Why
Watermelon is not toxic to cats, and the flesh is mostly water. PetMD's veterinary guide describes it as generally safe for healthy cats in small amounts but of very limited nutritional value. Cats are obligate carnivores and rely on nutrients found in animal products, so the small amounts of vitamins in watermelon do not add much for them.
Cats cannot taste sweetness. In 2005, researchers reported in PLoS Genetics that one of the genes for the sweet taste receptor does not work in cats. Cats that like watermelon are probably drawn to its moisture, cool texture or novelty, and many cats are not interested at all.
The risks come from the parts people throw away and from the sugar. The seeds and rind can cause choking or digestive problems, and the natural sugar is a concern for cats with diabetes or weight problems.
What to watch out for
- Seeds, which are a choking hazard. Remove the soft pale ones too
- The rind, which is hard to digest and could cause a blockage
- Cats with diabetes or obesity, which should not be given watermelon
- Too much at once, which can cause vomiting or diarrhea
- Watermelon candy, sorbet, juice drinks and fruit salads with added sugar or other fruits
- Relying on watermelon to keep a cat hydrated instead of fresh water and wet food
How to serve it
- Cut a small piece of ripe red flesh away from the rind.
- Pick out every seed you can see, black or white.
- Cut it into tiny, bite-size pieces and offer them plain, not mixed with other fruit.
- Start with a piece or two and watch your cat's stools over the next day.
- Throw away the rind straight after cutting so your cat cannot chew on it.
How much?
PetMD's veterinary guide suggests that a single cube about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, cut into bite-size pieces, is more than enough for a healthy cat as an occasional treat.
Is watermelon a good way to keep a cat hydrated?
Watermelon is mostly water, so a few pieces do add a little fluid. But the amount a cat can safely eat is tiny, and it comes with sugar. It is not a practical way to raise a cat's water intake.
If you want your cat to drink more, fresh water in several places, a pet water fountain, wet food, or a little extra water mixed into wet food are all better options. If you notice your cat drinking much more or much less than usual, that is worth a vet visit in itself, because a change in thirst can be a sign of illness.
When to call the vet after a cat eats watermelon
A small bite of seedless flesh is usually no cause for concern. Contact your vet if:
- Your cat has diabetes or another ongoing health condition
- Your cat chewed and swallowed a piece of rind
- Your cat ate a large number of seeds
- Vomiting, diarrhea, straining, loss of appetite or lethargy follow
Common questions
Is watermelon good for cats?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Watermelon is not toxic to cats, and the flesh is mostly water. PetMD's veterinary guide describes it as generally safe for healthy cats in small amounts but of very limited nutritional value.
Is watermelon bad for cats?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: the rind, which is hard to digest and could cause a blockage.
Are cats allowed to have watermelon?
Yes. Cut a small piece of ripe red flesh away from the rind.
Can cats eat watermelon seeds?
No. Remove them before sharing, because they can be a choking hazard. If your cat swallowed a lot of seeds, call your vet.
Can kittens eat watermelon?
A healthy kitten can have a tiny piece of seedless flesh now and then, but it adds nothing useful to a kitten's growing diet. Keep the piece very small and seed-free.
Can cats eat watermelon rind?
No. The rind is tough and hard to digest, and swallowed pieces could cause choking or a blockage in the gut.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Cats Eat Watermelon? (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.
- 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.