There is no secret about the fact that our feline companions are extremely interested in what we humans eat. Sometimes they are merely curious because it is something we are paying attention to rather than them. But sometimes, our purr babies show a genuine interest in human foods and can even develop a taste for them. We expect cats to be drawn to the aromas and flavors of things like meat, but sometimes the question comes up if cats like other foods like fruit. For example, do cats like to eat guava?
Guava is not at the top of the list of fruits most kitties are seeking out. However, the issue does come up from time to time. Felines eat mainly meat diets, but there are other ingredients mixed into their foods, like fruits and vegetables. Sometimes these foods can taste good and have nutritional benefits for them. This is not always the case, though, and some human foods can be unpleasant or even dangerous for kitties to eat.
We take a quick look into the subject of cats eating guava. Is this a food they can eat? Is it safe for felines? Should this musky fruit be something owners consider feeding their kitties? We get into the details and find the answers right here.
What Is Guava?
Guava is not the most common fruit, but there are a good amount of people who enjoy it. While it may not be as readily reached for as the classic apple or orange, there are many delectable ways that humans serve and eat this tropical fruit. Native to Mexico, this round fruit has edible seeds and grows on the guajava tree. The ripe fruit smells incredibly sweet and has a strong musky aroma.
Guava easily grows in tropical climates and has been in America since about the 1800s. It grows best in the warmer, humid climates of Hawaii and Florida but has sometimes been grown successfully in areas of Southern California. This is a plant that flourishes in a humid and dry climate but dies very quickly when exposed to colder temperatures. Currently, India produces the largest amount of it in the world.
Though some people have a sensitivity and a tough time digesting it, this musky produce is often found in juices, desserts, jams, glazes, and fillings. While not incredibly unusual to see a fruit tray with a bit of guava on it, it might be unusual to find this food in your cat’s bowl or as an ingredient in most commercial cat foods.
Can Cats Eat Guava?
The short answer to this question is that yes, cats can eat guava. However, they should not eat large quantities of it, nor should they eat it every day. Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat a diet high in animal proteins to develop properly, maintain their health, and have enough energy. Fruits and vegetables can be a nice addition to their diet, though kitties should always be fed meat-based diets. Felines also do not taste sweet flavors. They do not have the same taste receptors as humans. Because of this, they may not actually like the taste, though they may be attracted to its smell and texture.
Is Guava Safe For Cats?
Guava is safe for kitties to eat in extreme moderation. Fruit should be peeled, De-seeded, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Larger pieces and edible seeds pose a choking risk to felines. While these things may make their way down our human digestive systems well enough, for our feline friends, these hefty seeds are not a great idea. In addition, the seeds are extremely high in fat, which is not something felines need to be added to their diet. They can also interfere with digestion and increase the production of stomach acid.
In moderation, a bite or two will not harm a cat. Eating too many fruits and vegetables can start to cause significant issues with the cat’s health and development.
This tropical produce is high in Vitamin C, which, when eaten in substantial amounts, can increase acidity in a kitty’s urine. This increase may lead to urinary stones and other issues, which can be a significant problem for some kitties. It also contains a compound called oxalate, which increases the risk of kidney stones. Cat’s kidneys do not filter this compound from the body, and too much of it can cause significant issues.
Is Guava Good For Cats?
Like many other fruits and vegetables, this food does have some positive benefits for felines. It is packed full of potassium, iron, fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and Vitamins A and C. Fiber, in particular, can be extremely helpful for felines with constipation. Calcium supports bones and teeth, Vitamin A supports vision and skin health, and vitamin C provides a helpful immune system boost. Iron enriches a cat’s blood and is a big part of regulating some body systems. Potassium supports the nervous system as well as muscle function.
Giving a cat a bite or two sometimes can provide some flavor variety, as well as a boost of these beneficial compounds. If your cat tolerates the taste, they can occasionally have a few bites of this fruit. Keep an eye on your purr baby after feeding them this food to make sure they do not show signs or symptoms of distress.
Are Guavas Toxic For Cats?
These are not toxic to felines, but they can have discomfort and stomach irritation. Some kitties may even experience vomiting or diarrhea after eating a bit of it. If this happens, that specific feline is likely very sensitive to the fruit and the compounds within it.
Can Cats Eat Guava Paste?
Felines can eat the paste as long as it does not have added ingredients or excessive amounts of sugar. Felines should not consume high amounts of sugar, and this is often added to fruit pastes to make it more palatable to the human Tom. The paste can be added to a cat’s regular food to provide a bit of extra moisture as well as a boost of fiber. Make sure the paste does not contain any seeds or seed pieces.
Can Cats Eat Canned Guava?
Cats should not eat canned fruits like this because these foods generally have added artificial preservatives as well as elevated levels of sugary syrup. Felines cannot taste sweet flavors, and foods soaked in heavy syrup or sugars, like canned fruits, can cause them significant digestive discomfort. It is best to stay away from any kind of prepackaged fruit for your pet. Fresh produce is the best bet.
Guava Alternatives
Though guava can be safe occasionally and in extreme moderation, there are many other tastier and more beneficial treatment alternatives to feed your purr baby. Kitties adore the taste and smell of meat. It is in their genetics to be attracted to it. There are plenty of healthy treatment options on the market. One delectable option is freeze-dried cat treats. These are made from human-grade quality ingredients, freshly prepared, and then freeze-dried. These foods retain incredible flavor and nutritional value. Freeze-dried food can be fed to kitties along with their regular meals as a standalone diet or used as a supplemental treat.
We love these raw, freeze-dried treats from PureBites. They are popular and highly rated. They have only one ingredient, !00% pure wild-caught yellowfin tuna Treats are “proudly sourced and freeze-dried RAW in the USA.” These are suitable for all life stages. They are about one calorie per treat and have a huge punch of fresh fish flavor.
PureBites Freeze Dried RAW Cat Treats
- Freeze-dried.
- Raw chicken taste.
- Single ingredient.
- High protein, low-calorie.
- No artificial additives or dyes.
Along with freeze-dried cat treats, catnip-based or filled treats are also a massive hit for kitties. Catnip has a very positive, sometimes calming effect on them, and they appreciate any treat with catnip.
PureBites Chicken Breast & Catnip Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
- Chicken breast and catnip.
- Low-calorie.
- High protein.
- Cats love the taste.
- No additives or artificial ingredients.
PureBites makes another option that works here. These are chicken breast and catnip freeze-dried treats. Low in calories and high in protein and taste. Nothing artificial here, just chicken and catnip.
If owners are genuinely concerned about their cat’s diet, it is best to speak with your veterinarian before adding fresh produce or other human foods as supplements to a purr baby’s meals. Felines cannot always digest human foods easily. They often contain elevated levels of spices, oils, and other ingredients that can be hard for felines to digest or potentially toxic. For this reason, when feeding a kitty any food or ingredient, ensure it was prepared for their consumption, not yours.
Other Safe Fruits
Felines can eat some fruits like seedless apples, strawberries, seedless watermelons, bananas, cranberries, apricots, cantaloupe, mango, pumpkin, sweet potato, and pineapple are just some examples of produce kitties can eat safely. Keep in mind all fruits bear some risk when consumed in excessive amounts. In some cases, leaves, stems, peels, or even seeds can be toxic, so it is essential to do your research before adding any of these foods to your cat’s diet.
Felines should avoid foods like tomatoes, grapes, raisins, cherries, plums, oranges, and other citrus. Along with these, onions and garlic should be kept away as well as mushrooms. Learn more about the foods kitties can safely eat in our guide here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cats drink guava juice?
Felines can drink the juice, but just like the paste, the juice should not contain any extra ingredients or added sugar. This is not something that a kitty should have a lot of. It can be added to dry kibble or wet food if they need a boost of moisture and extra fiber for digestion. If you are concerned about your cat’s digestion, discuss this with your veterinarian before adding foods like produce permanently to their diets. Because felines do not have the same body function and their systems work differently than ours, we cannot assume that foods that are safe and easy for us to digest will also work for them.
Do cats like guava?
This question has a vague answer. Kitties are finicky creatures. They are known to like unusual things. So, whether a feline likes the fruit depends on that specific feline. If this is a food familiar to their owner’s diet, they may be fonder of it than pets who are just suddenly presented with some in their bowl. This fruit is not a food that is naturally part of their diet, nor is it likely that they would seek this out in the wild.
How do I prepare guava for my cat to eat?
This treat should always be served fresh. Before giving this fruit to your kitty, make sure to wash it and remove all the rind or peel thoroughly. You will then need to cut the fruit and extract every bit of every seed. Then, cut it into small bite-size pieces, make a fresh paste or juice, and serve it to your cat. Remember, this is not something a kitty should eat every day or necessarily every week. Some veterinarians may suggest feeding pets fruits or vegetables if they need more fiber, carbohydrates, or antioxidants. If your veterinarian does recommend feeding fruit to your feline friend, make sure you follow their instructions precisely regarding the kind of fruit, portion size, and frequency of feeding.
Can kittens eat guava?
Kittens should not eat any additional human foods like this. Their digestive systems are still extremely sensitive, and foods like this may cause them some tummy trouble. Along with that, kittens are remarkably high in energy and need a diet full of high-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, amino acids, Omega three fatty acids, carbohydrates, and more. They are best served by being fed kitten-specific formula food. There are plenty of food options, from fresh, kibble, canned, and more.
Are guava leaves safe?
The leaves seem to be safe for felines and are not toxic, but they may be hard to chew and could potentially get stuck in their throats. It is unlikely a cat would want to chew on the leaves, and plenty of alternatives are better for them. In some cases, the chemicals in the leaves or leaf extract can cause stomach pain and nausea in humans, so there is potential for these same unpleasant side effects. While not necessarily something that is toxic to felines, it is not recommended to let them chew on these leaves.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your purr baby new foods is always a bit of a challenge. Owners should always do their research and air on the side of caution if they are unsure if a food is safe or not for feline consumption. Keep in mind that felines do not digest foods the same as we do, nor do they have the same dietary requirements as humans. Guava is a tasty fruit that many humans enjoy, but for our purr babies, it can be an occasional safe treat when prepared the right way, but it should not be something that becomes a regular part of their diet. It is always better to look for treats, foods, and supplements that are created and intended specifically for feline use. Always discuss any concerns about your feline’s nutrition, health, or diet with your veterinarian.
