can cats have strawberries

8 minutes ago 1
Nature

Cats can have strawberries in small amounts. Strawberries are non-toxic to cats and safe to eat in moderation as an occasional treat, but they should not be a regular part of a cat's diet since cats are obligate carnivores and their nutritional needs come primarily from meat. It is important to remove the strawberry stems and leaves before offering the fruit to cats because those parts are hard to digest and could cause gastrointestinal issues. Also, strawberries should be washed to remove any pesticides or dirt, and only a small portion (such as half a strawberry per day) should be given to avoid digestive upset like diarrhea or vomiting. Cats with diabetes or sensitivity to sugars should avoid strawberries due to their sugar content, even though strawberries have relatively low sugar compared to other fruits. Overall, strawberries provide some fiber, vitamins, hydration, and antioxidants, but they offer no essential nutrients that cats need.