When cats eat raspberries or any other form of human food, it can be worrying for cat owners. While there aren’t any major dangers when cats eat raspberries, it is still important to understand what potential risks as well as health benefits your cat may enjoy when they eat these berries.
Can Cats Eat Raspberries?
Although the majority of a cat’s diet should be meat-based, many cat owners like to give their cats certain sweet treats, and raspberries are among them. When it comes to dogs, one of the active ingredients in raspberries can be toxic to a dog’s liver, but there is not the same danger with cats. Cats can certainly eat raspberries without any worry, but they should only be given in moderation. As mentioned, a cat’s normal diet of cat food should be able to take care of all their nutritional needs, so raspberries and any other type of human food should be an occasional treat.
Raspberries do contain a variety of critical nutrients, such as vitamin C, A and K, and potassium, magnesium, manganese, calcium, dietary fiber, all of which are beneficial for both humans and cats. This is in addition to an impressive range of phenolic compounds and antioxidants. As a result, occasionally eating raspberries can help your cat’s digestive processes, their ability to fend off chronic disease, and overall cardiovascular and metabolic health. [1]
How Many Raspberries Can You Give to Your Cats?
As with any human food that you give to your feline friends, you should only give your cats a small sample of raspberries, typically only 1-2 per serving. Furthermore, you shouldn’t give your cats these berries every day, as this could result in their inadequate nutrient intake and in a number of side effects. Giving 1-2 berries roughly 1-2 times per week should be safe for most cats. If you’re concerned, however, simply speak with your veterinarian about your cat’s specific needs and health. [2]
Side Effects Of Eating Raspberries for Cats
If cats eat raspberries in excess, it can result in some side effects like gastrointestinal distress, problems with kidneys, and dehydration. If your cat has plenty of raspberries or any other fruit or vegetable, one of the standard problems is particularly smelly feces. Cats are also quite prone to vomiting, especially when major changes are made to their diet. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for cats because it can damage the kidneys and lead to high levels of toxicity in their body. [3]
