Do cranberries tempt your cat? When you are trying to make some delicious cranberry dishes in the kitchen and suddenly you end up wondering, why is your cat rubbing around you, does she want to have cranberry. A question might pop up, can cats eat cranberries?
Cranberries can make a great addition to your cat’s diet, but cats are knowns as obligate carnivores. And the wild cats never eat fruits & vegetables in their diet.
However, cranberries come with good sources of protein, fibers, and vitamins & minerals, over time it will beneficial for your cat.
Learn more about what are the health benefits of cranberries for your felines. Let’s get into this detailed article and know more.
Can Cats Eat Cranberries?
Yes, cats can eat cranberries, and it is safe for them if they are having it as an occasional treat. Also, cranberries are very beneficial for humans, as they are a good source of dietary fiber, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamins C, E, and K.
However, you should know that cranberries contain a high level of oxalate, This oxalate reduces the chances of developing kidney stones & some urinary infections.
Moreover, cranberries also contain natural plant chemicals called proanthocyanidins. This enzyme is helpful to fight urine infections, that are caused by E-coli bacteria.
Do Cats Like Cranberries?
Although cranberries provide good nutritional benefits that do not mean that your cat will enjoy eating them.
As cranberries have sweet & tart flavors, that cats cannot taste, they do not have the taste buds like humans.
The smell and texture might tempt your furball to eat cranberries. However, you should provide cranberries in moderate amounts.
The Benefits of Feeding Cranberries to Cats
As we know that cranberries are filled with nutrients, Moreover, cats also need a wide array of nutrients as we humans need to stay healthy.
Cats can usually make vitamin C on their own, but your cat needs a good dose of vitamin C every day.
If you are providing a balanced diet then it is possible that your cat can make it. If not then, your cat might suffer from Vitamin C deficiencies.
Vitamin C is essential, because, it strengthens the immune systems. It keeps your cat ready to fight every bacteria & virus. Vitamin C is also considered an aid for wounds. You know that cranberries are rich in Vitamin C.
Moreover, cranberries contain other vitamins & minerals like Vitamin K And manganese, which is helpful for your cat’s good health.
These minerals can help to break down kidney or bladder stones. Besides, these vitamins & minerals will help prevent any urinary tract infections caused by E.Coli. bacteria.
If you are feeding cranberry extract, then it will help to prevent, the development of plaque & tooth decay. This is very much beneficial for your cat & it will save some money over the years.
Also Read: Do Cats Eat Kiwi?
Can You Give a Cat Cooked Cranberries?
Yes, you can feed cooked cranberries to your feline, but there are some conditions that you should know.
If you are cooking the cranberries then make sure that you are not adding any sugar or any other ingredients other than water.
You know already that cranberries contain sugar, and additionally, adding more sugar to remove the tartness becomes more unhealthy for your cats.
You also know that if your cat is overweight then unwanted diseases might be attracted. So before you feed cooked cranberries to your cat, you should consult your veterinarian & take advice.
Many cat owners ask are cranberries bad for cats? No, if you monitor the amount of cranberries.
How Can I Safely Give Cranberries To My Cat?
Cranberries are non-toxic for cats, but however, you should consult a veterinarian, if the cranberries are suitable for your cat. They might give perfect advice based on your feline’s current health condition.
You should ensure that you are not providing any cranberry juice to your cat, as it contains a high amount of preservatives, sugar, and carbohydrates.
You should always give them a treat for only 10% of their daily diet routine. If your cat is having 300 calories per day then you can only provide 30 calories from the extra treats such as cranberries.
However, if you want a precise number then you should visit a veterinarian who can tell you a perfect number that you can feed your cat.
FAQs
What about dried cranberries?
Many people have doubts can cats eat dried cranberries? You may know that dried cranberry tastes different from fresh cranberries. If we count on the nutrition then they are similar.
Yes, you can feed dried cranberries to your feline, besides, your cat should love to eat. Make sure you cut them into small pieces, and feed them in a moderate amount.
Can cats drink cranberry juice?
If you are planning to feed cranberry juice then it is recommended to drop the plan. The packed juices come with added juices & preservatives, which will lead your cat to major health issues.
Moreover, the juices do not carry any beneficial nutrients for your cat, you should avoid feeding juices to your cat.
Is cranberry toxic to cats?
The short answer is no, it is non-toxic for your cats. However, there are a few conditions that you should follow if you are willing to feed cranberries to your cats.
If you feed them in more quantities then it might lead your cat to stomach ache, constipation, or other problems.
Final Thoughts
No matter how much your cat likes cranberries, there are some conditions that you should follow. You know how it is better to seek an opinion of an expert veterinarian before you start feeding any human food to your cat.
I hope your questions can cats have cranberries? would clear with this blog. Cranberries are beneficial to your feline’s (Queens) overall diet, but because cats are carnivores, they don’t actually need any extra fruits & vegetables in the daily diet.
I hope I have covered all your questions related to can cat eat cranberries. If still, you have any doubts related to can cats eat cranberries, then do let me know in the comment section below. I will be happy to help you.
If you have ever fed cranberries to your cat
Have you ever tried to feed cranberries to your cat? how did your cat respond? If you can share your experience in the comment section below, we all would to hear from you.
Also Read: Can Cats Have Apricot? & Can cat eat vegetables?
Reference:
- Cranberries as an ingredient in cat foods — Cornell University
- Cats have increased protein digestibility — National Library of Medicine
- Which fruit can cats eat — PetMD