Can Cats Eat Cherries? A Complete Vet Approved Guide

Everything You Need To Know About Feeding Cherries To Cats

Cherries are a tasty summer treat that many pet owners enjoy. With their sweet flavor and vibrant red color, it’s understandable why you might want to share a few with your feline friend. However, cherries are not a natural part of a cat’s diet and come with some potential health risks.

As cat owners, it’s our responsibility to make informed decisions about what human foods are safe to feed our pets. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before giving your cat cherries.

Can Cats Eat Cherries? The Short Answer

The short answer is yes, cats can eat cherries on occasion and in moderation. Both fresh and frozen cherries are safe for cats to eat. However, they should only be fed as an occasional snack or treat, not a regular part of their diet.

Cherries contain sugars, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit cats. But they also pose some risks, mainly choking hazards from the pits and gastrointestinal upset from excess fruit sugar. As long as you remove the pit first and limit intake, cherries can be a healthy snack for cats.

Nutritional Value of Cherries for Cats

Cherries can offer some nutritional value for cats when given properly. Here are some of the main nutrients found in cherries:

• Vitamin C: Cherries contain vitamin C, an essential vitamin for cats. It supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.
• Fiber: Cherries have both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps support healthy digestion and regulate bowel movements.
• Potassium: Cherries are a good source of potassium, which supports normal blood pressure and muscle function.
• Antioxidants: Cherries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins and quercetin. These can help reduce inflammation and cell damage.
• Carbohydrates: Cherries have natural sugar in the form of fructose and glucose. Cats can digest these carbs as an energy source.

So, in moderation, cherries can provide beneficial nutrients for cats. Just be mindful of portion sizes since cherries are high in natural sugars. A few small pieces are plenty.

Are Cherries Safe For Cats? Potential Risks

While cherries are not toxic to cats, there are some potential health risks to be aware of:

• Choking hazard: Cherries with pits still intact pose a major choking risk. Make sure to thoroughly remove any pits before feeding cherries to cats.
• GI upset: Too many cherries can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain from excess sugar and fiber. Limit portion sizes to just a few small pieces.
• Weight gain: Cherries are high in calories and carbs. Overindulging can lead to obesity over time. They should only be an occasional treat.
• Allergies: Some cats may be allergic or intolerant to compounds in cherries. Discontinue feeding if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction.
• Tooth decay: The natural sugars in cherries could contribute to dental issues if fed too frequently. Be sure to brush your cat’s teeth regularly.

As long as you feed cherries occasionally, in moderation, and without pits, they are generally considered safe for cats. But be cautious of overfeeding, as it can lead to some adverse effects. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Can Kittens Eat Cherries? What About Pregnant or Nursing Cats?

Cherries are not recommended for kittens under 12 weeks old. Kittens have delicate digestive systems and immature immune function, so they are more prone to adverse effects from new foods. It’s best to wait until kittens are a bit older before introducing small amounts of cherries.

For pregnant or nursing cats, it’s also best to avoid feeding cherries. The extra fiber and natural sugars can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset during pregnancy. And the components may be passed on to kittens through nursing, which their bodies are not yet equipped to handle. After weaning kittens, lactating cats can have cherries sparingly.

Are Canned Cherries Safe for Cats?

Canned cherries packed in water or juice are safe for cats to eat in moderation. Just make sure to pick a brand with no added sugars. The cherries should only contain cherries and water or 100% fruit juice.

Avoid canned cherries packed in sugary syrup. The excess sugar content is unhealthy. Thoroughly drain and rinse the cherries under cool water to remove any syrup before feeding them to cats.

Canned cherries do still pose a choking risk from pits. So be sure to remove any pits first. Also, stick to feeding a few small pieces at a time.

Can Cats Eat Cherry Pits, Stems, or Leaves?

No, you should never intentionally feed cherry pits, stems, or leaves to cats. Here’s why each part poses a danger:

• Pits – Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to cats if chewed and swallowed. The hard, round shape can also easily cause intestinal obstructions.
• Stems – Cherry stems are a choking hazard for cats. Their stringy texture makes them hard to pass through the digestive tract.
• Leaves – Cherry tree leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide if ingested. The toxins can be fatal to cats.

Be sure to properly pit and stem cherries before feeding them to cats. Never intentionally give them access to cherry pits or leaves.

What Parts of Cherries Can Cats Eat?

Cats can safely eat the flesh and skin of cherries. This is where all the healthy nutrients are concentrated.

The flesh provides beneficial compounds like vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and potassium. Meanwhile, the skin offers fiber for digestion.

Just be sure to completely remove any pits first. Cut cherries into tiny, bite-sized pieces before serving to reduce choking risk. Cutting them also allows you to better monitor portion sizes.

Can Cats Eat Dried Cherries or Cherry Juice?

It’s best to avoid feeding dried cherries or cherry juice to cats. Here’s a breakdown of each:

• Dried Cherries: Most dried cherries are high in added sugar to compensate for lost moisture. This makes them unhealthy for cats. Even with no added sugar, their stickiness and chewy texture pose a choking hazard.
• Cherry Juice: The concentrated sugars and acids in juice can easily upset a cat’s digestive system. Cherry juice offers no nutritional benefit and should not be given to cats.

Fresh cherries are the healthiest form to feed cats on occasion. Stick to a few small pieces at a time. If you want to use dried or juice, consult your vet first about safety.

Step-By-Step Guide to Safely Feeding Cherries to Cats

Follow these steps for safely feeding fresh cherries to cats:

1. Wash cherries thoroughly under cool running water. This removes any dirt, pesticides, or other contaminants. Pat dry with a clean towel after washing.
2. Remove stems completely from the cherries. Check for any residual stems and cut them off with a paring knife. Stems can cause internal damage if swallowed.
3. Cut cherries in half and remove the pits using a paring knife or cherry pitter. Check that no pit fragments remain inside. Pits contain deadly cyanide.
4. Chop the pitted cherry halves into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them into small pieces reduces the choking risk.
5. Limit portion sizes to just 2-3 small pieces of cherry per treat. Too much can cause diarrhea and stomach upset.
6. Feed cherries as an occasional snack or treat a few times per week at most. They should not be a daily part of your cat’s diet.
7. Monitor your cat for any signs of an allergic reaction or tummy upset after eating cherries. Discontinue feeding if issues arise.
8. Always supervise snack time. Never leave cherries or any human food unattended with your cat.

Healthy Ways to Feed Cherries to Cats

There are a couple healthy ways you can incorporate small amounts of cherries into your cat’s diet:

• As a fresh treat: Pitted, stemmed, and chopped fresh cherries make a nice occasional snack or reward during training sessions.
• Mixed into food: Try chopping up a few cherries over your cat’s wet food. The sweet flavor will entice many picky eaters.
• Frozen into ice cubes: For a cooling summer treat, puree some cherries and freeze into ice cubes. Give your cat one cube at a time.
• Baked into treats: If making your own treats, add a few chopped cherries into the recipe for extra flavor and nutrients.

Just remember portion control. A teaspoon or two max per treat is plenty for your cat to enjoy the taste and benefits of cherries safely.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Too Many Cherries

If you believe your cat has eaten an excessive amount of cherries, stay calm. Here are some steps you can take:

• Watch for symptoms – Look for diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, or lethargy. These can indicate too many cherries.
• Manage gastrointestinal upset – Limit food intake and provide plenty of hydration. You can give some canned pumpkin or pepcid to soothe the stomach if approved by your vet.
• Check for pit fragments – Gently feel your cat’s stomach for any hardness indicative of pit fragments. If present, contact your vet immediately.
• Contact your veterinarian – If your cat exhibits concerning symptoms or pit fragments, call your vet. They will advise next steps and possible need to induce vomiting or perform endoscopy to remove pit pieces.
• Monitor litter box usage – Keep an eye on your cat’s litter box habits for the next 48 hours. Abnormal bathroom frequency or stool may indicate digestive issues. Report changes to your vet.

With prompt and cautious care, cats can make a full recovery after overindulging in cherries. But be aware that chronic issues like pancreatitis are possible with excessive cherry intake. Prevention through moderation is key.

Feeding Cherries to Cats: The Bottom Line

Cherries can make a nice occasional treat for cats who tolerate fruit well. When pitted, stemmed, and fed properly in small amounts, both fresh and frozen cherries are generally safe for cats to eat. Just be sure to introduce new foods slowly and watch for any adverse reactions.

While cherries do contain beneficial nutrients, they can pose risks like choking and GI upset if overfed. Moderation is crucial, with portion limits of just a few small pieces at a time. Avoid letting your cat eat pits, stems, leaves, or processed products like juice.

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any other concerns about feeding cherries or other fruits to your cat. They can help you craft a healthy, balanced diet that incorporates appropriate treats. With some common sense precautions, you and your cat can both enjoy a few of these yummy summer cherries!