It’s a question that most cat owners ask themselves. While they love to eat fruits and vegetables, they cannot eat them indiscriminately because some of the foods may not agree with their digestive system, or worse – they could be poisonous. There are many proven instances where cats have died from eating certain fruit and vegetable so pet parents must always be careful in offering these to their pets.
Blueberry is a popular ingredient in muffins and cereal bars but is it safe for our feline friends? Blueberries have antioxidant properties, also known as polyphenols which prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants found in blueberries can fight cancer-causing agents as well as reduce high blood pressure and heart disease conditions.
Cat’s stomach acidity is not as strong compared to that of humans which is why they are more sensitive when consuming certain food items. Their bodies do not have the enzyme ‘Amylase’ which breaks down complex sugars in carbohydrate-rich foods, rendering them difficult to digest. Blueberries contain a high amount of Fructose and sucrose so it can lead to stomach upset or worse – it forms crystals in the urinary tract which causes severe pain for your cat.
If you are really intent on letting your pet eat a blueberry, remember not to give him any with seeds because most probably he would suffer from intestinal obstruction if ingested. The most simple rule? Keep offering him a healthy treat or allow him free range of his favorite fruits and vegetables but never indulge too much just because you love him to bits.