Can Cats Eat Dates? Expert’s Advice, Risks & Alternatives

Cats and dates sound polar opposites. One is a fruit, and one is carnivorous. Still, you will find some cats licking dates out of nowhere. As a pet-lover, you get concerned for their health and start searching online: can cats eat dates?

Shortly, YES! Cats can eat dates sometimes, but not as a daily diet. While dates are not toxic for them, it is better to just stick to their natural foods. 

In this piece, we will explore if it is okay for cats to eat dates and what are the better alternatives if you want to avoid the risk.

Why Do Cats Seek Dates in the First Place?

Cats do not have receptors for sweetness, and dates are sweet, fibre-rich fruits. So, they can’t instinctively seek dates. If your cat reaches for dates, it’s usually due to curiosity, the texture of dates, or other environmental factors rather than its own biological needs.

Are Dates Toxic for Cats?

No, dates are not toxic for cats. However, cats should eat it in a very small amount. 

Experts recommend avoiding giving them dates as much as possible. One of the primary reasons for that is cats don’t get any nutritional benefit from them. 

If you wish to offer them sweet treats, always go for vet-approved options specifically formulated for feline health. The best practice is to consult a veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat’s diet.

What Happens if Cats Eat Dates?

Choking/Blockage Risk

The sticky texture of the date can stick to the cat’s throat. Plus, the date pit can also cause blockage that can lead to severe intestinal blockages if ingested. 

Sometimes, even if you chop the dates perfectly, the fragments of hard covering can cause choking.

Digestive Issues

Dates are rich in fiber and sugar content. And cats can only digest protein. So, excessive fiber can cause stomach issues like constipation or diarrhea, especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach.

Nutritional Imbalance

Dates do not have animal-based fats like arachidonic acid, which cats need for skin health, inflammation regulation, and organ function. Plus, excess sugar from dates can lead to weight gain or insulin resistance.

Tooth Issues

Tooth decay or similar dental issues are rare in cats, but if you feed them dates in large quantities, they can get cavities, plaque buildup, and gum disease.

Obesity

Cats aren’t supposed to eat sugar-rich food. Their evolutionary process can’t fully digest it. So, when their calorie intake increases, their weight increases. Unused sugar is converted to fat. Over time, this contributes to obesity, especially in indoor cats with low activity levels.

Which Fruits Can Cats Eat? Best Alternative to Dates for Cats

So, if dates are not the best option for cats, then what are their unique fruit options?

As per the research, some human foods are helpful and others are harmful for cats to eat. 

Let’s get into it!

Human Foods That Are Safe for Cats

1. Apple
2. Broccoli
3. Carrot
4. Fish
5. Eggs
6. Green beans
7. Spinach
8. Watermelon
9. Blueberries
10. Peas

Human Foods That Cats Should Not Eat

1. Chocolate 
2. Coffee/tea
3. Artificial sweetener
4. Grapes
5. Garlic
6. Chives
7. Onion
8. Raw dough
9. Alcohol
10.  Wild mushrooms

What to Do if Your Cat Ate a Date Seed?

Although dates are not toxic to cats, if your cat has swollen it as a whole, the date pit might cause choking or blocking of intestines. In that case, you should immediately consult the vet. 

Avoid home remedies without professional guidance, and keep dates/seeds out of reach to prevent future risks. Quick action helps ensure your cat’s safety.

Final Words

It is better for cats to just stick to their dedicated diet. However, if your cat is reaching out to have some dates, ensure they are pitted, offered sparingly, and monitor for any digestive upset. Always consult your vet before sharing human foods with your cat.