Can cats eat strawberries?
✓Yes, safe in moderation
Yes, cats can eat strawberries in small amounts. The fruit is non-toxic, low in calories and has some vitamin C and fiber. Wash it, remove the green top, and cut a small piece about the size of your cat's usual kibble. One small strawberry, split into bits, is plenty for an adult cat.
Is strawberries good for cats?
Nothing in a strawberry is poisonous to cats. It's mostly water, with vitamin C, folate, manganese and fiber, and about 32 kcal per 100 g. Cats don't need any of these from fruit, and they can't taste the sweetness, so many simply walk away. The reasons to keep it small are the sugar and fiber, which can upset a carnivore's gut, and the size of a whole berry, which is too big for a cat to swallow safely.
Benefits
- Low in calories
- Vitamin C, manganese and folate
- Fiber in small amounts
- Juicy, so it adds a bit of moisture
Risks
- Whole berries are a choking hazard
- Too much can cause diarrhea or vomiting
- Natural sugar is a concern for diabetic cats
- Store-bought berries may carry pesticide residue if not washed
Strawberries: which parts and forms are OK?
| Part / form | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry flesh | Safe | Fresh, washed and cut small. |
| Green tops and leaves | Caution | Not known to be toxic, but bitter, fibrous and not useful. Cut them off. |
| Frozen strawberries | Safe | Plain, unsweetened and thawed or cut small. |
| Strawberry jam | Caution | Mostly sugar. Some low-sugar jams contain xylitol. Skip it. |
| Strawberry yogurt and ice cream | Caution | Lactose, sugar and sometimes artificial sweeteners. Not a good treat. |
| Strawberry-flavored candy and drinks | Caution | Artificial flavor and sugar with no real fruit. Avoid. |
How to give strawberries to your cat
- Rinse the strawberry well under running water
- Cut off the green leaves and stem
- Slice it into small pieces
- Offer one or two pieces
- Watch for any stomach upset over the next day
How much strawberries can cats have?
| Cat | How much (as a treat) |
|---|---|
| Average adult cat (8–10 lb) | 2–3 small pieces (about half a medium berry) |
| Kitten | 1 tiny piece |
How much strawberries can my cat have?
Cats and strawberries: common questions
Can cats eat strawberry leaves?
Strawberry leaves aren't known to be toxic, but they're bitter and fibrous. Remove the tops before sharing.
Do cats like strawberries?
Some do, mostly for the texture or because you're eating them. Cats can't taste sweetness, so many show no interest.
How often can a cat have strawberries?
A couple of small pieces once or twice a week is reasonable. Fruit should stay a small part of the under-10% treat allowance.
Can cats eat strawberry ice cream?
It's not a good idea. Ice cream contains lactose, sugar and fat, and some flavors include ingredients that are toxic to cats.
Sources
- Toxic and non-toxic plants, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- FoodData Central: Strawberries, 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.