Can Cats Eat Mango?

Can cats eat mango

Can cats eat mango?

Yes, they can, but there are some ground rules to follow to ensure the fruit benefits your cat more than upset his health.

Read on to discover if mangoes are good for your cat.

 

Mango is non-toxic and safe for cats. But you have to ration the number of mangoes you give your feline to prevent obesity. Also, do not give your cat mango ice cream, mango sorbet, or commercial mango juice.

 

We know you have no qualms feeding your feline friend bits of mango.

But can cats eat mango and enjoy the same health benefits as humans?

By the end of this article, we will help make or break the decision of whether mango fruit is at all safe for cats.

 

What is the health benefit of a mango?

Ripe mango

Mango, like any other fruit, carries a lot of vitamins and minerals.

Human beings get to enjoy the fruit and absorb all these nutrients in their blood.

How about cats, do they need the same nutrients.

 

The main vitamins and minerals in mangoes include;

  • B Vitamins-B12, B9 (Folate), and B6
  • Vitamin C
  • Iron
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin A
  • Selenium
  • Calcium
  • Phenols

 

Which of these nutrients are beneficial to cats?

Cats do not need vitamin C as they make it on their own.

But for a sick cat, a little boost of vitamin C helps keep the immune system strong and healthy to fight diseases.

Vitamin C also helps in forming collagen, healing wounds, and iron absorption.

 

When felines eat mangos, they benefit from vitamin A as well.

As a fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin A fortifies the immune system to better fight diseases and keep the body healthy.

This vitamin also improves vision and helps cats build strong bones.

 

Our furry friends need healthy fats and lipids to keep their skins and coat shiny.

Vitamin B6 is necessary to improve the absorption of healthy fats by your cat.

 

Cats also benefit from folate (B9) albeit in small amounts.

Folate helps improve appetite, reduces irritability, and improves brain function.

 

Minerals like selenium and calcium are beneficial to your feline.

Selenium is important for keeping the heart healthy and staving off heart disease.

Selenium is also a known antioxidant that helps kill cancer-causing cells in the body.

 

Cats need calcium to build and maintain healthy ones like humans.

Calcium promotes a healthy heart in your cat as well.

 

Iron is necessary for the prevention of cat anemia.

 

How many mangoes should you give a cat?

Cat eating mango ice cream

Cats have lots to gain from eating mangos.

But why does a nutritional vet warn against giving your cat lots of mangos?

If you have never fed your cat mangos before, it is advisable to introduce the fruit in small bits.

 

Feeding a lot of mangoes to your cat can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

This is because your cat is finding it hard to digest the new diet in large bits.

 

Another reason to feed your cat less mango is the risk of him gaining too much weight.

While mango contains plenty of vitamins and minerals, it packs lots of sugar too.

 

Too much of these sugars could cause obesity in cats.

 

Can cats eat mango when dried?

dried mango chips

Dried mango has less vitamin c compared to fresh mango.

Since your cat already makes his own vitamin C, he stands to benefit from the remaining vitamins and minerals we mentioned.

The only downside of dried mango is that it has more sugar and calories compared to fresh mango.

 

Also, dried mango fruit is not as filling as fresh mango.

You and your feline are likely to binge on the mango strips to feel full.

In the process, you both consume a lot of unnecessary sugars and calories.

 

Dried mango is safe for cats but only in small bits.

Cut a small bit and let your feline enjoy the crunchiness.

 

Do not feed large chunks of dried mango as they are likely to choke your cat.

 

Can cats eat mango ice cream

mango ice cream

Mango ice cream is not safe for cats.

Unlike humans, cats do not have enough amounts of the enzyme lactase to digest dairy products.

Feeding your cat mango ice cream will only result in vomiting and diarrhea.

 

Besides, mango ice cream contains a mango flavor instead of the real fruit.

Also, ice cream may have preservatives and additives that may not sit well with your cat.

 

By the way, ice cream won’t only give your cat a brain freeze, it could also cause cat migraines.

 

 

Learn More:

can cat eat cilantro

 

 

Can cats eat mango sorbet?

Mango sorbet is a complete no-no to a cat.

The main ingredients in sorbet are mango, lime, and sugar.

 

While mango is healthy for your cat, lime and sugar are not.

According to the ASPCA, lime contains a substance called psoralens which, in an acidic environment, is very toxic to cats.

Sugar does nothing for your cat but causes unnecessary weight gain.

 

Alternatively, you could blend plain mango then freeze it to make tasty chilled treats for your cat.

 

Can cats drink mango juice?

Plain homemade mango juice is very healthy for cats.

As you serve yourself some, pour a little on a saucer and let your feline slurp away.

 

Commercially bought mango juice, on the other hand, is not as healthy.

It contains artificial sugars and additives that are toxic to cats.

 

VIDEO: Can Cats Eat Mango

 

Final thoughts

When your feline begs for a piece of fresh mango, there is no harm in letting him have some.

It is a delicious fruit that is full of healthy nutrients that will benefit both of you.

But do not feed your cat a lot of dried mango fruit or any juice or condiment with little to no fruit content.

 

See Also


Frequently Asked Questions

Like blueberries, strawberries contain antioxidants that prevent oxidation of cells. This helps kill cancer cells and make your cat look youthful.

Mango is completely healthy for cats to eat. But mango seed contains traces of cyanide which is toxic to cats. Only feed mango slices to a cat.

Mango yogurt is safe for a cat because it contains probiotics that benefit his digestive system. But be cautious about giving too much because of the artificial flavorings and preservatives in mango yogurt. Plain yogurt is always the best.

Besides mangos, cats also enjoy bananas, melon, and blueberries. You could also feed your cat cantaloupes, oranges, peaches (with pit removed), and pears (pit removed).

Russel

A pet owner who loves to share useful facts and information about a variety of animals.