Can My Cat Eat Watermelon?

Unlike some fruits including grapes and raisins, yes, cats can eat watermelon. Interestingly enough, while watermelon may taste super sweet and is full of sugar, it is also high in moisture content. This means that the sugar is diluted enough to be safe for consumption by cats.

Whether it is watermelon in raw form or in a fruit powder made from dehydrated watermelon, there is a lot of nutrition in this that is biologically available for cats. Nutritionally, 100 grams of watermelon fruit powder that is made just from dried watermelon fruit contains:

• 380 calories
• 2 grams fat
• 2 milligrams sodium
• 89 grams carbohydrates
• 1 gram fiber
• 6 grams sugar
• 1 gram protein

Even adding fruit powder from watermelons to your cat’s diet can increase their dietary intake in terms of calories, carbs, and other balanced nutrients. Giving a cat watermelon in large amounts, on the other hand, can be dangerous. This is mainly due to the sugar content in watermelon, but it is also because of the water and calorie content of this fruit.

Another consideration? Cats are carnivores and they aren’t really going to want to eat fruit as they sit around like the Queen of Sheba getting waved with grape leaves. You want to feed your cat a balanced diet that should contain meat as the main source of nutrients, including protein. That means you can feed your cat watermelon, but not very much and only along with a balanced diet meant for cats.

How Much Watermelon Can I Give My Cat? 

The answer to how much watermelon can I give my cat is about 10 percent of their daily diet. This should serve as a treat, not a meal. Think of a tablespoon to ⅓ cup at most. As long as you consider watermelon to be the same thing as a cat treat, you are all set.

Furthermore, you might also want to use watermelon as a health aid. If your cat is low on energy, having stomach troubles, or cannot pass a hairball, consider adding watermelon to their diet. This can benefit a cat and provide it with the nutrients and fiber they need to get the hair balls rolling and the energy flow going strong again.

However, your cat may not be a fan of watermelon, so do not go all in the first time around and expect miracles. Try a small amount of watermelon in various forms before giving up.

Consider serving a spread of watermelon served in raw cubes, cooked, frozen, and dehydrated. These options vary to how the texture and smell of watermelon comes through for the cat. Additionally, your cat may be averse to all forms of watermelon, leaving you scratching your head.

If your cat loves watermelon and you want to do something super special, try powdered watermelon. Dehydrated and crushed watermelon is available as a powered watermelon that you can add to their food. This is freeze dried watermelon. Use a small amount to achieve a watermelon flavor and added nutrition.

How to Serve Watermelon for Cat

There are many ways to answer how can my cat eat watermelon, including raw, cooked, and dehydrated. The best way for serving watermelon to your cat depends on the time of the year and your cat’s dietary needs. Since watermelon is highly nutritious and full of fiber, as well as water, you can use it to help your cat when it is constipated, dehydrated, or low in vitamin C.

Vitamins including vitamin C are essential for cats who are losing fur and suffering from skin conditions. The fruit is a great source of energy as well, but it is best to use fresh watermelon only when it is in season, to ensure the highest quality of fruit.

How to serve watermelon for cats also includes cooked watermelon. Did you know that you could marinate watermelon slices in a flavorful marinade, such as one based on tamari or sesame seed oil, and then cook them in a skillet to form watermelon steaks without using meat?

This can also toughen up the watermelon while bringing out certain vitamins in the cooking process. You can then shred or cube the cooked watermelon for a tasty, unexpected treat. This also helps preserve watermelon longer, but should be stored in the fridge.

Frozen watermelon that is shredded with the throngs of a fork to form a slushy is also good for cats. This is a great type of iced treat that cats would love in the hot summer months, which is typically the best time for watermelon anyway. Avoid adding sugar or syrup to the watermelon when serving to cats.