Can cats eat blueberries?

Updated 18/06/2024

Blueberries are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and boast a plethora of health benefits (not to mention, they taste pretty good baked into a morning muffin!). If you've noticed your feline friend sniffing around your punnet of blueberries, though, no doubt the thought has crossed your mind: can cats eat blueberries, too? 

Luckily, it's pretty common knowledge nowadays that other small fruits (like grapes and raisins) are toxic to our feline friends. But what about blueberries - are they safe for cats to eat? And if so, can the health benefits of blueberries also apply to cats? Let’s find out…

Can cats eat blueberry?

Yes! Blueberries are not toxic to cats and are safe to eat in small quantities. That said, blueberries are not a necessary part of your cat's diet (cats are obligate carnivores, after all). So, while they can technically eat blueberries, most fruits and veggies typically offer little nutritional benefit to cats. 

Are blueberries good for cats?

Blueberries are high in antioxidants, potassium, and Vitamin C, earning them a 'superfood' title. Blueberries are safe for cats to eat in small amounts and they can be considered a healthy treat for (healthy) cats, however, they don't necessarily add much to your cat's diet or overall health needs.

As obligate carnivores, cats rely on getting their nutritional needs met from meat and animal protein, and blueberries are not naturally part of a complete and balanced diet for cats. Plus, like most other fruits, blueberries contain sugar - and too much sugar in a cat's diet can lead to digestive issues further down the road. 

If Felix is seriously craving a bite of blueberry, feeding your cat one as an occasional treat shouldn't do them any harm. But moderation is key!  

Can cats eat blueberry muffins?

Can my cat eat blueberries if it’s baked into a delicious blueberry muffin? Definitely not! While plain blueberries on their own are safe for healthy cats to eat (in moderation), muffins can contain added ingredients - like xylitol or chocolate - that are toxic to cats. Additionally, the high fat and sugar content of muffins is bad news for feline friends and can lead to digestive issues and feline obesity.

Can cats eat blueberry yogurt?

So, can a cat eat blueberry yogurt? Contrary to popular belief, most adult cats are intolerant to lactose and cannot digest dairy, although yogurt tends to be easier for cats to digest than straight-up milk. In that sense, technically cats can eat yogurt if it is plain and unsweetened - just beware of store-bought yogurts which may contain high amounts of sugar or toxic ingredients, such as xylitol. Some yogurts can be very high in calories which may cause unwanted weight gain for cats.

Feeding your cat blueberries

Before introducing a new food into your kitty's diet, we'd always recommend speaking to your vet first for sign-off, and if your kitty suffers from any medical conditions - such as diabetes or a gastrointestinal condition - it’s best to avoid feeding them blueberries altogether. 

When it comes to feeding your cat blueberries, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wash the blueberries first, removing any dirt or debris
• Remove the stems and/or leaves
• Feed only in small amounts/as an occasional treat 

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

What other foods are safe for cats?

So, while the answer to ‘can a cat eat blueberries?’ is a ‘yes’, what other human foods are generally considered safe for cats to eat? Explore more below: 

• Cooked meat (cut into small pieces and served up without any seasoning) 
• Cooked fish (small servings - or opt for a specific cat-friendly fish treat)
• Some vegetables such as cooked pumpkin, cucumbers, cooked broccoli or carrots (all in moderation, and again, without any seasoning)

Find more advice on what cats can and can’t eat here.