Why
Mango flesh is not known to be toxic to cats, and PetMD's veterinary guide to human foods for cats notes that most fruits are safe in small amounts. But fruit has little nutritional point for a cat. Cats are obligate carnivores that rely on nutrients found in animal products, and the vitamins in mango are already supplied by a complete cat food.
Mango is also one of the sweeter fruits, and cats cannot taste sweetness. Research published in PLoS Genetics showed that a gene for the sweet taste receptor is inactive in cats, so the sugar gives your cat no pleasure while still adding calories. Many cats sniff mango and walk away, which is perfectly fine.
The real risks come from the parts people do not eat and from portion size. The large, hard pit is a choking and blockage hazard for an animal the size of a cat, and the skin is tough and hard to digest. PetMD's guide also advises caution with fruit for cats that have diabetes or pancreatitis, because of the sugar.
What to watch out for
- The pit, which can cause choking or a blockage in the stomach or intestines
- The skin, which is tough and hard to digest
- Pieces that are too big for a cat to chew
- Vomiting or diarrhea after eating fruit, a sign your cat does not tolerate it
- Dried mango, mango juice, smoothies and sorbet, which concentrate the sugar or add other ingredients
- Cats with diabetes, pancreatitis, bowel problems or a weight problem; ask your vet first
How to serve it
- Choose ripe mango. Peel it and cut the flesh away from the pit.
- Cut the flesh into very small cubes, no bigger than your fingernail.
- Offer one piece on its own, with nothing added. Do not mix it into your cat's regular food, so you can tell whether your cat actually wants it.
- Watch for vomiting or loose stools over the next day before offering mango again.
- Put the pit and skin straight into a bin your cat cannot open.
How much?
We could not find a veterinary guideline that gives a specific amount of mango for cats. A conservative approach is one or two fingernail-sized cubes as an occasional extra, not every day. For comparison, PetMD's veterinary guides suggest similarly small portions for other fruits, such as one or two quarter-inch cubes of apple once or twice a week.
What if my cat swallowed or chewed a mango pit?
A mango pit is large, hard and slippery, and a cat's intestines are narrow. A cat that has swallowed a large piece of pit or skin can develop a blockage, which may need surgery. Chewing on the pit can also damage teeth or cause choking.
Call your veterinarian if your cat has swallowed a piece of pit or a strip of skin, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home. Get help straight away if you see any of these signs:
- Gagging, choking or pawing at the mouth
- Repeated vomiting or trying to vomit without bringing anything up
- Refusing food
- Lethargy, hiding or a sore, tense belly
- No stools, or straining in the litter box
Does my cat need fruit in its diet?
No. A complete and balanced cat food already provides the vitamins cats need, including vitamin A in the form cats can use. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that cats cannot convert the plant pigment beta-carotene into vitamin A, because they lack the enzyme needed, so the orange color of mango does not translate into a real benefit for them.
If you like to share food with your cat, small pieces of plain cooked meat or fish are a better match for what a cat needs. Keep all treats small so they do not crowd out your cat's regular meals.
Common questions
Is mango good for cats?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Mango flesh is not known to be toxic to cats, and PetMD's veterinary guide to human foods for cats notes that most fruits are safe in small amounts. But fruit has little nutritional point for a cat.
Is mango bad for cats?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: the pit, which can cause choking or a blockage in the stomach or intestines.
Are cats allowed to have mango?
Yes. Choose ripe mango. Peel it and cut the flesh away from the pit.
Can cats eat dried mango?
It is better not to. Drying concentrates the sugar, and many dried mango products have added sugar or preservatives. The chewy texture can also be hard for a cat to break up.
Can kittens eat mango?
It is better to wait. Kittens need their food to count toward growth and have sensitive stomachs. Ask your vet before giving a kitten any people food.
Sources
- PetMD. What Human Food Can Cats Eat? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- Li X, Li W, Wang H, et al. Pseudogenization of a sweet-receptor gene accounts for cats’ indifference toward sugar. PLoS Genetics, 2005;1(1):e3.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.