Can cats eat blueberries?
✓Yes, safe in moderation
Yes, cats can eat blueberries. They are non-toxic, low in calories, and some cat food makers already add them for their antioxidants. Offer one to three washed berries, cut in half for small cats or kittens, as an occasional treat. Many cats would rather bat a blueberry across the floor than eat it.
Is blueberries good for cats?
Blueberries have no known toxins for cats. They contain vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber and plant pigments called anthocyanins, which act as antioxidants. Cats make their own vitamin C, so these extras are a small bonus at best, and there's little research on their benefit in cats. The main practical points are size, since a whole firm berry can lodge in a small throat, and portion, because too much fruit can cause loose stools.
Benefits
- Low in calories, around 1 kcal per berry
- Antioxidant pigments (anthocyanins)
- Fiber and vitamin K
- Small and round, so some cats enjoy them as a play-and-eat treat
Risks
- Whole berries can be a choking risk for kittens and small cats
- Too many can cause diarrhea
- Blueberry muffins, pies and syrups contain sugar and fat
Blueberries: which parts and forms are OK?
| Part / form | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh blueberries | Safe | Washed and plain. Halve them for small mouths. |
| Frozen blueberries | Safe | Unsweetened only. They're hard when frozen, so thaw or halve them first. |
| Dried blueberries | Caution | Concentrated sugar and often sweetened. A single berry at most. |
| Blueberry muffins and pancakes | Caution | Flour, sugar and butter with very little fruit. Not worth sharing. |
| Blueberry yogurt | Caution | Added sugar and lactose. Sugar-free versions may contain xylitol. |
| Blueberries in cat food | Safe | Included in small amounts in some recipes. The food is still balanced for cats. |
How to give blueberries to your cat
- Rinse fresh blueberries well
- Cut each berry in half, or mash it, for kittens and small cats
- Offer one to three berries by hand
- Try a frozen berry on a hot day if your cat likes to lick and bat it
- Keep fruit treats to a few times a week
How much blueberries can cats have?
| Cat | How much (as a treat) |
|---|---|
| Average adult cat (8–10 lb) | 1–3 berries |
| Kitten | 1 berry, cut in half |
How much blueberries can my cat have?
Cats and blueberries: common questions
Are blueberries good for cats?
They're a safe low-calorie treat, but cats don't need them. Any antioxidant benefit for cats is not well studied.
How many blueberries can a cat eat?
One to three berries a few times a week is plenty for an average adult cat.
Why do some cat foods contain blueberries?
Manufacturers add them for antioxidants and marketing appeal. The amounts are small and the food is balanced around meat protein.
Can cats eat frozen blueberries?
Yes, if they're plain. Many cats prefer to chase a frozen berry. Halve or thaw it for kittens so it's not a choking hazard.
Sources
- Toxic and non-toxic plants, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- FoodData Central: Blueberries, raw, USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Feeding your cat, Cornell Feline Health Center
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different, so ask your vet before changing your cat's diet. See our editorial policy.