Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe? Yes, in moderation: Safe Amount by Weight

In moderation

Yes, in moderation

cats can eat a little ripe cantaloupe. Many cats are oddly attracted to it, possibly because its aroma contains compounds similar to those in meat. Serve small pieces without the rind or seeds.

Cantaloupe for cats at a glance

Can cats eat it?	In moderation
Calories	About 2 kcal per small cube of cantaloupe
Main benefit	Hydrating
Main risk	Sugar can upset the stomach or affect diabetic cats
Kittens?	In tiny amounts once on solid food; kittens have sensitive stomachs

How much cantaloupe can a cat eat?

Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One small cube of cantaloupe has about 2 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult cat could have in a day if cantaloupe were the only treat.

Cat weight	Daily treat budget	Max cantaloupe per day
6 lb (2.7 kg)	18 kcal	8.5 × small cube of cantaloupe
8 lb (3.6 kg)	22 kcal	11 × small cube of cantaloupe
10 lb (4.5 kg)	26 kcal	13 × small cube of cantaloupe
12 lb (5.4 kg)	30 kcal	14 × small cube of cantaloupe
14 lb (6.4 kg)	34 kcal	16 × small cube of cantaloupe

Benefits and risks

Benefits

Hydrating
Contains vitamins A and C
Low in calories

Risks

Sugar can upset the stomach or affect diabetic cats
The rind is hard to digest and can carry bacteria
Too much can cause diarrhea

How to feed cantaloupe to your cat

Wash the outside before cutting
Remove rind and seeds
Offer a few tiny cubes

What if my cat ate too much cantaloupe?

Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your cat seems unwell.

Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.

Cantaloupe and cats: FAQ

Can cats have cantaloupe?

Yes, cats can eat a little ripe cantaloupe. Many cats are oddly attracted to it, possibly because its aroma contains compounds similar to those in meat. Serve small pieces without the rind or seeds.

Why does my cat love cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe gives off amino acid-related compounds that some cats find appealing, similar to the smell of meat.

Can kittens eat cantaloupe?

Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Kittens have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete kitten food.

More "can cats eat" guides

Browse lists: all fruits cats can eat · human foods cats can eat · foods cats can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Cats Eat Cantaloupe?