You may be snacking on a succulent piece of fresh mango. Your little furry friend hops up next to you, and the thought crosses your mind: can cats eat mango?
Most pet owners are careful with what human foods they feed their cats. However, if they can enjoy a nibble of juicy mango, why not give it to them?
Before giving your pet anything you aren’t sure is okay for them to eat, make sure you do thorough research on the consequences. This article will have the information you need and answer all your questions about your cat and mangoes.
Can Cats Eat Dried Mango?
Yes, cats can eat dried mango. Dried mango is not very different from fresh mango, of course, other than it being dehydrated.
Interestingly, dried mango does have more sugar in it than fresh mango. The dehydration process increases the sugar content while reducing antioxidants.
So when it comes to your health, fresh mango is typically the healthier choice. When it comes to your cat, the same is true. Cats cannot consume as much sugar as we do without having stomach issues or digestive problems.
So if you’re going to give your cat any mango, fresh mango is the best option. But if you share a nibble of dried mango with them, just make sure it’s a small piece. And don’t make the dried mango treat a regular occurrence.
Is Mango Good For Cats?
Cats are carnivorous animals, so their diet does not require any fruits or vegetables to be healthy and happy. But fruits do have some potential benefits for your feline friend. Mangoes are high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your cat may not receive in their daily diet.
Once again, your cat is not starved for these nutrients as they don’t need them, but it can’t hurt to add some more vitamins and minerals to their diet. Mangoes are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6, which can improve immunity and energy.
Mangoes, especially dried mangoes, are very high in fiber. A piece of mango may help get things moving in their digestive tract.
If your cat is a little tubby, your vet may advise you to quit giving them high-calorie treats and snacks. Mango can be a good option if you’re watching their weight but still want to show your love.
Now that we’ve established that cats can safely eat mangoes, it is worth noting that there is a high possibility your cat will not like mango. Cats in the wild do not consume fruits or vegetables, as they are carnivores that sustain themselves off meat.
So don’t be surprised if your kitty turns its nose up when you try to share the sweet orange snack with them. But if on the off-chance they enjoy it, you can share a tiny portion with them every so often.
Can Cats Eat Mango Seeds?
First off, mangoes don’t have seeds how most people think. Mango seeds are large pits in the center of the fruit. If you’ve ever sliced fresh mango, then you know exactly how big and hard this pit is.
While the pit is likely to be too large to pose a real threat to your cat, it can be a choking hazard if they attempt to eat it. It’s best to discard the pit once you cut away all the mango flesh.
If you have a medium or large dog, you should not let them near the pit, as they are more likely to try to chew on it and potentially choke.
Can Kittens Eat Mango?
Yes, your new tiny kitten is also allowed to munch on some juicy mango pieces. However, you need to be extra careful with their sugar intake because they are so small, and their digestive tracts are still adjusting to their diet and developing.
However, kitten tummies can be volatile, so to be safe, we recommend checking with your vet before you give your new kitten anything other than premium kitten food. But a little lick of mango will likely have little to no effect on them if they’re even willing to try it!
When it comes to young animals (and people), stomachs are more sensitive as they navigate new foods and develop healthy gut bacteria. So always be careful giving new food to young animals.
Can Cats Drink Mango Juice?
Yes, cats can drink mango juice. Most mango juice, however, is loaded with sugar and other additives. Cats cannot digest sugar as well as humans can, because they don’t need it for their diet.
A good amount of mango juice could hurt their tummy or cause digestive disruptions. You definitely should not fill your cat’s water bowl with mango juice, but if they take a little lick of yours, that’s nothing to be worried about.
It is worth mentioning that while mango juice is a-okay, orange juice is not. Mango is not a citrus fruit. Citrus can mess with cats’ stomachs and cause them to have food poisoning. Mangoes and mango juice are safe in small amounts, but oranges are considered toxic to cats, and you should not share any with them.
If your cat accidentally ingests any orange, orange juice, or any citrus fruit, keep an eye on them for signs of discomfort and take them to the vet if it persists or worsens.
Health Benefits of Mango for Cats
The are several health benefits of mango for cats that may surprise you. Our little carnivorous friends can benefit quite a bit from the fleshy orange fruit in their diet.
Vitamin A: The role of Vitamin A is to boost your cat’s immune system. No one wants to see their pet get sick, as they can’t binge reality TV on the couch as we can. Incorporating a little bit of additional Vitamin A into their diet can help improve their chances of avoiding illnesses.
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is just another nutrient that will aid your cat’s body in its normal functions. Vitamin B6 also helps in digestion and the processing of fats and protein. As carnivorous animals, cats eat a lot of meat and sometimes even raw meat. Vitamin B6 can help their body absorb these fats properly, so they don’t gain too much weight and take full advantage of the nutrients in the fats.
Low Calorie: As mentioned, mango is a super low-calorie snack for cats and humans. If your little guy has been instructed to shed a few pounds, adding some mango in place of high-calorie treats can help slim them down to a healthy weight.
Fiber: Mangoes are high in fiber. For the most part, cats do not need much fiber in their bodies, but if they have digestive problems it can help. If your cat experiences constipation or trouble making bowel movements, some mango in their diet can help. The fiber will sort out their digestive tract, allowing them to do their business comfortably.
Antioxidants: While most cats get enough antioxidants in their carnivorous diet, adding a little more can only improve their cell health and aid their body in functioning. The power that antioxidants provide cat cells can also help prevent illnesses or diseases and improve the overall condition of their immune system.
