Can Cats Eat Mango?
Cats can eat mangoes. While cats are well-known for their affinity for fish, many cat owners don’t realize their feline companions are just as likely to eat fruits like mango. Mango trees produce a variety of fruits, but one type called a “sweet mango” is especially appealing to felines. The sweet mango is slightly sweet and extremely nutritious. Sadly, some cats can’t distinguish between a mango and a peach or banana, so they eat too much. Although the odds of cats getting mango poisoning are low, it’s important to be aware of this potential side effects.
Is Mango Safe for Cats?
Mangoes are safe for cats to eat. They have a sweet taste and are rich in nutrients. But you should make sure that the mango is ripe. Also, you need to avoid feeding your cat the peel of mango fruit as it can cause an upset stomach. Cats like to sink their teeth into many different fruits, and some even prefer them over meat.
In what form can cats eat mangoes?
Mangos can make your pet sick if they eat one that’s not ripe enough, and the pit gets stuck in their throat or their stomach. Cats can also take mangoes in their dried form. However, you should give your cat dried mangoes only in moderation as they should not make up more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily diet.
Nutritional Benefits of Mangoes to Cats
Mangoes have various nutritional benefits and can help promote good health in felines. These fruits are specifically beneficial for older cats or cats with illnesses that need a health boost. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of mangoes to the cat’s diet:
Mangoes Boost the Pet’s Immune System
Mangoes may not be your pet’s favorite. However, this fruit may help in supplementing their diet. If you realize that your cat keeps off the regular protein meat chunks, you can get them a piece of mango. The mango will trigger insulin production, causing your feline to eat normally. Without the consumption of enough proteins, your pet may lack proper muscle growth. Mangoes are rich in Vit A, which boosts their immunity. Most importantly, it helps regulate the functioning of nerves and the general immune system, making the fruit a perfect diet supplement. Mangoes are generally healthy and tasty. When consumed in small quantities, Vit A may help with muscle development in cats. This can help maintain their playful nature compared to chubby cats’ dull, lazy look. In addition, Vit A also boosts the eyesight of your cat and maintains healthy skin. In its dried form, the mango fruits dispense; calcium, which will help in the growth of stronger bones; Iron will prevent anemia; Selenium will keep your pet free from coronary diseases; Phenols have anti-cancer properties
Mangoes are a Remedy for Weight Gain
Is your cat having weight issues? You can count on mangoes to assist in regulating their digestive tract, which helps manage weight. Through Vitamin B6, your pet will easily absorb protein and increase metabolism in overweight cats. A healthy cat has a lower risk of developing obesity-related illnesses and can live longer. Mangoes also contain large amounts of fiber which helps a cat feel full without adding excess calories. They are also high in beta carotene and other antioxidants that can boost your cat’s immune system, particularly if he tends to suffer from illnesses such as colds or allergies.
Promoting healthy skin and hair
Mangoes are rich in Vitamin A, which is beneficial for your cat’s skin health. It restores the skin’s natural oils that keep it soft and moisturized. Mangoes also promote healthy hair growth by stimulating the production of hair follicles in the body. Vitamin A in mangoes also helps prevent dandruff and other skin problems such as dry skin.
Regulating blood pressure
Mangoes contain potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. These minerals help maintain your cat’s body system functions properly by regulating their blood pressure, keeping their heartbeat normal and strengthening their bones. Iron is also important for oxygen transport in the bloodstream.
Neutralizing Free Radicals
According to NCBI, cats can make their own vitamin C. However, they can still benefit from extra amounts in their diet. Vitamin C is another antioxidant vitamin that helps neutralize free radicals. This vitamin allows for the growth of healthy cells and fights many diseases like cancer in the feline.
Are Mangoes Toxic to Cats And What Are the Side Effects
Cats are omnivores, so they will happily eat various foods. They’re also very sensitive to the effects of many foods. If food is toxic to humans, it may also be toxic to cats. Mango toxicity is caused by the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin, which is found in the seeds of many tropical fruits and trees. Once ingested, the glycoside breaks down into hydrogen cyanide (HCN), causing a buildup of cyanide in the blood. The buildup results in a lack of oxygen in body tissues, leading to kidney failure or death. The risks of feeding your cat mangoes lie in how far you go. Initially, mangoes aren’t entirely harmful to cats. However, it is advisable to follow vet-approved procedures. As much as the flesh of the fruit is deemed safe and non-toxic, it poses health risks to your pet. Common symptoms of mango toxicity in cats include: Urinating difficulties, diarrhea, dilated pupils, vomiting as well as bloody diarrhea, though on rare occasions. If your cat eats a small mango seed, it should go through her without problems. It might take a few days for her to get over diarrhea, but in most cases, she’ll recover completely. Suppose your cat has ingested mango leaves or bark. There is no need to worry since the bark has no poison. Instead, you should be less concerned about mango toxicity than about dehydration due to lack of water intake.
Conclusion
There is no harm in giving your pet mangoes. However, it would be advisable to talk to a vet before feeding the cat. You may try other alternatives to mangoes that are much safer. In a nutshell, there is no harm in exploring new tastes in pets; try them anyway.