When your cat is looking longingly at your bit of fruit, it’s natural to wonder if it’s safe for your buddy to take a bite. How can you say no to that face?
Before you take the leap, read this article to learn about the safety of feeding your cat peaches and how best to prepare this tasty treat.
Peaches
Part of the stone fruit family, peaches are known for their fuzzy outer skin, pulpy flesh, and hard pit in the center that protects a seed. The peach grows in three different flesh colors: yellow, white, and red. Both the skin and flesh of this fruit are edible.
Peaches are handpicked from trees after a three to five-month harvest. In the United States, peaches reach their peak season from June to August, making this the best time to enjoy this delightful fleshy fruit.
You’ll know your peach is ready to eat when its skin has ripened to a dark yellow color. It may also appear red based on the amount of direct sun exposure the peach received. Ripe peaches give off a sweet aroma, signaling it’s time to enjoy this irresistible treat. A ready-to-eat peach will also feel slightly soft. The peach will feel firm but have a slight give when gently squeezed.
Enjoy your peach fresh, or try baking your peaches into a pie or cobbler. You can also find canned peaches as a grocery-store staple for those who can’t buy peaches in season.
Are Peaches Safe For Cats?
Peaches are a safe and flavorful treat for felines, as long as you are only feeding your cat the flesh of the peach. After washing and peeling this stone fruit, cut the fresh peach into bite-sized pieces for your kitty to enjoy as a snack.
Ensure your kitten tries a small amount of the peach first to ensure no negative reactions, whether it be allergies, upset stomach, or diarrhea. If your cat reacts positively, feel free to give your cat peaches in moderation.
While peach flesh is safe for cats to eat, this sugary fruit is a high-calorie treat for your kitty and should be shared sparingly. While humans can enjoy the occasional peach cobbler, only feed your feline fresh fruit. If you are unsure if peaches fit into your cat’s diet, talk with your veterinarian.
Are Peaches Good For Cats?
Your cat requires a variety of nutrients for proper health. Cats need protein for growth, energy, and cellular function. Fats provide and aid the absorption and delivery of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Carbohydrates are a source of energy and fiber, ensuring regular elimination.
Peaches are a high-carbohydrate food that also provides a variety of vitamins and minerals. While carbohydrates are a necessary macronutrient, felines are carnivores, which means they thrive on high-protein diets. Feeding your furry friend an occasional nibble of peach is safe, but this fruit is not required for good nutrition and should be fed sparingly to avoid weight gain.
The best way to ensure your cat is getting all the nutrients they need is by providing a high-quality, well-balanced cat food that is appropriate for their stage of life. If you are concerned your cat isn’t getting the best nutrition possible, speak with your veterinarian for recommendations for quality pet food.
When Are Peaches Bad For Cats?
While the flesh of a peach is safe for your furry friend, avoid feeding your kitty any other parts of the peach, including the skin, stem, and stone. Remove the skin and any choking hazards. Avoid canned peaches that contain added sugar, which causes tooth decay and other health problems.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), peaches are a member of the “Dirty Dozen,” an annual list of fruits and vegetables containing the highest amount of pesticides. More than 70 percent of non-organic produce sold in the United States contains pesticide residue. Because higher concentrations are found in the skin of the fruit, peel your peach before feeding it to your cat. This will also prevent choking on the skin.
The stone of the peach—also called a pit, kernel, or seed—should be avoided. This stone, as well as the leaves and stem, naturally contains the compound amygdalin. Amygdalin is converted into hydrogen cyanide after ingestion in both humans and cats. While a small amount of cyanide from plants is relatively safe and has promising research showing its anticancer activity, large quantities of cyanide are toxic and can cause difficulty breathing, convulsions, and death.
While peach flesh is safe for cat consumption, don’t overfeed your cat. Too much fruit can create a digestive upset.
Too many table scraps and sweet treats can also contribute to weight gain. If you are concerned your cat is overweight, visit your veterinarian. A physical exam will be done, along with possible additional testing. Your veterinarian will give you an idea of what your cat’s ideal weight should be and how to safely reach it. There are other health concerns that can display as weight gain, so keeping your cat at a healthy weight will help you notice weight gain caused by other conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Peaches Poisonous To Cats?
The pits, leaves, and stems of peaches are toxic to cats. These parts of the fruit inhibit the oxygenation of cells and can cause poisoning. Look for the following symptoms to recognize peach poisoning:
- Difficulty breathing
- Panting
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Bright red gums
- Irregular heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Convulsions
- Weakness
Can Cats Recover From Peach Poisoning?
If ingestion is recent, vomiting should be induced to remove the poison from the body. If this is not possible, seek medical attention from your veterinarian. Your vet may provide fluids, oxygen therapy, or other medications to treat poisoning. Because of the harsh side effects, recovering from peach toxicity is difficult. If your cat survives, they may be left with permanent organ damage and will likely need ongoing medical support.
What Other Fruits Can I Feed My Cat?
Just like humans, cats have personal taste preferences. You may want to explore which foods your cat enjoys as a way to improve their quality of life. Check out this list of other human foods that are safe for cats to eat.
Final Thoughts
Peaches are a sweet treat that can be safe for your cat to ingest. While it is ok for your cat to eat the flesh of a peach, you should consider discussing any dietary changes with your veterinarian. Your vet can advise you on ways to incorporate new foods into your cat’s diet without causing health problems. If you notice any adverse effects after feeding your feline peaches, seek medical attention immediately. This could be a sign of peach poisoning.
A high-quality, well-balanced diet is critical for your cat’s well-being. Feed your feline a high-protein, meat-based diet to ensure your cat’s nutritional needs are met. While an occasional bite of human food can be a safe and fun way to bond with your cat, you should always feed your cat human food in moderation. Schedule regular mealtimes for your feline and use treats as a reward or as a way to develop a positive relationship with your furry friend.
