Why only in moderation for cats
Watermelon is not toxic to cats. Its flesh is largely water with a little sugar and some vitamins. A cat is a true carnivore and cannot taste sweetness, so it has no need for watermelon, although some cats happily lick the cool, juicy flesh.
The hard seeds and the green rind are hard to digest and can block the gut. Too much fruit can cause diarrhoea, and the sugar is not suitable for an overweight or diabetic cat.
How to give it
- Take out all the seeds and cut off the rind.
- Give only a small piece of the flesh.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your cat feels.
- Give it only now and then, not instead of food.
What to watch out for
- Too much can cause diarrhoea or vomiting.
- The seeds and rind are hard to digest and can block the gut.
- The sugar is not suitable for an overweight or diabetic cat.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Flesh
In moderationA small piece of the red flesh without seeds is fine for a cat now and then.
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Seeds
Not safeThe hard seeds are hard to digest, so they need to be taken out.
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Rind
Not safeThe tough rind is hard to digest and can block the gut.
What to give instead
- Cucumbers Yes, a small piece of fresh cucumber is harmless to cats, but pickled cucumbers are not suitable for them. Safe
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin without sugar or spices is harmless to cats and fine as a small treat. Safe
- Blueberries Yes, in moderation: an occasional fresh blueberry will not harm a cat, but cats are carnivores and have no need for berries. In moderation
Looking for a treat?
The "Cat treats" category compares prices for 3,884 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.