It’s a hot summer day and you cut open a nice juicy watermelon. Your cat’s meowing has you wondering can Bengal cats eat watermelon? Most first-time owners have no clue which fruits and vegetables are safe for their feline friends. Today, we’re going to look at watermelon and why it can be a great snack for your Bengal cat (or any cat)
Can Bengal Cats Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is not poisonous to Bengals, or other cats. In fact, it is a powerhouse fruit that is low in calories and high in Vitamins A, C, and B6. carotenoids and other minerals. That said, the fruit contains natural sugars, and should be fed in moderation.
If you’re looking for the perfect Summertime snack for your four-legged friend, here’s everything you need to know about keeping them safe.
Are There Any Benefits to Feeding Watermelon to Bengal Cats?
Watermelon is not only a favorite snack because it tastes good. Many people love it because it is low in calories, high in water content, and contains vital nutrients such as lycopene and etc.
Not only is it healthy for people, but it also makes a healthy snack for your feline friend.
Like us, cats have specific nutrient requirements that are required on a daily basis to stay healthy and active, and they differ from ours.
Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to survive. The easiest way for them to get their daily requirements is to feed them a complete and balanced commercial grade cat food.
If your cat is eating a well-balanced cat food, they don’t require watermelon or other human foods to supplement their diet.
Of course that doesn’t mean that your cat won’t mind eating watermelon. But you shouldn’t feed it to them in hopes of providing nutrients, as that’s the job of the cat food.
Is Watermelon Safe for Bengal Cats?
If fed in moderation, watermelon can be a safe, tasty snack for your feline friend. To determine how much watermelon is safe for your cat, you’ll need to pull out your calculator.
If you feed your cats human foods or other treats, they should account for no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
For instance, if your Bengal cat eats 200 calories per day, only 20 of them should come from all treats. According to this nutritional website, 1 cup, balls (154g) of watermelon contains 46.2 calories.
Feeding your kitty too much can cause gastrointestinal issues, we’ll discuss further below. But first, let’s take a closer look at the nutrients found in this powerhouse fruit.
Watermelon Nutritional Information
According to the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture), 100 grams of watermelon contains:
| Nutrients | Quantity |
| Maltose | 0.06 grams |
| Sodium, Na | 1 mg |
| Calcium, Ca | 7 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.045 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.038 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.1 mg |
| Potassium, K | 112 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.021 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.042 mg |
(source)
Can Bengal Kittens Eat Watermelon?
Bengal kittens that are less than 4 weeks old need to be bottle-fed and you should avoid feeding them watermelon or other human foods. Kittens that are five weeks or older should only be fed canned kitten food.
Once your Bengal kitten reaches 12 months of age, you can start giving them tiny pieces of watermelon snacks. A kitten that is in their development stages should NEVER be fed snacks or other human foods.
During this stage, they are reliant on vital nutrients and vitamins to aid in their growth and reproduction.
Digestive Problems Can Be Common?
As mentioned above, watermelon contains natural sugars that can cause your Bengal cat to experience an upset tummy. If your Bengal cat has diabetes, allergies, or is extremely overweight, avoid feeding them watermelon.
Some of the most common digestive issues to watch for are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Gastrointestinal symptoms usually occur 10-24 hours after consumption. Watermelon is safe for cats and most won’t have any issues. However, it can affect elderly and kittens more than other cats.
Every cat is unique and if you have two Bengal cats, one can be affected by eating watermelon while the other one doesn’t have any symptoms.
If your Bengal cat has any serious complications, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can Bengal Cats Watermelon Seeds?
Make sure you feed your cat a piece of seedless watermelon. The seeds are not toxic to Bengal cats, but they can cause a intestinal blockage.
In addition, the sees contain a cyanide and sugar compound known as amygdalin. It is a small amount of toxin and your Bengal cat will only be exposed when the seeds are chewed.
The small amount of cyanide is not enough to affect a human, but your feline friend has a smaller and more delicate digestive system. So always remove the seeds before giving her a piece.
Can Bengal Cats Eat Watermelon Rind?
No, it is too tough and should not be fed to your pet. She may be tempted to gnaw on it, but it is too tough and rubbery to consume. A lick or swallow of a small bit of the white portion of the rind won’t be harmful to your Bengal cat.
The flesh is the only edible part you should feed to your cat.
How to Feed Watermelon To Your Bengal Cat?
The fruit is made up of 92% water and makes it a great summertime treat. Here are some possible ways to introduce it to your cat.
Raw
This is the easiest and most common way to feed it to your Bengal cat. Just cut off a small piece and remove the grind and seeds and give it to your feline friend.
Frozen
On a hot summer day, your furry friend will appreciate frozen watermelon chunks as a crunchy treat. You can give it to your cat in a bowl, (make sure she doesn’t choke), or you can put it in their water bowl to flavor their water.
How Much Watermelon Should You Feed A Bengal Cat?
Once your Bengal cat gets a taste of the watermelon, they will likely start meowing and begging for more.
Whatever you do, don’t give in. Make sure you stick to the 10% rule for treats. If your Bengal cat is picky and doesn’t enjoy eating watermelon, don’t force them.
If your cat enjoys the taste, you won’t have any issues getting them to eat it.
Alternatives To Watermelon For Bengal Cats
If your Bengal cat enjoys eating this sweet tasty fruit, you may want to consider feeding her some of these other fruits. All the fruits and vegetables below have been proven to be beneficial for cats:
- Berries
- Bananas
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Apples
Consult with your cat’s veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet. Monitor your cat closely and if you notice any unusual behaviors, stop feeding her immediately.
Final Word
Watermelon is a tasty and healthy fruit for us and our feline friends. That said, a Bengal cat doesn’t need to eat watermelon for the nutrients. Their required nutrients should come from well-balanced cat food.
Feeding your feline friend watermelon occasionally can be a great way to help them cool down, especially, on a hot summer day.
