can cats eat papaya

Cats can eat papaya, but only in small, moderate amounts. Papaya is non-toxic to cats and can even offer mild benefits such as vitamins A, C, and E, enzymes that aid digestion, hydration due to its water content, and fiber. However, since cats are obligate carnivores, papaya is not a necessary part of their diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. When feeding papaya to cats, it is important to remove the seeds and peel the skin, as these parts can pose choking hazards or be difficult to digest. The fruit should be cut into small pieces and given plain, fresh, and without added sugar or seasoning. Feeding too much papaya can cause digestive upset like diarrhea or vomiting due to its fiber and sugar content. Additionally, some cats may have allergic reactions, although this is rare. Overall, papaya treats should be limited to no more than 10% of a cat’s daily calorie intake and introduced slowly while monitoring for adverse reactions. It should never replace the main animal-protein-based diet cats require.