It’s safe to say that we usually do not associate fruits and cats, primarily because of the common perception of them being meat-eaters. Even though they are carnivores, in this article, we will address if cats can eat cantaloupe.
Cat’s taste buds do not acknowledge sweetness. Even so, they can eat cantaloupe in moderation as treats. Your cat will like them due to their aroma, which is heavy on amino acids. This last causes it to smell like meat, thus attracting the feline.
Cantaloupe is high in carbs, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and modest levels of fats and proteins. All of which are beneficial to your cat. However, this does not mean that the fruit can be in your cat’s diet indefinitely.
Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe shouldn’t be the first option served to cats. They are carnivores to the core. However, it will not harm them, and they may even enjoy it.
Cantaloupe can have the same effect on their tummies as grass by helping them regulate their bowel movement. Some cats will eat fruit or vegetables to vomit and feel better. However, there is a difference between a calming and unpleasant sort of vomiting. Nevertheless, we must examine how an animal reacts to any new item placed into its diet.
Will Your Cat Like This Fruit?
It provides them with essential amino acids, and some cats adore it. In short, yes! Your cat might like it. We use the term might because if there’s anything we can expect out of these feline creatures is the unexpected, meaning it will come down to your cat’s preference.
Amino acids have numerous advantages, including building muscle, growing, and breaking down food. On the other hand, it helps restore tissue health, regulates appetite, and balances nitrogen in the body.
You can easily find the same or even higher levels of amino acids in red meat, chicken, and fish, which your cat will adore. Be mindful not to overfeed. Any new food, especially vegetables or fruit, can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
How Much Cantaloupe Can A Cat Have?
Using cantaloupe as a treat is the best way to feed it to your cat. As recommended by vets, provide it in moderation. As with any human food, it’s better to start slow than making it a regular part of their diet. Another thing to consider would be portions; try to make them small.
How Often Should You Give Them Cantaloupe?
The short answer is not too frequent. Feeding your cat sweet treats once a week is ideal. Make sure not to make a habit of feeding your pet sugary foods. This may cause issues with weight, and they could even develop fussy eating habits, thereby refusing to accept typical foods.
If you’ve not seen the cartoon Garfield, check it out because the excess of the fruit will turn your cat into a clone of the famous feline.
Can They Eat The Skin Of The Cantaloupe?
Unfortunately, kittens cannot eat the skin of the cantaloupe. When feeding the fruit to your cat, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and slice it into treat-sized pieces to make eating it effortless. This is because their skin is difficult to digest. Their seeds are indigestible and can cause obstructions.
What Benefit Brings The Consumption Of The Fruit To Your Cat?
This fruit has an abundance of Magnesium, vitamin A, iron, and vitamin C, to name a few of the vitamins and minerals found in it.
Cats are good at processing raw meats and providing them with all of the nutrients they require because they are their sole source of nutrition. A cantaloupe may provide us with many beneficial nutrients, but it will not do the same for your cat.
Because cats do not produce vitamin A, they require it. Humans obtain it by converting beta-carotene from various fruits and vegetables ingested.
Cantaloupe is high in beta-carotene. It is an excellent source of vitamin A for humans. Cats, on the other hand, are unable to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. They require vitamin A in its fully restored form, which they can obtain by eating animals that have already completed the conversion process within their bodies.
Cats do not require the same amount of vitamin C as humans. Their bodies produce all of the vitamin C they need. Therefore cantaloupe will provide no advantage in this aspect.
Dangers Of The Overconsumption
If your cat seems intrigued by fruits, we have the best fruit treats that contain the necessary supplements. Even though fruits are a source of natural and healthy sugars, the concentration of it is very high, which can be a problem. This alone disqualifies it as a regular treat for cats because it can lead to weight gain and exacerbate health problems like diabetes.
Another risk to consider is that, like other melon fruits, cantaloupe has a rind. If your cat eats it, it can cause serious problems—much like watermelon rinds, eating it can cause gastrointestinal irritation as well as damage to your cat’s digestive tract. Rinds are too rough. Fibrous skins are also a choking hazard.
What Other Fruits Can A Cat Have?
Although we cannot push the narrative of having cats on vegetable or fruit-based diets. Here are other fruits that, in small portions, can be enjoyed by your cat:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Seedless watermelon
We can’t stress enough, all of these feline-friendly foods must be cut up into small, readily digestible pieces as an occasional addition to their diet.
Can Cats Eat Watermelon And Honeydew Cantaloupe?
Since these two are close relatives to cantaloupes, it is a fair observation for us to highlight the option of feeding one of the two.
The answer is yes; cats can safely consume modest amounts of watermelon and honeydew melon. If you want to share some watermelon now and then, you can give it to them as a treat. Watermelon can help your cat rehydrate and is excellent for hot days.
According to the ASCPA, honeydew melon, commonly known as Casaba melon, is safe for cats. However, you should remove the seeds before giving them to your cat. Then, to reduce choking hazards for your cat, crush it or cut it into small pieces.
Fruity Treats. Perfect Alternatives For Your Cat
If your cat seems intrigued by fruits, we have the best fruity treats that contain all of the necessary supplements while also protecting your kitty’s stomach:
Fruitables Salmon Flavor with Cranberry Crunch :
Each treat is under two calories, making it a guilt-free gift you can feel good about giving your cat. There is no maize, wheat, soy, or artificial colors or flavors because it is made with natural ingredients.
Wellness Kittles Chicken & Cranberries Cat Treats :
- Feeding Instructions Chicken and Cranberries Recipe from Wellness Kittles Cat Treats are only a supplement to regular feeding.
- The analysis is guaranteed.
- Not less than 30.00 percent crude protein
- Not less than 12.00 percent crude fat
Silvervine is a terrific method to encourage play, ease stress and anxiety in your cat. Give your cat dried fruit to play with and watch them! Many cats will play by batting the fruit about on their own, but you can encourage them to play by tossing and batting alongside them! As a result, it’s a fantastic bonding toy.
Conclusion
If you’re a cat owner and are dedicated to giving your feline friend variety, it would be the smartest choice to stay away from fruits and vegetables. Understanding that a cat’s diet cannot be compared to humans.
Their needs are different, so we must comprehend and adjust to them. That does not mean that there isn’t the opportunity to switch up their diet. However, you still want to be careful and knowledgeable about what you put in their bodies.
Shawn Manaher is a serial entrepreneur but when he isn’t working, he loves dogs. He’s owned different pets over the years, and always gives a part of his heart to each pet.
