Can Cats Eat Blueberries?

Yes, most cats can eat blueberries safely.  

They’re a nontoxic snack for your feline friend, though they should still be consumed in moderation. Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, so most of their diet should come from meat.   

No more than 10% of your cat’s diet should be from treats.  

Blueberries are a safe, healthy snack with lots of vitamins and minerals—however, your cat will probably be eating too few to fully reap any health benefits.  

However, the healthy goodies in blueberries include:  

• Vitamin C (for a healthy immune system)  
• Vitamin K (for bone health) 
• Manganese (promotes healthy metabolism)  
• Potassium (for a healthy heart, muscles, and nervous system) 
• Antioxidants (for a healthy immune system and joint health)  
• Fiber (to help with digestion)  
• Water for hydration (blueberries are about 85% water!) 

While blueberries are not inherently bad, they’re not really good for cats either.  

Downsides of feeding your cat blueberries include:  

• Digestive trouble: Cats’ bodies don’t always handle carbs well, so blueberries may cause GI issues like diarrhea.   
• They don’t pack a nutritional punch: They’re not a part of a cat’s balanced diet, and cats are meant to get all their nutrients from meat. Filling up on blueberries might leave them less hungry for their regular kibble or wet food. Plus, in the small quantities that cats consume, your cat probably won’t reap the health benefits.  
• They have a lot of sugar: Sugar in a cat’s diet can lead to complications for overweight cats or those prone to obesity. And certain medical conditions, like diabetes, are exacerbated by sugar.  

If your cat has diabetes or is overweight, avoid feeding them blueberries.  

Keep it as a sometimes treat, says Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care in New York City. She recommends feeding your cat a blueberry one or two times a week, max. 

“If you dish them out sparingly, it’s fine to give blueberry treats, now and again,” says Dr. Bayazit.  

And if your cat prefers store-bought treats to fresh blueberries, try these fan favorites.  

Here are some tips for serving blueberries to cats: 

1. Start with one small blueberry. If your cat likes it and has no bad reactions, you can offer a second blueberry—but only once a week.  
2. Stick with raw, fresh blueberries. Remove the raw blueberries from the stem, then wash them thoroughly to help get rid of pesticides and dirt.  
3. Cut each blueberry into bite-size portions (about half a berry)—that way you avoid choking hazards. After you slice one open, let your cat have a whiff to see if they’re interested. 
4. If cutting in half doesn’t work (cats are picky, after all), try mashing the blueberry. That might make it more palatable. 

Also keep in mind that you should:  

• Limit overall treats. Snacks should not take up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.  
• Avoid frozen berries. These can damage their teeth but they could also be a choking hazard if swallowed whole. 
• Stay away from processed or cooked blueberries. Unless the blueberries are included in foods specifically made for cats, stay away from blueberries that are processed, cooked (like in a pie or muffin), or otherwise prepared, like those in jellies and jams. These will all have a higher sugar content. 

If your cat has eaten too many blueberries, keep a close eye on them and look for symptoms like:  

• Vomiting  
• Diarrhea  
• Gas  
• Low appetite  

Call your veterinarian if:  

• Your cat ate a blueberry that wasn’t plain and cat-safe.  
• Your cat keeps vomiting or has diarrhea for more than a day.  
• Your cat seems uncomfortable or stops eating for more than a day.  

If you think your cat ate a large amount of blueberries and you can’t reach your veterinarian right away, you can also call Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).  

No, plain blueberries on their own are not toxic to cats. However, blueberries could be toxic if pesticides were used to grow them and they were not washed well before serving them to your cat. 

Yes, there are many toxic or unsafe fruits for cats. For example, you should avoid grapes, oranges, limes, grapefruit, and avocado, to name just a few.