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Can Cats Eat Blueberries?

Can Cats Eat Blueberries?

Updated on July 18, 2024
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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

While blueberries don’t contain any chemicals or compounds that are toxic to felines, a cat’s digestive system is designed to absorb nutrients from protein, not carbohydrates. While there are some carbohydrates in commercially available cat food, fruits and vegetables are primarily carbohydrates and are not generally recommended as part of a carnivore diet. Whether eaten as a tasty snack on a warm day, tossed into some pancake batter or baked into a pie, blueberries are a staple in many people’s homes. Their small size and round shape make it easy for them to roll off counters onto the floor and get stuck in a forgotten corner of the kitchen.

Can cats eat blueberries?

Yes, cats can eat blueberries in small amounts. Blueberries can be a good source of antioxidants and vitamins for cats. However, cats are obligate carnivores, and their diet should primarily consist of meat and protein, so treats like blueberries should be kept below 10% of their daily caloric intake. Consult your vet before adding new foods to your pet’s diet. 

Unless your pet has a rare sensitivity to blueberries, they are generally safe for cats to eat. However, that doesn’t mean that blueberries should become a daily snack for your cat. When giving your cat blueberries, they are only okay when served raw and washed and without any added sugars or baked into other foods.  

Are blueberries toxic to cats?

No, blueberries are not toxic to cats and can generally be safely consumed in small amounts in moderation.

Are blueberries good for cats?

For cats, blueberries are not toxic, but their nutritional value is questionable. For humans, this fruit is considered a superfood because it’s full of antioxidants and vitamin K. Felines are obligate carnivores, however, which means that they receive most of their required nutrition from meat and animal sources. The appropriate amount of a commercially available, age-appropriate cat food will provide your pet with all the vitamins, minerals and nutrition they need to stay healthy. Since the feline digestive system isn’t designed to process fruits or vegetables, your cat may experience gastrointestinal upset after eating them.

Blueberries contain low levels of natural sugars, which could negatively affect your pet’s blood sugar levels. That can be particularly problematic for cats with certain health conditions. If you’re wondering, “Are blueberries safe for cats with diabetes?” the answer is no. Since many human foods containing blueberries typically include sugar, pet parents should try to keep them out of reach of their cat.

How to Feed Your Cat Blueberries

Despite felines not being able to process fruit as well as meat, they may snatch up a berry if the opportunity presents itself.

  • Keep it simple Raw blueberries are not considered harmful and are generally nothing to fret over if your cat sneaks one or two. Processed or even mashed blueberries—like those in jellies and jams—often contain a lot of sugar and pose more of a health concern than plain washed berries. Also look out for blueberries that were sweetened before being packaged. Chocolate-covered blueberries should be adequately sealed and kept out of reach of pets, as chocolate is toxic to felines.
  • Don’t go with frozen Many people choose frozen blueberries because they go great in smoothies and because they last longer. The tough consistency of frozen berries can be challenging for cats to chew and may result in dental damage. Plus, if your kitty swallows a blueberry whole, it can pose a choking hazard or cause a stomach upset.

FAQs about cats eating blueberries

A few blueberries should not hurt a healthy cat. There are usually only two scenarios in which blueberries can harm a cat even in small quantities—if they have a food sensitivity to blueberries or a medical condition, like diabetes, that’s exacerbated by sugar. Otherwise, no part of a blueberry contains toxic chemicals that will harm your cat if consumed. If a large quantity is consumed, however, gastrointestinal upset can occur as felines are carnivores and their digestive systems are not designed to digest carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables.

There are no significant health benefits of feeding your cat blueberries. The feline digestive system is designed to absorb nutrients from meat—not from fruits or vegetables. Your cat will receive more nutrition from a commercially available cat food than they would from blueberries.

While a kitty who enjoys the taste of blueberries can eat a few without worrying their pet parent, blueberries should be treated like any other treat. While a blueberry here and there isn’t likely to disrupt your feline’s diet, frequent or excessive blueberry consumption can lead to obesity or pancreatitis.

Here are some common fruits that can range from toxic to simply upsetting to the feline gastrointestinal tract:

  • Cherries 
  • Grapes and raisins 
  • Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit 
  • Coconut 
  • Green tomatoes 
  • The vine and leaves of any tomato plant

If you find evidence that your cat has eaten any of these foods, consult your veterinarian or contact pet poison control immediately.

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