It is common knowledge that cats are very picky eaters. In general, most cats have high standards, especially regarding their food. That’s why it’s not uncommon for cats to sniff some new food or their own cat food after careful inspection. And the simple answer Can Cats Eat Star Fruit? is No! it can be deadly poisonous to cats.
Cats do not know the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods. Unfortunately, there are many foods that cats are not allowed to eat and are not good for their health. This is why pet owners need to be extra careful when experimenting with the food they give to their cats.
Can Cats Eat Star Fruit
Do Cats Need Fruit?
The basis of health is daily meals. Cats, which are “complete carnivores,” require meaty foods for their daily meals. Cat food (general nutrition) is good for their primary diet because they have significantly different nutritional needs and digestive functions compared to humans.
Among them, fruits are positioned as “snacks” that are optional to eat. Owners who include fruits in their diet expect hydration and an improved intestinal environment rather than nutritional supplementation. Fruits can provide cats with many important vitamins. Nevertheless, it is not suitable for the daily menu. But as a small meal or as an addition to dry or wet food, it can offer a change in taste and an extra portion of vitamins.
How to give fruit to cats?
- Size
Since the digestive function of carnivorous cats is not suitable for digesting plants, it is necessary to chop or grate them into a shape that is easy to digest when feeding.
- Amount:
The sugar content of fruits is surprisingly high for the small body of cats. The appropriate amount varies depending on the fruit, but it should be about 1 tablespoon or a bite as a general rule.
- Preparation:
Diarrhea may occur if cats eat hard-to-digest parts such as skin and seeds, so remove them carefully. Be aware that some fruits have seeds that can cause poisoning.
Beware of Chronic Illnesses And Allergies
If you have a cat with a chronic illness, consult a veterinarian in advance. Fruits are generally high in potassium and should be avoided if your cat has a heart or kidney condition.
Even a healthy adult cat should be given only a small amount, considering that it may cause allergies. If something goes wrong, seek medical attention immediately and avoid giving that food to your cat.
Carambola or Star Fruit And Its Properties
Carambola is a popular fruit for its combination of sweetness and acidity. Hardly anyone knows that some substances in this fruit pose dangers and lead to poisoning, which can be fatal. The substance is called caramboxin (a neurotoxin) that can cause epilepsy, hiccups, and convulsions.
The caramboxin molecule is quite unstable because it is derived from a natural amino acid. The high solubility in water means that this molecule is filtered out in the kidneys. However, if the kidneys fail to function, the molecule enters the circulatory system and attacks the central nervous system, leading to various health problems.
Why is Star Fruit Toxic?
Star fruit, a popular and festive addition to fruit salads, is poisonous to dogs and cats. It contains soluble calcium oxalates, which are calcium binders in the body. A quick loss in calcium (leading to acute renal failure) can occur if a large amount is consumed. This can happen to humans as well, but a pet’s small stature makes them more vulnerable.
Causes of Star Fruit Poisoning in Cats
Even if just a tiny amount is consumed, star fruit poisoning in cats is a dangerous illness resulting in acute kidney impairment. Because of the soluble calcium oxalate, it contains, less than one ounce (half of a star fruit) is enough to make your cat sick.
Star Fruit Poisoning Symptoms in Cats
This fruit contains oxalic acid and oxalate salt, which bind calcium in the body. A sudden decline in calcium levels can cause acute renal failure. Although the exact hazardous dose is unknown, even an ounce of this fruit has been reported to cause poisoning in cats. Drooling, weakness, loss of appetite, tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody urine are common star fruit poisoning symptoms.
Treatment of Star Fruit Poisoning in Cats
The severity of your cat’s star fruit poisoning is based on how much it ate and its overall health. If your cat is exhibiting signs of kidney failure (excessive thirst, sadness, etc.), the veterinarian will first want to ensure that it is in stable condition.
Your cat will need IV fluid therapy to flush poisons out of its system. Urine production will be monitored as well to look for signs of decreased urination. They will treat your cat with hemoperfusion or hemodialysis if urine production drops too low.
Recovery of Star Fruit Poisoning in Cats
The result is determined by the amount of star fruit consumed and how the treatment was delivered. Your cat’s prognosis is favorable if treatment is initiated before any significant renal damage occurs. If your cat’s kidney disease is severe and treatment is ineffective, it will need a kidney transplant to survive this condition. To completely avoid this form of poisoning, do not leave any star fruit in the reach of your cat.
FAQs
Can cats eat carambola?
Although many types of fruit are suitable for cats to eat, caution should be exercised with some types, such as carambola, grapes, and raisins. These are not suitable and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney failure in worst-case scenarios. Carambola contains a toxic substance and can harm cats massively. So, owners should keep this food far away from their cats.
Is star fruit good for cats?
It is crucial that you do not feed your pet too much fruit. The primary food for cat dietary needs is meat, which is exactly what their digestive system is designed for. Cats are resistant to taking citric and acidic foods. Star fruit has an acidic quality too. The body will react to such fruits with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, even the kidneys are affected.
Is star fruit bad for cats?
The caramboxin in star fruit can cause kidney failure. It is only present in the fruit in low concentrations, but it is still poisonous. So, it is bad for cats to eat star fruit as it is considered an unhealthy diet for them.
The Bottom Line
Fruits are high in vitamins and dietary fiber and can help maintain skin health and relieve constipation. However, fruits with a high acid content, such as carambola, mandarin oranges, kiwis, and pineapples, are not suitable for cats. Ideally, if your cat accidentally eats toxic fruits like star fruit, you should go to the veterinary clinic immediately and try to avoid such circumstances.
Leave a Reply