Can Cats Eat Strawberries?

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. 

You sit down with a big bowl of strawberries, and to your surprise, your cat takes a sniff, pulls a strawberry out of the bowl, then takes a curious bite. It might seem harmless—even cute—but can cats eat strawberries safely? And if they can, how much is too much? 

The short answer is yes, cats can eat strawberries in small amounts. But while they aren’t toxic, they’re also not exactly a feline superfood. Like many human treats, strawberries fall into the category of “safe but not necessary,” and there are a few things to keep in mind before sharing this fruit with your cat. 

Can Cats Have Strawberries?

Yes, cats can have fresh or frozen strawberries in moderation. It’s best to remove any stems and leaves, since they can be tough for cats to chew and digest. Avoid dried, candied, or canned strawberries, which often have high concentrations of sugar. 

If you prefer, you can give your cat strawberry-flavored treats instead of fresh fruit. Here are a couple of our favorites: 

Are Strawberries Good for Cats?

Although it’s safe for cats to eat strawberries, they don’t offer significant nutritional value. Cats are obligate carnivores, so their bodies are built to thrive on animal-based proteins, not fruit. That said, strawberries do provide a few small benefits when fed in moderation: 

• They contain important nutrients. Strawberries have vitamin C, folate, and potassium, which support immune health and basic cellular functions. That said, cats typically produce their own vitamin C and don’t require much from outside sources. 

• They’re rich in fiber. The natural fiber in strawberries may aid digestion and help keep your cat’s bowel movements regular. 

• They have antioxidants. Strawberries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins and quercetin, which can help combat inflammation and support overall health. 

• They’re hydrating. Strawberries have a high water content, which can offer a small hydration boost, especially for cats who don’t drink much water. 

Are Strawberries Bad for Cats?

But there are some downsides to consider too: 

• They’re not as nutritious for cats as protein-based foods. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their intestinal tracts were designed to operate best when digesting meats and proteins. In other words, they can digest meat more completely and easily than other foods and they need nutrients only meat can provide. As such, any food, such as a strawberry, that’s high in carbohydrates is not going to be as nutritious for cats as it would be to humans or even dogs, who are omnivores. 

• They may cause digestive upset. If your cat eats too many strawberries, it could also cause gastrointestinal upset—mostly vomiting and diarrhea. 

• They’re higher in sugar than a cat’s normal diet. Because of this, overweight cats and those who are especially sensitive to sugars, like cats with diabetes, should not have strawberries. 

How Many Strawberries Can Cats Eat?

Because carbohydrates aren’t a necessary part of the feline diet, cats should only eat strawberries as a treat. And all treats combined, including healthy ones, should make up no more than 10% of a cat’s diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced cat food.

With that in mind, limit healthy kitties to one small strawberry (cut into pieces) or less per day, no more than a couple of times per week.

If your cat eats too many strawberries, it could cause vomiting and diarrhea. That’s also why it’s a good idea to introduce a new food slowly and watch your cat for any reactions or side effects. If your cat does start showing signs of digestive distress, stop feeding them strawberries and contact your vet. 

How To Safely Feed Strawberries to Cats

Before offering strawberries to your cat, it’s important to prepare them properly to minimize risks, like choking hazards or digestive issues. Follow these steps to ensure the fruit is safe for feline consumption: 

• Only offer fresh, ripe strawberries. Avoid canned, sweetened, or chocolate-covered varieties. 

• Wash the strawberries thoroughly. This helps remove dirt and any pesticides or other chemical residues. 

• Remove the stem and leaves. These parts can be tough for cats to digest. 

• Cut the strawberry into small, bite-size pieces. This makes it easier for your cat to chew and reduces the risk of choking. 

Once the strawberries are prepped, there are a few ways you can serve them: 

• Give them to your cat plain as a quick treat. 

• Mash them and mix a small amount in with your cat’s wet food (or use them as a topper on dry food). 

• Freeze small pieces and give them to your cat as a cooling snack. 

• Add a small amount to a puzzle feeder, like the Catstages Kitty Cube Cat Treat Puzzle Toy, for some mental enrichment.