Can Cats Have Honeydew Melon? (They Can!)

Wondering which fruits you can or can’t share with your cats? If you’re looking for an answer to, “Can cats eat honeydew melon?”

The answer is – Yes!

There aren’t many fruits that cats enjoy eating that are perfectly safe for them, but honeydew melons are one of them.

In moderation of course.

Any foods that fall outside of your cat’s formulated cat foods are to be treated as, well, a treat. You should only give them a little on occasion, and this includes honeydew melon.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to feed your cat some honeydew,  and the risks, benefits, and reasons why it’s fine to do so.

What Are Honeydew Melons?

You’ve probably come across honeydew melon, even if you were not sure what type of melon it was you were eating.

Honeydew melons are similar to cantaloupe melons, which you’ve probably heard of as they are much more popular. The main difference is that a honeydew has a smoother, lighter rind and a green flesh. While cantaloupes are darker in color and have a netted rind.

It’s one of the sweeter tasting melons, so it’s popular in fruit salads, snack pots, desserts, and starters. I pick one up every week or so, chop it up and eat it over a day or so.

If you’ve ended up reading this and haven’t ever tried honeydew, I recommend you treat yourself.

Health Benefits of Cats Eating Honeydew Melon

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but there aren’t any real health benefits for cats eating honeydew. There is for us, however, so I’d recommend eating some yourself.

Honeydews are high in antioxidants, rich in vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and a good source of electrolytes and water to name just a few benefits. So, they’re going to quench the thirst for a cat if nothing else.

Despite the fact that your cat might love melon, let’s not forget that they’re obligate carnivores. This means they rely mostly on meat to get the nutrition they need, fruits and vegetables do not factor into their dietary needs.

There isn’t a lot of scientific research into the benefits for cats compared to ourselves. But I think it’s fair to assume that a little melon is going to do more good than harm. It’s a tasty treat that I always share with my cats, and they love it.

Should You Let Your Cat Eat Honeydew Melon?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has listed honeydew melon as non-toxic and safe for cats, so that’s a reliable source that it’s safe to do so.

There are two ways you could treat your cats to this sweet melon;

• Squeeze out some of the juice into a bowl for them to drink, or
• Cut some small pieces for them to eat, small enough to avoid any possible choking hazard

I don’t recommend giving them a large piece to work their way through. Always chop it up into small pieces as it can be tricky for them to chew.

I’d not give them any of the skin either, the skin can be very tough and easily get stuck in their teeth. Just share a small amount when you’re having some and they’ll thank you for it.

In Summary – Can Cats Eat Honeydew Melon?

Yes, cats eat honeydew melon. It’s one of the fruits that is not toxic for them, so it’s perfectly fine for them to eat a little bit on occasion.

It’s important to remember, however, that cats have a complex digestive system. When sharing foods they’d not usually have, always give them a little taster first to check for any reactions such as an upset stomach.

If your cat enjoys honeydew and doesn’t show any signs that it doesn’t agree with them, feel free to share a little whenever you’re having some.

It’s always a cool and fun bonding experience sharing food with cats. Just remember that you need to know when enough is enough, cat’s can easily get carried away eating something they like.

If you found this article helpful and are wondering about other fruits, you might enjoy – can cats eat bananas? Or, can cats eat apples?

Do your cats like any kinds of melons or other fruits? Which fruits do you share with them?

I’d love to hear about it, I bet there are some crazy and interesting stories out there. Feel free to drop me a note below, thanks.