You don’t have to worry as much about your cat eating something it shouldn’t because cats are much pickier eaters than dogs. However, you may be surprised to find that some felines enjoy foods you wouldn’t expect them to, such as blackberries.
Naturally, this can cause immediate panic, as you may begin to worry that your cat has been poisoned whenever they eat something new and unexpected.
If your cat has swiped a blackberry from your plate and disappeared, you need not worry about its health.
Are Blackberries Safe for Cats?
You can rest easy knowing that blackberries pose no danger to your feline friend. They shouldn’t have any problems, though excessive consumption may cause stomach distress.
Finding wild blackberries is also not cause for alarm. You can let your cats run wild in your blackberry patch, as the plant’s leaves, stems, and roots are just as harmless to them as the fruit.
However, there is a risk of choking that must be considered. Keep a close eye on your cat while it eats blackberries because of the risk of the fruit blocking its airway due to its size and shape.
Make sure the blackberries you serve have been cut into quarters. If you want to keep your cat safe, the pieces shouldn’t be too big or too round.
Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, so even if they will eat blackberries, you shouldn’t give them to them in place of meat. You should also give the fruit a good scrub to get rid of any pesticide, herbicide, or other chemical residue.
Do Blackberries Have Any Health Benefits for Cats?
Yes. Blackberries, one of the world’s healthiest foods, are beneficial not only to humans but also to cats.
The high antioxidant content of blackberries is one of the fruit’s most appealing qualities.
These chemicals are ingested by your cat and go to work neutralizing free radicals, which are the source of a wide variety of health problems.
Your cat’s health, lifespan, and quality of life can all benefit from antioxidant protection. Inflammation, the root cause of many long-term health issues, is also mitigated by these.
Blackberries are high in fiber, so if you feed them to your cat while you’re cleaning the litterbox, she’ll appreciate it. Plus, it’s a good source of vitamins A, C, K, and E.
How Do I Convince My Cat to Eat Blackberries?
In the first place, you should know by now that you can’t persuade a cat to do anything. You just have to beg and bargain to get them to do what they were going to do anyway.
This also applies to consuming blackberries. Not all cats like the taste of fruit, so if yours turns its nose up at it, you might not be able to change its mind.
If your cat likes the flavor, simply offering a bowl of the diced fruit may do the trick. Blackberry yogurt, or blackberries that have been crushed, is another option.
If your cat doesn’t want to eat blackberries, that’s okay. Even if they don’t eat it, they’d benefit from switching to a leaner protein source like chicken or beef.
Can Cats Eat Blackberry Yogurt?
Yogurt is a popular treat among feline friends. Milk, cheese, and yogurt all contain lactose, which causes stomach upset in cats.
Cats have a hard time digesting lactose, so they are classified as lactose intolerant.
While a small amount of blackberry yogurt probably won’t kill your cat, it may cause some unpleasant digestive side effects.
Instead of feeding your cat yogurt, try feeding them blackberries, either fresh or frozen.
Can Cats Eat Other Types of Berries?
For the same reasons given earlier in the article, it is safe for cats to eat any kind of berry.
If you insist on feeding your cat a strawberry, you’ll need to cut it into small cubes because whole strawberries are too tough for their teeth.
It’s safe to eat other kinds of berries whole. Canned berries contain unhealthy amounts of sugar and additives and should never be fed to your cat.
You should also stay away from baked goods containing berries.
What if Your Cat Doesn’t Like Blackberries?
Blackberries may not appeal to all cats. When foraging for their own food, they prioritize animal proteins over plant ones and don’t bother looking for things like berries.
There are, however, some felines who find blackberries to be an intriguing treat and enjoy the occasional nibble. You shouldn’t be concerned about which way your cat leans.
Since your cat can get all the nutrients it needs from commercial food, there is no point in trying to force it to eat blackberries if it does not want to.
However, if your cat expresses an interest in a blackberry, you should not worry about them consuming it. The berries, at the very least, will be a welcome addition to their healthy diet.
Other Types of Fruit That Cats Can Eat
While wild cats won’t touch fruit, domestic cats will gladly consume a wide range of options when provided the chance. Here are a few examples of fruits you probably already have in your kitchen that your cat might enjoy:
- Bananas
- Melons
- Apples
- Mangoes
- Pineapples
Remember that your cat shouldn’t be fed any of these items on a regular basis. They are better served as occasional treats or snacks throughout the year.
So, What’s the Verdict? Are Blackberries Safe for Cats?
If you find your cat eating blackberries, don’t worry; they’re perfectly safe for felines. In fact, they’re very healthy, so you might want to try to convince your cat to try one.
If you can’t coax your cat into eating a few blackberries, that’s fine; it just leaves more for you.