Can Cats Eat Watermelon?

The bottom line first: yes, a small amount is fine. Just remove the seeds and rind, and stop at one or two bites of flesh.

Watermelon is not toxic to cats

Watermelon flesh is not a toxic food for cats. At 92% water, it can offer a small hydration boost in summer for cats that don't drink much, and it contains almost no fat or sodium. That said, cats are obligate carnivores, so they get virtually no nutritional benefit from fruit — and watermelon does contain sugar. Think of it as a food cats can eat, not a food they should eat.

Three things you must always do

Remove all the seeds — cats are small, and even a few watermelon seeds can cause an intestinal blockage. Even with "seedless" watermelon, pick out the white seeds.
Never give the rind (including the white part) — it's hard and indigestible, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or in severe cases a blockage.
Room-temperature flesh, not frozen — frozen watermelon can easily upset the stomach of a sensitive cat.

How much can you give?

As a rule, treats shouldn't make up more than 10% of a cat's daily caloric needs. For an adult cat around 4 kg, one or two pieces of flesh about 1–2 cm in size (15–30 g) is plenty — and it's best kept as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. If you're curious about your cat's daily caloric needs, you can find out with our cat food portion calculator. If it's your cat's first time, start with a tiny piece and watch for vomiting or diarrhea over the next day or so.

Which cats should skip watermelon

Watermelon contains fructose, so it's not recommended for cats with diabetes or cats that are overweight. Cats with kidney disease or other chronic conditions should also get a vet's okay before trying any new treat. And if your cat has a particularly sensitive stomach, even a small amount can cause loose stools — if that happens once, it's better not to offer it again. Not sure whether another food is safe for your cat? Check our cat toxic food checker first.

I heard cats can't taste sweetness — so why does my cat like watermelon?

Cats lack sweet taste receptors, so they can't actually taste the sweetness in watermelon. Cats that enjoy it are usually drawn to the juicy texture or the smell. Even if your cat loves it, more watermelon just means more sugar — keep it to one or two small pieces.

My cat swallowed a few watermelon seeds. Is that dangerous?

One or two seeds usually pass through in the stool, but cats are small and have narrow intestines, so the risk of a seed getting stuck is comparatively higher. If you notice vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or your cat resisting having its belly touched, take it to the vet right away.

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This content is general information and does not replace veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows unusual symptoms after feeding, contact a vet.