Are Blueberry Plants Toxic To Cats? Bushes – Leaves + 6 others that are toxic to cats
Because you are so not a careless pet parent or caregiver, whatever new thing you think about trying with your pet or Cat in this case, you tend to overthink it and ask yourself a lot of important questions, yes, they are all important when it comes to the health of your pet. So, are blueberry plants toxic to cats?
Just as blackberry fruits, cats will not experience any life-threatening symptoms if they accidentally or purposely chew on blackberry plants, but as a rule of thumb, if chewed in excess, it could cause an upset stomach and other health challenges which this article addresses in detail.
Table of Contents
- Can cats eat blueberries?
- Nutritional value of Blueberries
- Are blueberry plants toxic to cats?
- Are blueberry bushes toxic to cats?
- Are blueberry leaves toxic to cats?
- How to feed your cat blueberries
- Other Poisonous/ foods or fruits for cats.
- Final Thoughts
Can cats eat blueberries?
Yes, cats can eat blueberries. As a pet owner, I understand how it feels when you share your meals with your cats, so go ahead and throw some blueberries into your furry friend’s mouth, however, don’t make it a habit, because while blueberries are superfoods filled with good nutrients for humans, those nutrients are not that important to cats diet, so it should be given to them on occasions and not as a supplementary to their meals, Moderation is key.
Nutritional value of Blueberries
Blueberries are filled with nutrients that make you feel good about yourself when eating because you don’t have to bother about calories or sodium for you and your cat. Some of these feel-good attributes include:
- Good source of fiber
- Excellent source of manganese
- Good source of vitamin C
- Excellent source of vitamin K
- Virtually no fat
Oooh… Happy, happy snack. Numerous anti-oxidants, such as iron, potassium, fiber, phytochemicals, and vitamins such as Vitamin C, and Vitamin k present in the small fruit are crucial for both human and cat health. Blueberries and strawberries are healthy and ideal snacks for both you and your cat, whether fresh or frozen. However, they should be given in moderation to your furry friend.
Are blueberry plants toxic to cats?
If you are talking about the leaves or stems of blueberries, then the answer is No. Blueberry plants are not toxic to cats, the same as every other part of the berry. Nonetheless, you should not let your cat chew on blueberry plants because while the leaves may not be toxic to the cats, they could cause an upset stomach for your cat, which could lead to stooling, so you should try as much as possible to keep blueberry plants and leaves away from your cat.
Read: is mugwort poisonous to cats?
Are blueberry bushes toxic to cats?
As indicated by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), a foremost authority on animal welfare, the categorization of blueberry bushes doesn’t place them on the harmful or toxic list when it comes to our feline friends.
In plain and simple terms, blueberry shrubs are perceived as quite harmless for cats without carrying anything that might pose a serious risk or act lethally toward our furry little pets.
Nevertheless, It’s crucial we bear in mind that each cat has its characteristic manner of encountering botanical lifeforms. It’s not outlandish if you catch your cat nibbling on leafy parts or stems driven by their inherent curiosity—even those green buddies dubbed safe can potentially instigate a mild upset in their digestive system provided they’re consumed sanctimoniously.
Thus, even though toxicity isn’t an issue attached to blueberry bushes per se, keeping an observant eye on your cat’s engagement habits with plants is always beneficial—just be sure they are not crossing their chow line.
Are blueberry leaves toxic to cats?
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), blueberry leaves are not considered toxic to cats. This suggests it’s generally safe for cats to be around and consume small amounts of blueberry leaves.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that while blueberry leaves may not be harmful, they’re not a usual part of a cat’s diet, so cats might not find them tasty or easy to digest.
How to feed your cat blueberries
Feeding your pet something new may sound exciting and you just can’t wait to share your snack with them. However, always check with your veterinarian before feeding your cat anything new, especially human food, to be sure the selections are right for your cat’s particular constitution. Some foods, like grapes and chocolate, which are safe for people to eat, can be harmful or lethal to cats.
This point is one that you would have heard if you took this issue to the Vet. If you had asked for advice from the veterinarian, I’m sure he would have told you to always provide a balanced diet for your cat, taking snacks and treats into consideration. Regardless of the food you provide, you should take into account your cat’s breed, size, age, and way of life.
You should also think about keeping an eye on your cat when he consumes the berries, because while bigger cats may be able to eat or chew the berries, some cats may have problems eating them, and this could lead to choking hazards.
In introducing berries or blueberries to your cat’s meal, you have to do so gradually, just as you will for any other new food. Give your pet two or three pieces and keep a close eye out for any unfavorable responses like nausea, vomiting, itching, or loose stools. A handful is enough berries when your cat is already used to the berries. But before then, try out a piece or two, to see how they do, if they do well, you can go ahead then.
When thinking about giving your pet some berries, you should also think about the best possible way to make it healthy for them. To avoid pesticides and herbicides going into your cat’s system, try to choose blueberries that have been grown responsibly, and also, wash them well before serving. Make sure to throw out old, dried-out, or rotten berries to make room for fresh ones.
Read: Creeping Jenny toxic to cats?
Pros of blueberries for cats
Blueberries are a super food for humans because they contain a lot of nutrients that are beneficial to humans and now, if a cat ends up eating them, the fruit would have as much benefit for them as it would for humans.
Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and vitamins that can build the immune system of the cat even though it may take them a while to digest the fruits as they are carnivores, made to eat animal protein. The antioxidant in blueberries can also contribute to the joint health, and neutralization of free radicals in a cat’s body.
Con’s of blueberries for cats
That blueberry fruit has amazing benefits for your cat does not mean that you should ignore the idea that this wonderful fruit can be harmful in a way. Are blueberries bad for cats, well no, not when you give them in low quantities.
However, You have to keep in mind the sugar level and sugar content of blueberry plants. They might not be toxic to cats, but they might raise a cat’s blood sugar level. Cats who consume too much sugar may get gastrointestinal problems as well as more severe illnesses like diabetes, Yes it’s a real thing for them, and we don’t want that.
Other Poisonous/ foods or fruits for cats.
Cats are carnivores, that are wired to eat animal protein like meat, fish, and some other human foods like blueberries. However, there are a few other toxic plants or foods that can harm your cat if they have to ingest them, and this would not be good for you or your pet.
The ASPCA took out their time to put together a long list of foods and fruit that can be harmful to your pet, be it a dog or a cat, and if you love your cat to stay healthy and with you longer you should take every precaution to make sure that they stay away from the foods on that list, let us look at some of these foods.
1) Citrus
Did you even know, that stuff like oranges could cause depression??? Well now you know because citrus plants’ stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds all contain variable amounts of citric acid as well as essential oils that, when consumed in large quantities, can irritate the stomach and possibly even cause central nervous system depression. Small dosages, like eating the fruit, are unlikely to cause much more than a minor stomach ache, so you know what to do.
2) Raisins and grapes
Although, till now, there is not enough evidence or information as to what it is that exactly makes grapes a poisonous food for pets. However, Grapes and raisins can induce renal failure, so it is best to steer clear of giving grapes and raisins to dogs until more is known about the poison.
3) Garlic, onions, and chives
These foods and herbs may irritate the stomach and increase the risk of anemia and red blood cell destruction. Dogs can become sick if enough is consumed, though cats are more susceptible to the toxicity of these foods.
Final Thoughts
Blueberry plants contain antioxidants that are beneficial to both humans and cats, so are blueberry plants toxic to cats, the answer is no, they are not in any way toxic to your pet. however it is advisable to give in moderation, a handful is okay from time to time, but it doesn’t have to be a major part of their diet.
Nevertheless, if you notice or suspect that your cat has ingested a large amount of any toxic substance, or is reacting terribly to blueberries, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian, or you can reach out to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
