Cats love pomegranates, and they are delicious, but can cats eat pomegranate? Are they okay for your cat to eat?
The short answer to whether cats can eat a pomegranate is yes, but there are some important caveats. Feeding pomegranate to cats can be dangerous for several reasons. It is generally not recommended because of the risk of possible side effects.
Can your cat eat pomegranate?
Cats are natural hunters, and they will often eat things that we think they shouldn’t. People often tell stories of cats eating grass and even dirt on the assumption that it must be good for them. Cats’ bodies indeed do a much better job of breaking down grass than their human owners, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for them to consume.
Pomegranates contain an enzyme called arginine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. The tree’s leaves, seeds, and bark all contain this substance in varying quantities. Cats who have eaten a significant amount of pomegranate may vomit or experience diarrhea as a result.
This means that it’s in your cat’s best interests not to eat a pomegranate, but it also means you shouldn’t feed it to your cat on purpose either. Pomegranate can harm your cat’s intestines because the arginine is so easily absorbed into their system.
How much is considered too much pomegranate for my cat?
Cats have a discerning palate regarding food, especially when humans have anything to do with what’s on the plate. That being said, feeding your feline friend a few slices of pomegranate is okay if they like tart foods best. If they’re not used to tarty foods, though, start with a minimal amount of fruit and work up as time goes on.
If you feed your cat an entire pomegranate, they may experience some problems. It is best to watch them after they eat large amounts of the fruit.
If they develop any dangerous symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately. In particular, watch your cat if they eat more than 1/2 cup of fresh pomegranate (juice included).
It’s unclear what effect pomegranates have on cats because of the lack of research studies examining this effect. Some vets will tell you not to give your pet this fruit while others leave it up to pet owners if they think their pet can handle it or not, but because there isn’t enough information out yet, it’s probably better to keep them away from too much of the fruit.
Are Pomegranates Safe to Feed Cats?
Cats can eat a pomegranate, but this fruit isn’t a good choice for feline nutrition. Pomegranate is very high in sugar and low in protein, so it doesn’t provide much nutritional value for cats. In addition, the rind of the fruit is likely to be irritating to your cat’s digestive system.
Pomegranates might have some health benefits for your cat, but you should always keep your cat’s overall health and diet before feeding them any treats or snacks. If you’re not sure whether or not your pet can eat a pomegranate, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the food is safe for consumption.
There is very little research available that evaluates the safety of pomegranates for cats. This is because there aren’t many studies on the effects of pomegranate consumption on animals, so it’s difficult to say what impact they have on cats specifically.
Why must you avoid feeding pomegranate to your cats?
Do not feed cats pomegranate seeds or juice. The seeds are complex and can get stuck in your cat’s mouth or throat, causing injury or choking. The juice is acidic, and cats’ sensitive stomachs cannot handle it. If you give your cat any pomegranate product, you may end up in the veterinary emergency room with a very sick animal on your hands.
Cats do not have the digestive system to digest the seeds of a pomegranate. The seeds of a pomegranate are healthy and great for humans, but they can be harmful if eaten by cats due to the presence of unknown compounds that might be toxic for cats.
The seeds or kernels of a pomegranate contain punicalagin, a kind of phenol toxic to cats and other mammals and birds. Cats suffering from kidney problems or liver problems should avoid pomegranate.
No evidence proves that cats can consume pomegranates without any side effects because the cat’s digestive system is very different from human beings. Hence, it is better to avoid feeding them with pomegranates as it can cause gastric upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in some cases.
Wrapping Up
Contrary to common belief, it is not advisable to feed your pet pomegranate. While it may seem like a healthy and nutritious fruit, the truth is that pomegranates are not safe for cats to eat.
Pomegranate is a delicious fruit. However, if you want to feed your cat, you should know that it can be dangerous for them.