these benefits are only achievable if you give blueberries in moderation. Also, these benefits are only applicable to healthy cats.

Below are some of the prominent benefits that you can obtain by feeding blueberries to your cat. 

1. Supports joint health

Blueberries are known to have arthritis-fighting nutrients. It reduces the inflammatory characteristics of arthritis, but it’s not a cure or a medication. Nevertheless, you can give a few blueberries to your arthritic cat from time to time to ease its discomfort.

Aside from that, blueberries contain Vitamin K and Vitamin C that help strengthen bones.

2. Boosts the immune system

Another benefit of giving blueberries to your cat is that it boosts the kitty’s immune system. This helps your cat fight common colds and infections. Even if you’re just giving a piece a day, it will help a lot in your cat’s overall wellness. Still, you should pair blueberries with a complete and balanced meal to complement its perks.

3. A tasty and natural treat!

If you run out of cat treats, you can grab a few pieces of blueberries instead. This is a very nutritious treat for your cat.

In fact, many cat food products have blueberries as ingredients. Still, you should never overindulge your cat on it. Anything that’s too much isn’t healthy – even for humans.

4. Fights oxidative stress

When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, it will cause an imbalance and a slew of health problems. The compounds on blueberries help fight this imbalance if paired with a healthy diet among cats.

5. Aids digestion

Is your kitten constipated? A blueberry treat might help its bowel movement. Aside from its water content, blueberries also have fiber, which helps push digestive wastes out of the body. You can also blend it with other fiber-rich veggies.

How should I give blueberries to my cat?

When giving blueberries to your cat, you really don’t have to do too much preparation. Forget about blueberry cakes, muffins, or whatnot. The blueberry itself is enough to deliver the nutrients to your pet minus the frills.

Also, it’s important to talk to your cat’s veterinarian before giving blueberries. This way, you will get proper advice to prevent untoward incidents. If your kitty has a sensitive stomach or allergies, it’s best to have it tested first.

If the vet gives the green light for blueberries, you should start with a small amount. I suggest slicing the blueberries to unravel its texture, scent, and taste. Cats can’t taste the fruit’s sweetness, but it may like the texture and other characteristics of blueberries.

For kittens, I suggest crushing the blueberries into a paste. This will prevent any choking hazard—besides, some cats like eating moist food.

During summer, you can also freeze some blueberries to serve as a cold treat. But if your cat doesn’t seem to gravitate toward blueberries, you shouldn’t force it.

Remember that blueberries should only comprise less than 10% of a cat’s diet. The other 90% should be complete and balanced cat food.

Can cats eat blueberry yogurt?

Blueberry yogurt is not a good idea for cats. Yogurt is a dairy product, so it has lactose that cats can’t digest. Even if it’s not blueberry flavored, you should never give your kitty this dairy product.

Aside from that, commercially available blueberry yogurts are packed with sweeteners, flavorings, and preservatives. All of these will mess up your cat’s digestive system.

Remember that a cat’s digestive system is different than us. Besides, even humans experience lactose intolerance. And if there’s something your stomach can’t digest, you’re supposed to not eat it. The same goes for your cat.

Can cats eat a blueberry muffin?

Like blueberry yogurt, blueberry muffins are no-nos for cats. While the blueberry content is safe for cats, these muffins often contain raisins, milk, and cream.

It’s best to keep this food away from your pet. Besides, a blueberry muffin is highly sweetened and high in calories.

Letting your cat snack on it often will expose it to the risk of feline obesity.

Obesity isn’t itself a disease but it predisposes a cat to various dangerous problems. The risk of heart problems, diabetes is increased manifold if your cat is overweight. 

If you want a nice treat for your cat, just reach for some fresh blueberries instead. You can also mash it if you want to make it more appealing to your cat.

Can cats eat strawberries?

can cats eat strawberries

Another berry that your cat can eat is strawberry. These are flavorful fruits that can also be used to hide a pill or tablet. It’s also rich in antioxidants and nutrients that give the same benefits as blueberries.

However, you should always start with a small slice of strawberry. Even though it’s non-toxic to cats, some felines can develop allergies to strawberries. The advice of a vet is also necessary here.

Lastly, make sure that the strawberries you’re giving to your cat are fresh and clean. There’s no need to add anything to it. Just slice the strawberry in half.

 

What other fruits can cats eat?

what fruits can cats eat

Aside from blueberries and strawberries, there are other fruits your cat can eat. Remember, though, that these fruits should never be a major part of nutrition for any cat.

  • Apples. To give apples to your cat, peel them, and remove all the seeds. You should also dice it into small pieces to prevent choking. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for your cat.
  • Banana. Another convenient fruit option for cats is a banana. This is rich in potassium that will boost your cat’s health. A frozen banana slice is an excellent treat during summer.
  • Watermelon. If you want to increase your cat’s hydration, you can give it some watermelon cubes. This is a very juicy fruit that many cats like. Just make sure that you remove all the seeds from watermelon to prevent stomach upset on your cat. 

Conclusion

Can cats have blueberries? Yes, this fruit is very nutritious and safe for kitties. Still, moderation is necessary, so your cat won’t suffer from any adverse effects. Also, blueberries should only supplement your cat’s complete and balanced diet.

Does your cat like blueberries too? Share your story in the comment section!

Thank you for reading!

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