Can Cats Eat Watermelon and Watermelon Rind?

Yes, cats can eat watermelon. It’s a delicious treat that offers both hydration and a healthy snack for those hot poolside days.

Nutrition facts: Watermelon for cats

Is watermelon good for cats?

Watermelon is the quintessential summertime fruit. It contains tons of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene. It’s also very high in water content — with water making up 90 percent of the fruit’s composition — which helps boost hydration to beat the heat. But can cats eat watermelon, and is watermelon safe for cats to consume? 

The short answer: Yes! Watermelon isn’t toxic to cats, so don’t fret if your cat snatches a few pieces from the picnic table or you want to share a sweet slice. This fruit is perfectly safe as a small treat for your feline companion, as long as you offer it in small, bite-sized pieces and only feed the watermelon flesh to your cat. 

You might like to eat watermelon straight from the rind, but Dr. Autumn Vetter, clinical assistant professor at the University of Georgia Pet Center, says it’s best to cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces for your cat, as big chunks of melon are a potential choking hazard. But when fed safely, for a cat, melon can be a tasty and hydrating treat. 

As with any treat or special snack, you should follow the 10 percent rule: treats should only make up 10 percent of your cat’s diet. The other 90 percent should come from a complete and balanced cat food. And avoid giving watermelon to kittens, who need a more specific diet. 

Can cats eat watermelon rind? 

No. Cats shouldn’t eat watermelon rinds, as they’re difficult to digest and could cause gastrointestinal obstruction if your cat swallows a chunk of rind. “The rind of watermelon, much like apple peels and the other outside parts of fruits and veggies, are what get exposed to pesticides during the growing process,” Dr. Vetter adds. “Even when we wash our fruits and veggies well, who’s to say we can get everything off?”

It’s also important to remove the seeds before giving your cat watermelon; while they aren’t toxic, Dr. Vetter warns that watermelon seeds could pose a choking hazard. When it comes to feeding the various parts of a watermelon, Dr. Vetter notes, “A good rule of thumb to follow is, ‘If we don’t eat it, they shouldn’t eat it.’”

Is watermelon completely safe for cats?

Even foods that are technically safe for your cat to consume could have unexpected results. When feeding your cat any new food, be on the lookout for any signs of gastrointestinal distress and try out the food in small portions. Too much watermelon could cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your cat wants a bite of watermelon, offer them small amounts and watch for potential reactions. 

Is watermelon bad for cats? Generally, no, but some cats may have problems processing the carbs and sugars in watermelon, so if your cat has a poor reaction to this fruit, take it off the snack list. 

Watermelon is low in calories and safe for cats to eat, but that doesn’t mean it should be part of their daily diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, and watermelon lacks protein, taurine, and other essential nutrients that cats need to live. So, it’s okay as a snack but should never be used as a replacement for a complete and balanced meal. 

You should also avoid giving watermelon to overweight cats or those with diabetes because the naturally occurring sugars in the fruit could lead to further health issues. Even if your cat is healthy, remember that fruit isn’t a natural part of a cat’s diet and can lead to stomach upset. 

Other foods that are good for cats

• Blueberries: This superfood is packed with antioxidants, making it a sweet and healthy treat for your cat.

• Strawberries: Strawberries are a classic symbol of summer, and a sweet treat for your cat, to boot.

• Apples: Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, making them a good snack for your cat.

Other foods that are not good for cats

• Grapes: All grapes and raisins are toxic to cats, and should be avoided.

• Garlic: Definitely don’t give your cat garlic—it’s toxic to cats.

• Pomegranates: The small seeds of pomegranates can present a choking hazard to cats, so it’s best to steer clear.

The bottom line: Human food for cats

Cats can eat watermelon, but only in moderation. Like all treats, watermelon should only be given to your cat as a supplement to their complete and balanced cat food diet.

FAQs (People also ask)

How much watermelon can a cat eat?

If you want to let your cat try watermelon, make sure to thoroughly wash the flesh of the fruit in water and remove the seeds and rind to eliminate possible choking hazards. Chop the melon into small, bitesize pieces before feeding them to your cat. If your cat enjoys watermelon, only give them a small piece as an occasional treat. Never give your cat the rind of the watermelon, which can be difficult for them to chew and digest, and may even cause choking, intestinal blockages, or stomach upset. 

Why do cats like watermelon?

Wait, do cats like watermelon? Some cats love this fruit, while others don’t care for it all. Cats don’t have the taste glands required to enjoy sweets, so they likely don’t enjoy the taste of watermelon but instead like the moisture and texture of the fruit. 

Is watermelon good for cats?

Some cats might have trouble processing watermelon’s carbs and sugars. Unlike most fruits, vegetables are a healthy treat for cats and can actually serve as a positive nutritional addition to their diet. Choose cat-safe veggies like celery, zucchini, green bell peppers, carrots, peas, spinach, broccoli, and pumpkin to try with your cat. As always, you can also stick to high-quality cat treats as an alternative to watermelon and other human foods. 

Can cats eat watermelon rinds?

No, cats should avoid eating watermelon rinds. They’re difficult to digest and could cause gastrointestinal obstruction if your cat swallows a chunk of rind.

References

• Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

• Can Cats Eat Watermelon? Everything You Need to Know

• Can Cats Safely Eat Watermelon?

• Can Cats Eat Watermelon? Is It Bad for Them?