Fruits that are safe for cats
| Food | Verdict | Max per day (10 lb cat) | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍎 Apples | In moderation | 4 × small piece of apple (1/16 of an apple) | Not toxic (flesh only) |
| 🍌 Bananas | In moderation | 8.5 × 1/4-inch banana slice | Not toxic to cats |
| 🫐 Blueberries | Safe | 43 × blueberry | Antioxidants |
| 🍈 Cantaloupe | In moderation | 13 × small cube of cantaloupe | Hydrating |
| 🥭 Mango | In moderation | 13 × small cube of mango (1/2 inch) | Not toxic |
| 🍍 Pineapple | In moderation | 8.5 × small piece of pineapple | Not toxic to cats |
| 🍒 Raspberries | In moderation | 26 × raspberry | Fiber and antioxidants |
| 🍓 Strawberries | In moderation | 26 × quarter of a strawberry | Not toxic to cats |
| 🍉 Watermelon | In moderation | 5 × 1-inch watermelon cube | Hydrating |
Fruits cats should not eat
| Food | Verdict | Main danger |
|---|---|---|
| 🥑 Avocado | Caution | High fat can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis |
| 🍇 Grapes | Toxic | Possible acute kidney injury |
| 🍊 Oranges | Caution | Peel oils (limonene, linalool) can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling |
| 🍅 Tomatoes | Caution | Green tomatoes, leaves and stems contain solanine |
Tips for feeding fruits to cats
- Wash fruits, and remove pits, seeds, cores, stems and peels.
- Cut into bite-size pieces to prevent choking.
- Fruit is high in natural sugar, so keep portions small, especially for overweight or diabetic pets.
- Introduce one new food at a time and stop if you see vomiting or diarrhea.
Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need plant foods. These are safe as occasional nibbles, not as part of the diet.
The 10% treat rule
Treats, including human food, should make up no more than 10% of a cat's daily calories. The "max per day" column assumes a typical 10 lb spayed or neutered adult cat with no other treats. Each food's guide has a calculator for your cat's exact weight.
Frequently asked questions
What fruits can cats eat?
Apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Mango, Pineapple, Raspberries, Strawberries and more are safe in small amounts. See the full list above.
What fruits are bad for cats?
Avocado, Grapes, Oranges, Tomatoes. Grapes are toxic.
How much fruit can a cat eat?
Keep all treats, including fruits, under 10% of daily calories. For a 10 lb cat that is roughly 26 kcal a day.