Can Cats Eat Cherries and How to Feed Them?

You cat can only enjoy treats when you know what to give them. So when cherries are in season, do you give it to them? Nothing is tastier than a bowl of cherries, but with the pits removed. If you can enjoy them, why deny this delicious fruit to your cat?

Can Cats Eat Cherries? Why Not!

That’s right! Cats can cherries, in case you are still wondering. This isn’t like feeding your cat raspberries. You can feed him/her more than 2-3 at a time. Just so you know, the health benefits of cherries may not apply to cats.

As cats are carnivores. And they derive most of their nutritional benefits from animal sources and protein. However, if you feed your cat cherries long enough, that’s fine. It may help meet your cat’s daily nutritional requirements. But it might benefit his/her health in the long run.

The question is why are cherries even considered a treat for cats? These fleshy treats are soft to chew, juicy, and sweet. Plus, they’re bright red in color like candy. Your cat is most likely to taste a cherry out of curiosity. Curiosity will not kill the cat – not with cherries!

Can Cats Eat Cherries: The Nutrients

What do cherries contain? Antioxidants are at the top of the nutritional profile. As you must already know, your cats need antioxidants as much as you. It can help with inflammation, kill carcinogens, combat heart disease, etc.

So these free radical activity-killing substances can play a role in a cat. Serving your cat cherries in small quantities can increase his/her antioxidant intake. This has benefits across the board.

Such as minimizing toxicity, lowering risk of diabetes or thyroid, and pain relief. Cats get curiouser and curiouser as they mature into adulthood. Possibilities of eating dirt off the lawn, rolling around on wet surfaces, etc. are endless.

The powers of antioxidants help eliminate skin infections and related diseases. Your cat can play and jump around as much as he/she wants to. Without posing a risk of injury or other health concern.

Another important substance is melatonin. We consider melatonin as the “calming drug.” It helps relieve tension on a physiological and cognitive level. Your cat must get worked up when guests come home or by the sound of firecrackers.

By feeding your cat cherries, you can reduce their stress and discomfort. Melatonin calms the nervous system and the brain. So they’re less anxious, fearful, or irritable when in a new situation.

Can Cats Eat Cherries: Tips on Feeding

I have to warn you about the side effects of feeding too much cherry. Because your cat’s metabolism is different. There is something you can do to facilitate a healthy feeding process.

First things first, you need to introduce cherries to your cat. Don’t just slide a bowl full of pitted cherries under their nose. They might eat it all. But you don’t know how their bodies will react to it.

Cats are prone to mild or severe allergies. Especially to fruits and vegetables that aren’t a part of their diet. Feed your cat the flesh of a cherry. Wait for an hour or two to observe any change in behavior. If your cat is pooping well, is not bloating, or acting unusual. It’s okay to continue feeding cherries.

Second, make sure you’re not just feeding your cat cherries. Cherries are not a part of their main diet. Animal proteins such as fish, chicken, and meat are. Can cats eat cherries? Yes, of course, but only as a side treat. Nothing major!

Third, always remove the pit before feeding. And you can also puree or mash the cherries for better digestion. Only a handful of pitted cherries are essential. It could help with digestion but too much of it could also cause diarrhea.

Can Cats Eat Cherries: Possible Risks

The digestive system of a feline is sensitive. It breaks down nutrients slower. Showing quick signs of an upset stomach, constipation, or diarrhea.

Cherries contain a natural sweetener called maraschino. You can call it nature’s sugar if that’s better. And in general, cat’s do not digest sugar easily. So too much cherries can cause sugar indigestion which can lead to obesity.

Too much of cherries can also cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. That is if you go overboard with the feeding. Consider feeding your cat cherries every once in a while. Say you’re going on a picnic and you take your cat along with you. Feeding your cat a few cherries is fine. But feeding your cat cherries every evening, at home, is not!

Can Cats Eat Cherries: Cherry Poisoning

Cherry poisoning is a serious health condition in cats. It happens when a cat eats an unripe part of a cherry. Or when he/she eats the pit of a cherry. The first signs of discomfort are indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, or gas.

But if your cat accidentally eats the seed, leaves, or stem of a cherry. Because these parts contain cyanide that is poisonous and toxic. It could lead to poisoning in cats.

If your cat eats the cyanide-containing parts, one or two, it’s not life-threatening. However, when consumed in larger amounts can lead to other health concerns.

Such as irregular breathing, dilated pupils, panting, and blood toxicity.

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Conclusion

There are plenty of dangerous fruits and vegetables for cats. But cherry isn’t one of them. They contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. That, when given in small quantities, can benefit your cat in the long run.

So if your cat is bored eating the same treat. It’s time to make things hearty and delicious!

Do You Want to Know More Tips and Trick on TopTipsForHer?

1. Can Cats Eat Cabbage? Is It Safe for Cats? (The Most Useful Tips)
2. Can Cats Eat Raspberries? And How Many?

Sources:
1. https://cats.how/can-cats-eat-cherries/
2. https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/cherry-poisoning
3. https://www.mypetneedsthat.com/can-cats-eat-cherries/