Guavas are tropical fruits that originated from Central America. They are round in shape, with pale yellow skin and peach or white fleshy parts containing numerous small edible seeds.
Guavas are packed with antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C that offer humans several health benefits. But do guavas offer the same benefits to our feline friends?
Can cats eat guava?
Yes, cats can safely eat guava but in moderate amounts. Vitamin C contained in guava is good for your cat in general.
Guavas not only contain minerals and vitamins, but also a substance called oxalate, which can be an irritant for your cat if fed in high amounts. This is why it is best to give our feline small amounts of guava to prevent digestion issues and the formation of bladder stones.
Another point to note is that the seeds present in guavas may increase the cat’s risk of choking and should be extracted before feeding her.
Moreover, guava also has high levels of pectin that cause constipation. So, avoid giving your cat too much guava because it might cause bowel blockage.
Nutritional Value of Guava for Cats
In addition to its high vitamin C content, guava contains other nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, potassium, and calcium.
Iron is the primary ingredient that helps increase your cat’s hemoglobin content. It also bears specific enzymes required to regulate the cat’s body functions.
Vitamin A is essential for a cat’s night vision as well as healthy skin. It also boosts the feline’s immune system and radiates antioxidant properties, which serve to protect its’ body against cancer, pollution, and other health conditions.
Potassium promotes the cat’s normal functioning of muscles and nerves, whereas calcium supports healthy bones, gums, and teeth.
Guava also has a high amount of sugar, which is why it’s crucial to regulate its intake. A single guava serving, therefore, contains 1 gram of fat, 1 milligram of sodium, 8 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein.
How Many Guavas Should I Feed My Cat?
Give your cat one or two slices of guava as an occasional treat. Because guava naturally contains high sugar content, it’s not a good choice for an everyday treat. However, intermittently here and there will be good for the cat.
Cats are basically different and may have varying fruit preferences just like human beings do. This means that if your cat doesn’t like guava, there’s no need of forcing it on her. She may have other tastes such as love for mangoes, pawpaw, watermelon or other exotic fruits.
So, the important thing is to know what your cat likes to eat. If she likes guava, then feed her in moderate amounts twice or thrice a week.
Why Are Guavas Good/Bad for Cats?
Guavas are good for cats because of their dietary fiber that aids healthy bowel movements. So, add a few slices to your pet’s treat every other day, especially if she often suffers from constipation.
Guavas are one of the richest sources of vitamin C, which is good for boosting your feline’s immunity. They are linked to anti-microbial perks as well, thus, feeding guavas helps to ward off harmful bacteria and viruses that cause infections.
Though Vitamin C is required in small amounts, it can easily be flushed out of the digestive system. Therefore, your cat needs to get enough of guava in her diet. At least twice or thrice a week would do.
On the downside, guava seeds contain large quantities of oxalate, which can irritate your cat’s digestive tract. So, try to remove as many seeds as possible before giving guava to your cat.
Furthermore, if ingested over a long period, guava can damage the cat’s urinary tract. Moderation is key. Just make sure to give your pet guava only every once in a while.
How to Feed Guava To Your Cat
First, wash the guava thoroughly to remove dirt. Then chop it into slices to make it easier to remove the seeds.
Remember, you only need one or two slices. You can store the rest for a later treat. You can then give the guava as a treat or mash it and place it in your cat’s bowl or mix it with her food.
Some cats may not like the skin. If yours doesn’t, you can remove the outer layer and give her the flesh.
Another way to feed your cat guava is to blend to make juice. Since the fruit already has its natural sugar, you don’t need to add the processed option. Besides, processed sugar can be harmful to cats.
Don’t give your pet canned or packed guava juice because it contains preservatives and other chemicals which can be harmful to the cat’s digestive system. Fresh homemade guava juice is the best option to feed your cat.
What fruits can cats eat?
Apart from guava, there are other fruits that cats enjoy which are loaded with Vitamin C. Other fruits that are safe for a cat to eat include bananas, seedless watermelon, blueberries, and strawberries.
What fruits are poisonous to cats?
Steer clear of citrus fruits such as grapefruit, limes, lemons, and persimmons as they can upset your cat’s stomach. Cherries are also toxic, while grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage.
Are guavas good for cats?
There is no evidence indicating that guava is toxic to cats, though the seeds may pose a choking hazard and should be removed. Furthermore, too much guava may cause your feline to become constipated.
Can cats eat papaya and avocado?
Papaya can be a good treat for cats thanks to its high mineral, water, and vitamin content. However, don’t feed too much papaya to your pet as it is too high in sugar. Cats also handle small amounts of avocado. Their protein factor is especially good for young kitties.
Guavas are generally good for cats if given in moderation. Always remember to remove the seeds before giving this delicious fruit to your kitty to prevent choking.
You can always consult your vet if you need a go-ahead because they may know what’s best for your cat, but we can attest that a little bit of guava now and then won’t harm your four-legged baby.
