Cats are quite notorious for their unpredictable food choices. And this can often have you puzzled about what is safe to feed your cats. While many fruits and veggies are safe for cats, can they enjoy exotic fruits? Can cats eat nectarines? Let’s find out.
Nectarines are a part of the Rosaceae family, look like peaches, and have skin without any fuzz, unlike the peaches themselves. Cats are obligate carnivores and have a natural aversion to veggies and fruits. They also do not have sweet receptors which is why they may not enjoy nectarines in the same way we do. In this article, we’ll discuss whether cats can eat nectarines and the pros and cons of feeding nectarines to cats.
Do Cats Like Nectarines?
Nectarines are a great source of necessary nutrients like vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and potassium. Since they are juicy and sweet, they appeal to humans but not as much to our cats. Your cat should eat lean animal meat for protein but may surely enjoy a bite of nectarine too.
While nectarines are not considered harmful or toxic to your cats, it’s important to be cautious and feed them nectarines in moderation.1
Benefits Of Nectarines for Cats
1. Good Source of Hydration
Nectarines have a high water content and can help keep your cat hydrated. Cats, unlike dogs, do not get thirsty quite as often which can lead to dehydration. Being well-hydrated is very important for their kidney’s overall health and to help prevent UTIs.2
2. Good Source of Vitamins
Rich in both vitamins A and C, nectarines can boost your cat’s immunity and help maintain their health. Additionally, the antioxidants can combat stress or pain in their bodies.2
3. Dietary Fiber
Dietary fibers aid in your cat’s healthy digestion and help maintain the health of the intestinal tract as well. But do not overfeed your cat dietary fiber as it could cause digestive issues.2
Potential Health Risks of Nectarines For Cats
1. Digestive Issues
Cats are very sensitive when it comes to digesting new foods, which can lead to upset stomachs. Nectarines are quite sweet and contain sugar in them. When consumed in excess, they can cause diarrhea.
2. Choking Hazard
Nectarines, just like peaches, contain pits or seeds. If your cat gets a whole bite of a nectarine, they may be at risk of choking from the pits. Always remove the pit from the fruit before offering it to your cat.
3. Allergic Reactions
Cats can be highly sensitive to certain kinds of food and could be allergic to nectarines as well. When feeding them nectarines, always make sure to look for signs of an allergic reaction.
4. Obesity
Nectarines have excess sugar in them which can lead to obesity.2 Always feed them to your cat in moderation.
Expert Insights From Spot
As much as we enjoy treating our pets to special snacks, it's crucial to be aware that not all human foods are safe for them. Spot's internal data reveals that pet insurance claims related to dietary indiscretions average $642*, underscoring the necessity of proper research before offering them a taste of our meals.
Ways to Introduce Nectarines to Your Cat
Remove the pit: When feeding nectarines to your cat, always take out the pit to minimize the choking hazards.
Feed in Small Amounts: When your cat is new to eating nectarines, always start with small bite-sized pieces.
Puree The Fruit: To help make nectarines more delicious for your cat, puree the fruit and mix it with their regular food.
Look For Signs of Allergy: There is a possibility your cat might be allergic to nectarines, which is why you need to keep an eye on signs of discomfort after consumption.
Cat-Friendly Nectarine Treats to Try:
If you are looking for fun ways to add nectarines to your cat’s food, here are a few recipes you can try.
Nectarine Popsicles
Puree the nectarine pulp and mix it up with a little water and freeze it in a popsicle tray/mold. Once frozen, pop one out for your little friend on hot days.
Chicken And Nectarine Treats
Dice up boiled chicken and fresh nectarine into little cubes and serve it as a wholesome meal for your cat.
Nectarine Yogurt
Whip up some unsweetened yogurt with a freshly pureed nectarine to add flavor to your cat's treats.
While these are some easy nectarine recipes for cats, it’s important to check that your cat isn’t allergic to any of these ingredients.
Conclusion
Can cats eat nectarines? The answer is yes! However, the key to feeding anything new to your cat lies in moderation. While you can add this exotic ingredient to their food, it is also important to monitor the after-effects. Always feed the nectarine in diced or pureed form to help ease the process for both you and the cat. Remember to always remove the pit from the fruit, and consult your doctor before introducing them to nectarines.
*Jan 2019 to Aug 2024 administrator claims data. Individual reimbursement results and coverage vary based on plan type.
