Can cats eat blueberries? You are such a careful pet parent that whatever new thing you attempt with your pet, or cat in this example, you overthink it and ask yourself many crucial questions, which are all important for your pet’s health.
As with blackberry fruits, cats will not die if they accidently or purposefully chew on blackberry plants, but excessive chewing can create an upset stomach and other health issues, as this article discusses.
Can cats eat blueberries?
Yes, cats can eat blueberries. As a pet owner, sharing meals with cats can be enjoyable, but it’s important to remember that while blueberries are nutritious for humans, they may not be as important for cats. Blueberries should be given in moderation, not as a supplement to their diet.
Nutritional value of Blueberries
Blueberries are filled with nutrients that make you feel good about yourself when eating because you don’t have to bother about calories or sodium for you and your cat. Some of these feel-good attributes include:
- Good source of fiber
- Excellent source of manganese
- Good source of vitamin C
- Excellent source of vitamin K
- Virtually no fat
Oooh… Happy happy snack. Numerous anti-oxidants, such as iron, potassium, fiber, phytochemicals, and vitamins such as Vitamin C, and Vitamin k present in the small fruit are crucial for both human and cat health. Blueberries and strawberries are healthy and ideal snacks for both you and your cat, whether they are fresh or frozen, however, they should be given in moderation to your furry friend.
Are blueberry plants poisonous to cats?
Not if you mean blueberry leaves or stems. Like all blueberry parts, plants are safe for cats. However, blueberry bushes and leaves may not be dangerous to cats, but they may irritate their stomachs and induce stooling, so you should attempt to keep them away from them.
Read: is mugwort poisonous to cats?
How to feed your cat blueberries
A new snack for your pet may sound thrilling, and you can’t wait to share. Consult your vet before giving your cat new foods, especially human food, to ensure they are suitable for their unique constitution. Grapes and chocolate, which are healthy for humans, can kill cats.
If you took this to the vet, you would have heard this. I’m sure the vet would have recommended you to give your cat a balanced diet with snacks and treats. Consider your cat’s breed, size, age, and lifestyle while feeding it.
While larger cats may be able to eat or chew the berries, other cats may have trouble, which could lead to choking.
To introduce berries or blueberries to your cat’s diet, introduce them gradually, as with any new food. Give your pet two or three pieces and watch for nausea, vomiting, itching, or loose stools. When your cat is habituated to berries, a handful is adequate. Try a piece or two first to see how they go. If they do well, you can continue.
Consider the healthiest approach to give your pet berries. Choose responsibly cultivated blueberries and wash them before serving to avoid pesticides and herbicides in your cat’s system. Throw out old, dried, or rotting berries to make room for new ones.
Read: creeping Jenny toxic to cats?
Pros of blueberries for cats
Blueberries are a super food for humans because they contain a lot of nutrients that are beneficial to humans and now if a cat ends up eating them, the fruit would have as much benefit for them as it would for humans.
Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and vitamins that can build the immune system of the cat even though it may take them a while to digest the fruits as they are carnivores, made to eat animal protein. The antioxidant in blueberries can also contribute to the joint health, and neutralization of free radicals in a cat’s body.
Con’s of blueberries for cats
That blueberry fruit has amazing benefits for your cat does not mean that you should ignore the idea that this wonderful fruit can be harmful in a way. Are blueberries bad for cats, well no, not when you give them in low quantities.
However, You have to keep in mind the sugar level and sugar content of blueberry plants. They might not be toxic to cats, but they might raise a cat’s blood sugar level. Cats who consume too much sugar may get gastrointestinal problems as well as more severe illnesses like diabetes, Yes it’s a real thing for them, and we don’t want that.
Other Poisonous/ foods or fruits for cats.
Cats are carnivores, that are wired to eat animal protein like meat, fish, and some other human foods like blueberries. However, there are a few other toxic plants or foods that can harm your cat if they have to ingest them, and this would not be good for you or your pet.
The ASPCA took out their time to put together a long list of foods and fruit that can be harmful to your pet, be it a dog or a cat, and if you love your cat to stay healthy and with you longer you should take every precaution to make sure that they stay away from the foods on that list, let us look at some of these foods.
1). Citrus
Did you even know, that stuff like oranges could cause depression??? Well now you know because citrus plants’ stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds all contain variable amounts of citric acid as well as essential oils that, when consumed in large quantities, can irritate the stomach and possibly even cause central nervous system depression. Small dosages, like eating the fruit, are unlikely to cause much more than a minor stomach ache, so you know what to do.
2). raisins and grapes
Although, till now there is not enough evidence or information as to what it is that exactly makes grapes a poisonous food for pets. However, Grapes and raisins can induce renal failure, so it is best to steer clear of giving grapes and raisins to dogs until more is known about the poison.
3) Garlic, onions, and chives
These foods and herbs may irritate the stomach and increase the risk of anemia and red blood cell destruction. Dogs can become sick if enough is consumed, though cats are more susceptible to the toxicity of these foods.
Final Thoughts
No, blueberry plants are not hazardous to cats because they contain antioxidants that benefit humans and cats. However, a handful is fine occasionally, but it shouldn’t be a large part of their diet.
If you feel your cat has consumed a large amount of a dangerous drug or is experiencing severe reactions to blueberries, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
