Cats can eat mango, but only in small amounts and as an occasional treat. Mango is not toxic to cats, but since cats are obligate carnivores and do not have receptors for sweet tastes, many won't be very interested in the fruit. If given, mango should be peeled, the pit removed (as it is a choking hazard and contains toxins), and cut into small bite-sized pieces. Due to mango's high sugar content and lack of essential nutrients for cats, it should only be a rare snack, not a substitute for their regular diet. Overfeeding mango can cause digestive upset or contribute to weight gain, especially in cats with health issues like diabetes.
Feeding Guidelines
- Use fresh, ripe mango without peel or pit.
- Offer no more than a tablespoon occasionally.
- Avoid dried or canned mango, which have added sugars and preservatives.
- Monitor the cat after offering mango for any digestive or behavioral changes.
Nutritional Considerations
- Cats produce their own vitamin C and do not need fruit for nutrition.
- Mango provides little nutritional benefit for cats.
- High sugar in mango could be harmful if given frequently or in large amounts.
Thus, mango can be a safe, rare treat for cats but is not necessary and should be given cautiously.
