Last Updated: 15/12/2025
Can Cats Eat Watermelon?
Yes, cats can enjoy a small, seedless piece of watermelon as a hydrating, low-calorie treat! A vet explains the health benefits, how to serve it safely, and which parts of the fruit to always avoid to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
Who doesn't love a cold, juicy slice of watermelon on a hot Aussie day? It’s a sweet, refreshing treat, and when your curious cat comes sniffing around, you might wonder if it’s safe to share. It's a great question, as cats have very different nutritional needs compared to us. The good news is that this popular fruit can actually be a safe and hydrating treat for your feline friend. A small amount of watermelon, prepared correctly, can be a fun way to help your cat "pet better" this summer.
Is watermelon safe for cats?
The answer is yes, so long as you remove the seeds and rinds. The fruit is completely safe for cats.
The health benefits of watermelon for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, so don't benefit as much from the nutrients in watermelon (such as Vitamin A, B, and C) in the same way dogs do. However, there are still benefits to giving your cat the odd morsel of watermelon, including:
- Watermelon is 92% water, which can help promote hydration
- Watermelon only contains about 50 calories a cup - which means it is a good option for cats on a diet
- Watermelon also contains no fat or cholesterol, so it's a safe treat for cats who experience pancreatitis or IBD.
Ultimately, watermelon is best given in small amounts, as your cat is an obligate carnivore and has no real need for fruit in their diet.
When should cats avoid watermelon?
While watermelon is generally safe for healthy cats in small amounts, it’s not suitable for every feline. If your cat has diabetes, you should avoid giving them watermelon, as the natural sugars can cause spikes in blood glucose levels.
Additionally, if your cat has a very sensitive digestive system, it's best to introduce new foods cautiously and check with your vet first. Always stop offering watermelon immediately if you notice any signs of stomach upset, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy.
Can cats eat watermelon seeds and rind?
The rind from watermelon can cause gastrointestinal blockage and gut upset, so be sure to completely remove the rind before offering it to your cat.
While they're not highly toxic, watermelon seeds are not ideal for cats. Watermelon seeds contain a very small trace amount of cyanide, (although far less than apple, cherry, and apricot seeds - and even less than sweet potato leaves). This tiny amount of cyanide in watermelon seeds is unlikely to cause toxicity in small quantities, but is reason enough to avoid giving seeds to your cat if you can help it.
If your cat has eaten a few watermelon seeds, it's not likely to cause poisoning. However, too many watermelon seeds can cause intestinal blockage.
So what's the take home message? Remove the rind and seeds before sharing watermelon with your cat.
How to safely serve watermelon to your cat
Watermelon can be given to your cat in a number of ways. You can cut it into small slices with the rind removed, you can freeze it and give as a natural popsicle on a hot day, or you can blend it into a puree. You can also freeze some watermelon into a block of ice to promote hydration on a hot day, or mix it in with your cat's regular food. The options are limitless!
While watermelon is a delicious and hydrating treat, remember that your cat is an obligate carnivore - which is a fancy way of saying their diet should be focused on meat. While a small, occasional piece of watermelon (without the seeds or rind!) is safe and fun, it should never replace their balanced, complete cat food. If you have any concerns about your cat's diet or are considering any new treats, it’s always best to check in with your local vet.
Articles recommended for you
Discover the benefits of fresh cat food and why some pet owners are choosing this natural, minimally processed option to support their cat’s health and wellbeing.
Wondering if blueberries are safe for cats? Take a look at our guide for all the answers!
See our guide to protecting your pet from parasites from our vet team.
Curious if strawberries are safe for your cat? Check our guide for all the answers
Does your pet suffer from anxiety? Check out our Vet-guide for treatment options to help your pet.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 16 Dec 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
