Can cats have watermelon? How to safely feed your feline the fruit.

Watermelon is a refreshing treat, especially during the summertime heat. The fruit is full of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C and lycopene, the Cleveland Clinic reports.

Next time you're snacking on watermelon, feel free to share some with Fido. But while the fruit is safe for dogs to consume, what about our other furry friends: cats?

If you want to keep your feline safe when giving them a treat, read on.

Can cats eat watermelon?

Cats can eat watermelon. But like any human food, be careful feeding them the fruit.

Watermelon is non-toxic to cats and can be given as a treat from time to time, according to Purina. If you give your cat watermelon, it should be seedless. Watermelon seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide which is toxic to cats.

Is watermelon good for cats?

Watermelon isn't particularly good for cats, although it is safe for them to eat.

There are not many health benefits − cats may get some hydration, potassium or vitamin C from the fruit, but "the benefit is likely to be minimal," according to PetMD. A cat is more likely to get the necessary nutrients in their regular diet.

Since watermelon is not part of a cat's typical diet, it is important to not overfeed them. Giving your pet too much watermelon could cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.

If your cat is overweight or has diabetes, you shouldn't feed them watermelon. The sugar in the fruit is not good for certain cats and could lead to further health issues.

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How to feed cats watermelon

If you want to feed your cat watermelon, make sure to remove the seeds and rind. Both are choking hazards to cats. Watermelon rinds can also cause intestinal blockages or an upset stomach.

Cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces and feed it to your cat.

You may find your cat does not like watermelon. So if they react poorly, don't force them to eat it.

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