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Can I give papaya to cats?
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Papaya may generally be safe to feed to cats, but there are some precautions to consider.
Limit portions: When feeding papaya to your cat, limit the amount. Papaya contains natural sugar, and excessive sugar intake can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. We recommend giving small bites.
Proper cooking: Before feeding papaya raw, wash it thoroughly, remove the skin, and serve only the pulp. It is important to remove the papaya rind and seeds, as they are hard and can irritate the digestive system.
Beware of sensitivities: Some cats can have allergic reactions to certain foods, and they may also be at risk for sensitivity to papaya. If you are giving it for the first time, keep an eye on it to make sure there are no allergic symptoms.
Beware of the enzyme papain: Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which helps in digestion. However, some cats may exhibit hypersensitivity to this enzyme. Therefore, when giving it for the first time, start with a small amount and watch your cat’s reaction.
Papaya can be given occasionally as a treat, but it is not suitable as part of the main meal. Meat is a cat’s primary source of nutrition, and providing a meat-based cat food is a healthy and safe choice. If in doubt, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.