There’s no doubt about it, strawberries are one of the yummiest fruits on the planet. Too sweet for some but irresistible for many, sometimes even cats.
Not only are they bright red and full of sweetness, but they are also packed full of Vitamin C and many other beneficial nutrients. It’s like nature is tempting us and knows we should eat them.
But what about your Maine Coon? Should it eat strawberries and do Maine Coons even like strawberries? Let’s find out all we know about Maine Coons and strawberries.
Some Maine Coons do like strawberries and it mainly depends on your cat’s preference. The good thing is that strawberries are perfectly fine in moderation and nontoxic. There’s lots more to explain so let’s delve deep into Maine Coon cats and strawberries.
Are Strawberries Good For Maine Coons?
Strawberries are not necessarily good for Maine Coons but they are certainly not bad for them.
Cats can’t actually detect sweet flavors because they don’t have sweet receptors on their tongues.
Cats are in fact carnivores that exclusively eat meat, but that’s not to say some might like a nibble of a strawberry from time to time.
It’s also important to mention that cats can’t digest plant materials well in general, so although it may be good to give your Maine Coon a strawberry at times, just make sure their diet is rich in meat.
Cat’s thrive off the nutrients in meat so meat should be with every meal.
Are They Harmful?
Strawberries aren’t harmful to Maine Coons if you give it the odd bite now and again. But you have to be careful not to overfeed your cat with strawberries.
This could lead to diarrhea and other digestive issues. Cats don’t digest sugar the same way humans do and their bodies actually don’t know how to process it.
In more extreme cases, giving your Maine Coon too many strawberries could lead to diabetes and possibly obesity.
If a cat’s blood sugar levels are increased too much over a long-term period of time it may lead to diabetes.
If you notice your cat is showing increased symptoms of vomiting, urinating frequently, lack of appetite, and always thirsty, it may be because of feline diabetes. If you have concerns it’s best to take a trip to the vet.
Alternative Snacks For Your Maine Coon
If you want to give your Maine Coon cat some snacks from time to time. There’s a lot more than just strawberries. Try some of these alternatives below that are safe and nontoxic to cats:
- Carrots
- Green Bell Peppers
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Pumpkin
Can I Give My Maine Coon Strawberry Yogurt?
Yes, a Maine Coon cat can eat strawberry yogurt. As long as you’re not feeding your cat yogurt all the time then it’s fine.
In fact, it’s good to integrate probiotics into your cat’s diet. A healthy dose of friendly bacteria can help reduce diarrhea and strengthen your cat’s immune system.
Keep in mind that strawberry yogurt is high in sugar so be careful about the amount your Maine Coon eats. It’s always best to choose a low-fat plain yogurt.
Moreover, check to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, a very dangerous chemical for pets.
Can You Give A Maine Coon Cat Strawberry Jam?
The answer is yes, a Maine Coon can eat strawberry jam. However, strawberry jam is high in sugar and shouldn’t be given to a cat too often.
As mentioned before, cats cannot digest sugar like humans so giving your cat strawberry jam may cause digestive issues.
Is It Ok To Give A Maine Coon Strawberry Ice Cream?
Yes, Maine Coons cats can eat strawberry ice cream. However, if you’re going to give your furbaby ice cream be aware that some cats can be lactose intolerant.
So eating ice cream may cause illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Can Cats Eat The Leaves And Stems Of A Strawberry?
No, you should remove the leaves and stems before feeding your cat a strawberry. Also, make sure to clean the fruit before serving.
Do Cats Get The Nutritional Benefits Of Strawberries?
Cats process nutrients differently from humans. They are obligate carnivores so they rely on the nutrients found in meat and animal products. Even if they do absorb nutrients from a strawberry, they don’t need it.
Conclusion
So we think we’ve answered can Maine Coon cats eat strawberries.
Now you have the rundown on your Maine Coon cat and strawberries in its diet.
In general, strawberries are safe and you shouldn’t worry about giving your Maine Coon some from time to time.
Just make sure to not overdo it and make meat and cat food a priority in your cat’s diet.
This food is designed to give your friendly feline the adequate nutrition it needs to live a healthy and happy life.
We also have a similar article about Maine Coon cats and eggs that you should check out while you’re here.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.