Summer Treats for Cats
Make summer a great season for your cat with some special treats!
Feeding cats a balanced diet is a difficult task, simply due to the fact that they are dependent on nutrients that they can only find in their natural form in animal sources. While you can offer your feline friends fruit and vegetables as a refreshment in the summertime, these should not be seen as a staple food. To help you choose safe options, we have put together a small selection of safe fruit and vegetables that can be used as a summer refreshment.
You can find a list of healthy summer treats for dogs here.
A selection of healthy fruit
Banana
Although this fruit is rich in many vitamins, fibers and minerals) and safe for cats, your cat may not be able to tolerate them. Do not give bananas if your cat is overweight or suffers from diabetes, as bananas contain relatively high levels of sugar1.
Mango
This delicious fruit is rich in fiber and various vitamins2. Only offer your cat the pure flesh.
Kiwi
Similar to mangoes, kiwis also contain fiber and many vitamins (A, C, E, K) as well as potassium. However, remember that too much can lead to an upset stomach3.
Pineapple
Pineapple offers many important vitamins (A, B6, E and K) as well as calcium, potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium, to name just a few ingredients1. But please be warned that this tropical fruit is only healthy for your cat if it is fed in moderation; otherwise it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea4.
A selection of healthy vegetables
Courgette
These vegetables are low in calories and contain vitamins, minerals and fiber. Make sure to only use the flesh of the courgette and not the skin.
Spinach
Given in moderation, spinach is healthy for your cat as it contains important vitamins as well as iron and calcium6. Do not give your cat spinach if it is prone to developing urinary bladder stones7.
Broccoli
High in fiber and low in calories, fats and sugars8, it can be a suitable part of a summer refreshment for your cat if he likes this vegetable.
Recipe idea for delicious cat-friendly Tuna Frozen Delight
Ingredients:
- One pack of sustainable tuna including juice
- Water
- Ice cube molds
Preparation:
Puree the tuna and add water until the mixture has a creamy consistency, then pour the mixture into the ice cube molds and place them in the freezer to freeze. After a few hours, the cat ice cream with tuna is ready. It is best served in a small bowl.
Source
2. Which Fruits Can Cats Eat? [accessed 2024 Apr 17]. https://www.petmd.com/cat/which-fruits-can-cats-eat
3. Safe and Unsafe Fruits For Dogs & Cats | Preventive Vet. [accessed 2024 Apr 17]. https://www.preventivevet.com/pets/safe-fruits-for-dogs-and-cats
4. Lychee fruit: Health benefits and nutritional information. 2021 Apr 8 [accessed 2024 Apr 17]. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lychee-fruit
5. MacMillan DR. Can Cats Eat Pineapple? The Vets. 2022 Apr 27 [accessed 2024 Apr 17]. https://thevets.com/blog/can-cats-eat-pineapple/ 6. modernvet modernvet. Can cats eat cooked spinach. Modern Vet. 2022 [accessed 2024 Apr 17]. https://modernvet.com/can-cats-eat-cooked-spinach/
7. A5fs0fS2ds. Urinary bladder stones in dogs & cats. Chappelle Veterinary Clinic. 2020 [accessed 2024 Apr 18]. https://chappellevet.ca/urinary-bladder-stones-in-dogs-cats/
8. Can Cats Eat Broccoli? [accessed 2024 Apr 17]. https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/can-cats-eat-broccoli