Can Cats Eat Watermelon? What You Should Know About Felines and This Popular Fruit

Watermelon is not sour for cats, but it might not be the best treat for them.

For people, watermelon is a classic, refreshing, and nutritious summer favorite. But what about our feline friends—can cats eat watermelon too? The good news is that watermelon is generally safe for cats to eat. Still, before you let your cat nibble on a piece, it’s essential to understand whether this fruit offers any real benefits and what precautions you should keep in mind to serve it safely.

Nutritional Value of Watermelon for Cats

Cats have unusual dietary requirements that differ from ours, and the nutrients they require aren’t the same as what humans need. “Cats don’t need carbs every day, and watermelon has a lot of carbs,” says Theresa Entriken, a vet from Leawood, Kansas.

Because cats are obligate carnivores, their nutrition must primarily come from animal-based sources. According to the Clinical Nutrition Service at the University of Missouri’s Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service in Columbia, “The easiest and most reliable way to meet a cat’s nutritional needs is by feeding them a complete, balanced commercial diet designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an expert with a PhD in animal nutrition.”

In other words, if your cat’s diet is already balanced, there’s no need to supplement with fruits like watermelon. Getting too much of a particular nutrient can sometimes be bad for you instead of good.

So, Watermelon Doesn’t Add Nutrition—But Is It Dangerous for Cats?

While watermelon isn’t toxic to felines, there are still a few precautions to keep in mind before offering it as a snack.

First, watermelon is only safe for cats that are otherwise healthy. If your kitty has an underlying medical condition—like diabetes—it’s best to skip it. That’s because watermelon contains natural sugars that are quickly absorbed, which could complicate specific health problems, says Entriken.

Second, every cat is different. Some cats may enjoy a small bite of watermelon without any issues, while others might experience stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. “Each cat must be evaluated individually,” notes the Clinical Nutrition Service, since tolerance to specific foods can vary widely.

Lastly, your cat’s primary source of calories should always come from a complete, balanced diet designed for feline health. People foods, including watermelon, should be considered an occasional treat and served in small amounts.

How to Safely Offer Your Cat Watermelon

Keeping in mind your cat’s unique nutritional needs and the cautions mentioned earlier, here are some safe ways to let your kitty enjoy a little watermelon:

Ask first. Always check with your veterinarian before sharing any new human foods with your pet—even ones that are generally considered cat-safe.

Do the math. Treats, including watermelon, shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake, according to the Clinical Nutrition Service. For example, if your cat eats about 250 calories each day, then only 25 calories should be from treats. Since a cup of watermelon contains roughly 45 calories according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only tiny portions are appropriate. If you’re unsure of your cat’s ideal weight or calorie needs, ask your vet to help create a personalized feeding plan.

Prepare it properly. Must wash the outside of the watermelon before cutting it. Slice it into tiny, kibble-sized bites for your cat, making sure to remove all seeds, which can cause digestive upset. Skip the rind altogether—it’s tough to digest and not safe for cats.

Keep an eye out. Even foods labeled “safe” can sometimes cause issues. After offering watermelon, watch for signs of stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. To avoid chaos, familiarize yourself with only one new meal at a time. If your cat shows any adverse reaction, stop feeding the fruit and contact your veterinarian.

So, Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

While cats can enjoy a little watermelon now and then, that doesn’t necessarily mean they should. The key takeaway is that your cat’s essential nutrients must always come first. Since watermelon isn’t part of a nutritionally complete diet for felines, there’s no reason to make it a regular treat. As Dr. Entriken notes, “Most cats aren’t drawn to sweet flavors and would much rather snack on protein sources like chicken or fish.” Still, if your curious kitty begs for a bite, showing a small taste using the security steps above is fine.

If you’re ever uncertain about whether your cat is meeting all of their dietary needs, it’s best to ask your veterinarian. They can guide you toward the right food choices to keep your cat healthy and thriving. And yes—if it seems like the advice always comes back to asking your vet, that’s because it should. Having open communication with your veterinarian ensures your cat stays safe, healthy, and happy—whether the question is big, small, or even about a summertime treat like watermelon.

FAQs: Can Cats Eat Watermelon?