Can Cats Eat Honeydew?

If you are not a cat owner, this question may sound bizarre to you because you have always known cats to be meat eaters. But if you have got one of these cute furry guys, then you know how curious they can get about food, including fruits. Cats love to try out foods they see their owners eating so don't be surprised if your cat is lobbying for a bite of your honeydew. But the question is, can cats eat honeydew?

Honeydew, also known as Casaba melon, is a type of melon that has a juicy taste. It is also full of moisture which keeps the body hydrated. Honeydew is beneficial to humans but what about our furry friends? Can cats eat honeydew? Is it safe for them? Keep reading to find out!

Can Cats Eat Honeydew?

Yes, cats can eat honeydew. Honeydew is not part of the fruits that are considered toxic to cats. The juicy melon is moisture-rich and full of nutrients that your cat can benefit from. Although cats can eat honeydew melon, it is advisable to give it to them only occasionally and in small amounts because the fruit does not contain all the nutrients your cat needs. Make sure to feed honeydew to your cat without the hard skin and seeds to avoid choking hazards.

What Are The Benefits Of Honeydew?

Honeydew is packed with health benefits that your cat can enjoy when they eat the fruit. Here's a list of some of the benefits of honeydew for your cat:

Vitamins

Honeydew contains vitamins A, C, and K. Cats cannot synthesize vitamin A so honeydew can serve as a great source of this vitamin which is good for eye vision and night sight. Vitamin C improves your cat's immune system, keeping them healthy.

Dietary fiber

Cats may develop stomach issues such as diarrhea and constipation every once in a while. Adding dietary fiber to their diet will keep them in line. Dietary add bulk to your cat's stool and makes it easy for them to go.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants wash off free radicals from your cat's body. Free radicals are by-products (or waste) in your kitty's body that can make them sick. Feeding your cat small quantities of honeydew from time to time supplies them with the needed antioxidants to keep ill health at bay.

Weight management

Because of the fiber content in honeydew, your cat can feel full from eating just a little and this way, you can keep their weight in check. If your cat is obese, you may discuss with your vet how to introduce this fruit to their diet to keep them healthy and in shape.

Minerals

Minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus iron, and magnesium are found in honeydew. This is great as these minerals are beneficial to your cat. Iron prevents anemia and potassium is good for your cat's muscles.

Source of water

Honeydew is rich in moisture. Your cat can stay hydrated by eating even a small amount of fruit. Cats can be quite forgetful when it comes to keeping hydrated by drinking water. One way to help them is by feeding them fruits like honeydew once in a while.

How To Feed Honeydew To My Cat?

The first thing to do is remove the skin and seeds before feeding honeydew to your cat. The skin of honeydew is hard and is not easily digested by your cat. If ingested, it can cause blockage in your cat's intestines. Also, it can pose a choking hazard. The seeds are non-toxic to cats but are not easily digested, either.

Cut up the honeydew into small bite-sized pieces to avoid choking hazards. Also, be sure to only feed a few pieces to your cat at a time and not regularly too because cats do not need to eat plant-based foods.

Can Honeydew Harm My Cat?

Although honeydew is safe for cats, it should not become a regular part of their diet because of its sugar content. Honeydew contains high sugar levels. Feeding cats in large quantities can lead to an increase in weight which may lead to obesity. This may, in turn, lead to several health issues.

Also, because cats' stomachs are not designed to digest plant-based foods, your kitty may suffer from digestive problems like vomiting, stomach upset, or diarrhea after eating honeydew. If these symptoms persist, be sure to consult with your vet. 

Cats may choke if they mistakenly swallow the seeds of honeydew. When serving honeydew to your cat, take extra care to ensure it is free from seeds. The rind of honeydew melon can be toxic to cats and on no occasion should they be given any. 

 Can Kittens Eat Honeydew?

Cats are obligate carnivores that do not need to eat plant-based foods. While an average cat can still eat treats of honeydew melon occasionally, kittens need their specially formulated cat food at this crucial stage of their life. 

Kittens may choke from trying to eat pieces of honeydew. Also, their digestive system is not properly developed to digest plant-based foods. Honeydew is non-toxic to them but it is not advisable to feed honeydew to kittens. However, if you would like to introduce fruits to your kitten's diet, be sure to check with your vet first.

What To Do If Your Cat Has Eaten Honeydew?

If your cat has eaten honeydew, there is no cause for alarm because the fruit is not harmful to them. However, they may experience mild stomach upset and diarrhea but again, this is usually nothing to worry about as it will pass in a few days.

But if the symptoms persist, then you have to take your cat to the vet immediately for medical intervention.

Conclusion

Cats can eat honeydew in small quantities. Although cats are carnivores, they can snack on fruits like honeydew once in a while but it must be given in small quantities to avoid health issues for your furry guy. Allergies are rare but if you notice any allergic symptoms such as swollen face, itching, or vomiting, after your cat eats honeydew, stop feeding them immediately and consult your vet.