Cats are naturally inquisitive animals, so they will investigate anything that catches their eye.
It’s great to encourage exploration and try new things, but it’s also important to know which foods are safe for consumption.
Pomegranates are a well-liked fruit due to their many purported health benefits, but their presence in your home should be met with caution if you have a cat.
Are pomegranates safe for cats to eat? If you want to know more, keep reading.
Can Cats Eat Pomegranates?
The quick answer is yes, but there are a few caveats you should be aware of.
While pomegranates themselves aren’t harmful to cats, the seeds and even the smaller pieces can be a choking hazard.
Due to their nature as obligate carnivores, cats require a meat-based diet with minimal supplementation. Cats don’t eat fruit as part of their natural diet, so there’s no reason to assume that doing so is essential or especially beneficial.
Cats, in contrast to dogs, are limited in their ability to digest and absorb nutrients from a wide variety of foods. Meat is virtually their only source of nourishment.
Keep an eye on your cat after feeding it pomegranates, as you would with any novel food, in case it has an adverse reaction. Call your veterinarian as soon as you suspect anything is wrong so you can get prompt advice on what to do.
Potential benefits of feeding pomegranate to your cat
While there is always the possibility of overfeeding your cat, pomegranate is perfectly safe and even nutritious for them in moderate amounts.
The fruit is a healthy, low-calorie snack because it contains no cholesterol or saturated fats.
Vitamin C, found naturally in pomegranates, is an effective antioxidant that prevents cell damage and promotes general well-being.
However, cats can create their own vitamin C in the liver, so giving them extra vitamin C from sources like pomegranate is unnecessary.
The high fiber content of pomegranates may also benefit your cat’s digestive and intestinal systems.
While in the wild a cat’s diet would consist entirely of the bones, cartilage, fur, and ligaments of its prey, most domestic cats require a small amount of additional fiber in their diet.
Vitamin K and potassium, both of which are crucial for blood health, and folic acid, which boosts oxygen levels and fat metabolism and promotes general growth and development, are also found in abundance in pomegranates.
Since pomegranates contain a lot of water, you can feed them to your cat to help her stay hydrated during the hot summer months.
Potential health risks of feeding pomegranates to cats
Even though pomegranates are safe for human consumption, you shouldn’t feed them to your cat. As obligate carnivores, cats shouldn’t eat too much fruit.
Even though pomegranates have less sugar than other common fruits, they still contain enough to be dangerous for cats, especially cats with diabetes or weight problems.
They can also cause diarrhea and loose stools in cats if consumed in large quantities.
Pomegranate juices and processed pomegranates are not good for your cat because they contain even more sugar and sometimes even preservatives, colorants, and flavorings that cats shouldn’t be exposed to.
The seeds should also be removed because cats do not typically chew their food well and could choke on them.
Keep in mind that pomegranates, like any other fruit, should be given only on rare occasions and cannot fulfill your cat’s nutritional requirements.
Safety of Pomegranates for Cats
While pomegranates may have some health benefits for cats, it’s important to limit the amount of fruit your pet consumes. Excessive consumption can disrupt the delicate balance of their diet.
A cat’s stomach can become upset if you give it too many treats. It’s not a good idea to introduce pomegranates to your cat’s diet if you don’t already feed them to it on a regular basis.
While vitamin C’s benefits are well-established, it’s important to remember that cats can produce their own vitamin C in the liver. Vitamin C overdose can cause stomach upset and loose stools.
Pomegranates aren’t as sugary as some other fruits, but they still have some. If your cat has diabetes or is overweight, it is especially important to limit the amount of sugar it consumes.
Pomegranates present a choking risk to cats, so keep that in mind. Another common problem is that cats may not be able to properly chew whole seeds. If your cat has dental issues, this is crucial.
To prevent them from choking on the small pit inside, you should also take it out. To avoid any potential choking hazards, the seeds should be cut into very small pieces.
Other Things to Be Aware of With Pomegranates for Cats
We cat people really appreciate our feline friends’ spirited and playful nature. They can make a plaything out of practically anything.
They have a habit of getting their paws on undesirable items. The tiny seeds in a pomegranate are a tempting snack for your cat if they fall to the floor.
Your cat may be having the time of its life feasting on stray pomegranate seeds, and you may not even notice.
It’s crucial that you only give your cat freshly prepared pomegranate. If you’re concerned about your health, you should never drink store-bought juice or eat processed fruit.
Because of the high sugar content, pomegranate juice should only be given to your car in even smaller amounts than the whole seeds.
Make sure you only offer the fruit when serving when you buy a whole pomegranate or pick one off the tree if you grow your own. They add another hazard of choking and provide no nutritional value.
Do Cats Even Like Pomegranates?
Your cat is the best judge of that!
Don’t be surprised if your cat shows zero interest; they can be finicky eaters. They can’t detect sweetness the way we can, and they probably wouldn’t care for the sour taste of pomegranates.
Sometimes, giving a cat pomegranates doesn’t work because they don’t like the way the fruit looks or smells.
Some felines enjoy gourmet foods, such as pomegranate, and may even beg for more.
If they find they enjoy it, control their intake carefully. To prevent your cat from overeating, you should always store leftovers in an inaccessible location when you’re not around.
Even if they don’t want to eat the seeds, they can still have fun with them by using a slingshot to launch them around the room.
With a new toy, your cat can get some extra playtime and mental stimulation. Be ready to spend some time fishing those tiny seeds out from under the couch.
How Much Pomegranate is Safe for Cats?
Pomegranates are toxic to cats and shouldn’t be fed to them on a regular basis. Cats should only be given pomegranates on rare occasions.
When introducing pomegranates to your cat for the first time, it’s best to start slowly with just a few seeds.
Don’t give them more than a tablespoon or so of the juice to sample. It’s also a good idea to dilute it with water.
Make your own pomegranate pet treats (but don’t tell your cat that it’s a recipe for dog treats) for another option.
See If Your Cat Likes Pomegranates!
If you were wondering, “Can cats eat pomegranates?” now you know the answer. You should try it out with your cat. To ensure a positive experience and minimize any risks associated with pomegranates for cats, just remember to follow the aforementioned precautions.
You probably like pomegranates if you were curious about whether or not cats can eat them, which is why you found this article.
Check out the articles and guides on our Pomegranate Tree page to learn more about growing and caring for pomegranate trees of all varieties.
Can cats eat other fruits?
Although fruits are not required in a cat’s diet, there are some that are not only safe but may have some health benefits if given in moderation.
Among these are:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Fruits to avoid at all costs include
- Dried grapes and grapes
- Cherries
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruit
- Persimmons
Final Thoughts
Do pomegranates harm cats? Your cat can safely consume this fruit in moderation, and it may provide nutritional benefits such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
They also provide much-needed moisture in dry, hot climates.
Pomegranates, like all fruits, can cause stomach problems if eaten frequently, and their high sugar content is best reserved for special occasions.
Because cats are obligate carnivores, even fruits with purported health benefits should be given to them in small amounts and never as a replacement for their regular diet.