Can Cats Eat Strawberries?

Dr. Sarah Wooten

November 3, 2025

Minute Read

Strawberries are not considered part of a cat's regular diet, but can cats eat strawberries? Whether you're asking because your cat helped themself to a bowl sitting on the counter, or because you want to share a sweet treat with your furry friend, it's important to understand whether strawberries are safe for cats.

While strawberries are not considered toxic to cats, they are not considered healthy for cats either. If you choose to offer your cat a strawberry, there are some safety guidelines to follow.

Can Cats Eat Strawberries?

The short answer is yes, many adult cats can safely enjoy a small amount of strawberries without any adverse effects. So, if your cat grabs a strawberry when you aren't looking, don't panic. Strawberries should not be offered to all cats, however. If your cat is overweight or has diabetes, or you have a young kitten, avoid giving them strawberries. If your cat has been diagnosed with a different medical condition or is debilitated in any way, consult with a veterinarian before offering them any strawberry pieces.

Are Strawberries Good for Cats?

When it comes to our furry feline companions, the health benefits of strawberries are minimal. Strawberries are high in moisture, so they may offer a small boost of hydration. They also contain vitamin C and fiber, but remember: cats are obligate carnivores, so they don't benefit from plant-based nutrients in their food like dogs do. Because of this, it's best to consider strawberries a treat: small amounts here and there are fine, but too many could cause problems.

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What Are the Risks of Feeding Strawberries to Cats?

Many cats can tolerate consuming a small amount of strawberry without any problems; however, there are some risks associated with feeding cats strawberries:

Sugar

Strawberries contain fructose, a natural fruit sugar. Although the level of fructose in strawberries is lower than in other fruits, it is still too high for a cat. In addition, feeding sugar of any kind to a cat can contribute to unhealthy weight gain.

Choking

Whole berries or large chunks of fruit can be a choking hazard for cats, especially if you have a "vacuum cleaner" cat who tends to swallow food whole. If you are going to share a strawberry with your cat, first slice it into tiny pieces.

Stomach Upset

Fruit sugar and fiber can cause an upset stomach in some cats. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and food aversions.

Allergies

It is rare for a cat to have a strawberry allergy, but it can happen. Signs of a strawberry allergy include vomiting, diarrhea, swollen face, itchy skin, excessive grooming, trouble breathing or coughing/sneezing. If you notice any of these signs after you give your cat a piece of strawberry, stop giving strawberries to your cat and have them seen by your vet right away.

Can Kittens Have Strawberries?

Remember that kittens are much smaller than adult cats, and need a complete and balanced kitten food to support their growing bodies. Filling up on sugary treats may keep them from getting the nutrients they need from their food. Plus, too many strawberries can upset their digestion and cause diarrhea. All of these factors are reasons why strawberries aren't a good snack for kittens.

How to Safely Feed Your Cat a Strawberry?

If you want to offer your cat a strawberry, first wash the fruit, remove stems and leaves, and chop the fruit into tiny pea-sized pieces.

Strawberries should only be served to cats fresh and plain. Do not feed cats strawberries that have added sugar, sauces or chocolate, and avoid strawberry yogurt, ice cream or any other desserts that contain strawberry, since these have many other ingredients in them that may not be safe or healthy for your cat.

After you give your cat a tiny piece of strawberry, monitor them. If they show any adverse reactions, it may be a sign that they don't tolerate strawberries well. Instead, offer safe, healthy cat-friendly treats, and contact your vet with any concerns.

"If your cat is overweight or has diabetes, or you have a young kitten, avoid giving them strawberries"

- Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ

How Many Strawberries Can Cats Have?

Even if your cat loves strawberries, and they tolerate them well, they should only consume small amounts. Treats, in general, should be kept to (at most) 10% of a cat's daily food intake. A safe amount for an adult cat would be equal to one small thumbnail-sized slice (1/2 teaspoon), no more than once or twice per week.

Can Cats Eat Strawberry Leaves?

Strawberry leaves are not considered toxic to cats, but they don't offer any nutritional benefit either. Plus, tougher stems can pose a choking hazard. The tiny hairs on the leaves may also irritate their mouth and throat, so it's best to remove them before offering any strawberry slices to your cat.

Feeding Sweet Treats Safely

The bottom line is that even though most cats can safely consume small amounts of strawberries, these sweet treats don't offer much in the way of nutritional value to your furry friend. Remember, the best way to support your cat's health is by feeding a complete and balanced cat food made with high-quality ingredients that is specifically formulated for your cat's needs.

Dr. Sarah Wooten

Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists, Dr. Wooten divides her professional time between small animal practice in Greeley, Colorado, public speaking on associate issues, leadership, and client communication, and writing. She enjoys camping with her family, skiing, SCUBA, and participating in triathlons.

Can Cats Eat Strawberries?