Can Cats Eat Blueberries?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your cat any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one cat might not be good for your cat, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Cats on veterinary diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so.

As you’re sprinkling blueberries on your yogurt or cereal, your cat might show interest in your snack. But can cats eat blueberries safely, or is this fruit off limits? 

Blueberries are perfectly safe for most cats to eat in small quantities, but there are some potential risks pet parents should know about. Here’s what to know about whether your cat can eat blueberries. 

Can Cats Have Blueberries?

Yes, cats can have blueberries, with some caveats. For starters, the blueberries should be fresh or frozen. Organic varieties are recommended too, because they typically have fewer pesticides and chemical residues. 

However, stay away from sweetened blueberries, in products like blueberry jam or blueberry pie filling. While blueberries are the main ingredient in these sweet treats, they also have a lot of added sugar that’s not good (or even all that appealing) for your cat. 

You can also offer your cat cat treats with blueberries as a listed ingredient.

Are Blueberries Good for Cats?

We often think of blueberries as being a superfood for humans, so we might be inclined to think the same thing about feeding them to our cats. Unfortunately, this isn’t really true.  

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are designed to primarily eat and process meat. They aren’t as adept at digesting non-meat foods, such as fruits and berries. 

But this doesn’t mean that blueberries don’t have any health benefits for cats. Here are a few ways blueberries can contribute to your cat’s health: 

• They’re high in antioxidants. Because of this, blueberries may still help to neutralize free radicals, boost the immune system, and promote joint health in your cat.  

• They’re low in calories. Blueberries are a healthy, low-calorie treat that you can give to your cat without contributing to their weight gain, as long as you’re paying close attention to serving size. 

• They contain fiber. The fiber in blueberries can assist with digestion and help maintain healthy bowel movements. 

Are Blueberries Bad for Cats?

But while blueberries provide health benefits, there are some possible risks, too, especially if you feed your cat too many: 

• They have a relatively high sugar content. Cats lack sweet taste receptors, but the sugar in blueberries can cause spikes in blood sugars. This can present a real problem for cats with diabetes. In large amounts, these concerns are compounded with the potential that cats could become obese from the increased amounts of sugars and carbohydrates. 

• They may cause digestive upset. Too many blueberries can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort, especially in cats who aren’t used to fruit. 

• They’re not nutritionally necessary. Cats don’t need fruit in their diet, so offering too many blueberries may fill them up without delivering the essential nutrients they actually require. 

• They can be a choking hazard. Whole blueberries may be difficult for small cats or kittens to chew and can become lodged in the windpipe or esophagus, especially if they try to swallow them whole. 

How Many Blueberries Can Cats Eat?

It's best to consider blueberries as an occasional treat at best. And all treats combined should make up no more than 10% of a cat’s daily diet—the rest should come from a vet-recommended cat food.

As for exactly how many blueberries to feed? Less is more when it comes to cats and carbohydrates. Because cats are obligate carnivores and do not digest fruits well, their systems can be easily overwhelmed. To be safe, only feed your cat up to three blueberries at once, no more than a few times a week. 

Always start slow, offering one blueberry to see how your cat reacts to it. If you notice any digestive issues, like vomiting or diarrhea, stop giving them blueberries.  

And if your kitty has any health problems—especially diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreatitis—consult with your veterinarian before offering blueberries as a treat. 

How To Safely Feed Blueberries to Cats

If you would like to share your blueberries with your kitty, there are some steps you should take to make sure the fruit is properly prepped. 

Before you offer your cat a blueberry: 

• Wash it. This helps remove dirt and any pesticide or other chemical residues. 

• Remove any particles, stems, or leaves that may be attached.  

• Cut or mash it. A whole blueberry can be a choking risk for smaller cats, so cut it into small pieces or mash it.  

Once the blueberry is ready to go, there are some options for feeding it to your cat: 

• Give it to them plain as a treat. You can serve blueberries fresh, providing a natural snack for your cat. 

• Add it as a topper on their canned cat food. Mixing blueberries into your cat’s food can enhance flavor and add nutritional benefits without altering their regular diet too much. 

• Freeze them for a cool treat. Frozen blueberry pieces can be a refreshing snack, especially in warmer weather. Just don’t serve them whole. 

• Mix them with other cat-safe fruits. Combining blueberries with other cat-safe fruits, like strawberries and bananas, can create a variety of flavors for your cat to enjoy. 

You don’t have to force it, though. Some cats will have no interest in blueberries no matter what you do—and that is OK, too.