Can Cats Eat Pomegranate? Benefits, Risks, and Everything Cat Owners Need To Know

Feline tummies aren’t designed for acidic snacks, so stick with protein-packed treats.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 11, 2025

Feline tummies aren’t designed for acidic snacks, so stick with protein-packed treats.

Can Cats Eat Pomegranate? A Complete Guide for Cat Owners

If youâre a cat owner who loves to snack on juicy pomegranate seeds, you might wonder if you can safely share this fruit with your feline companion. Although pomegranates are considered a healthy superfood for people, a catâs nutritional needs and digestive system are quite different from ours. This in-depth guide explores the safety, benefits, risks, and best practices when it comes to feeding pomegranate to cats.

Is Pomegranate Safe for Cats?

Pomegranate is not toxic to cats. Most veterinarians agree that if a cat eats a small amount of the fruit, it is unlikely to cause poisoning or serious harm . However, feeding pomegranate to cats is not generally recommended as part of their diet, due to several important caveats related to nutrition, potential health risks, and palatability .

What Parts of the Pomegranate Are Safe?

Arils (the juicy sacs surrounding the seeds): These are the edible part and may be offered in tiny amounts on rare occasions.
Seeds: Whole seeds pose a choking and intestinal blockage risk, especially for smaller cats. Seeds should not be offered.
Peel and pith: The rind and white pith are tough, inedible, and should always be avoided.

Are There Any Benefits to Pomegranate for Cats?

In theory, pomegranate contains nutrients such as antioxidants (punicalagins, anthocyanins), vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and dietary fiber. These compounds contribute to circulation, immune support, and cell health in humans . Hereâs a look at how these could (or could not) impact a cat:

Antioxidants: Pomegranates include punicalagins and granatin, which are antioxidants. However, cats already synthesize many necessary antioxidants from animal sources.
Vitamin C: While important for health, cats produce their own vitamin C in the liver and donât need supplementation.
Vitamin K and potassium: Both help with blood clotting and muscle function, but your catâs complete diet likely already provides adequate amounts.
Fiber: In small amounts, fiber may assist digestion, particularly for indoor cats, but cats typically obtain all needed fiber from bones and cartilage in animal-based foods.
Folic Acid: Found in pomegranates, this helps metabolize fat and supports red blood cell health. Still, these nutrients are better sourced from animal proteins.

The bottom line: Pomegranate offers only minor supplementary benefits for cats, and none that canât be obtained (in a more digestible form) from a typical meat-based, high-quality cat diet .

Potential Health Risks of Pomegranate for Cats

There are several potential concerns and side effects to consider before offering pomegranate to your cat:

Digestive Upset: Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and the tannins, natural acids, and sugar content in pomegranate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort .
Choking and Blockage: The seeds are hard and pose a risk of choking or intestinal obstruction, particularly if a cat attempts to swallow them whole .
High Sugar Content: Pomegranates contain about 14 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Cats donât metabolize sugar well and shouldnât consume it regularly . Excess sugar may contribute to obesity and dental disease.
Possible Allergic Reactions: As with any new food, a small number of cats may develop allergies, with symptoms such as skin irritation or gastrointestinal distress .
Nutritional Imbalance: Over time, providing non-essential plant foods like pomegranate could disrupt the careful balance of nutrients required for feline health .

Are Some Cats More Sensitive Than Others?

Yes. Kittens, senior cats, or those with known digestive sensitivities may experience more pronounced side effects from even a small taste of pomegranate. Cats with chronic gastrointestinal issues or allergies should never be offered new fruits or treats without consulting a veterinarian.

Why Cats Donât Need Fruit in Their Diet

Unlike humans (omnivores), cats are obligate carnivores. This means their bodies are evolved to thrive on animal protein, with very limited ability to digest and process fruits or vegetables . The nutrients found in plants (including pomegranates) are not optimally absorbed, and excessive amounts may lead to health problems over time.

Nutrient	Pomegranate Content	Does a Cat Need It from Fruit?
Antioxidants	Punicalagins, anthocyanins	No, already obtained from animal diet
Vitamin C	10 mg/100 g arils	No, cats synthesize their own in the liver
Fiber	Only 4g/100g arils	Cats get fiber from animal bones/cartilage
Sugar	14g/100g	Excess sugar is unhealthy
Potassium	236mg/100g	Met via balanced cat food

How to Safely Offer Pomegranate to a Cat

If your veterinarian gives you the go-ahead, and you want to let your cat sample pomegranate, follow these safety guidelines:

Portion size: Only offer a single aril or twoânever a whole segment or large spoonful.
Remove seeds: If practical, squeeze the juice out of the aril and discard the hard seed to reduce the choking risk.
Avoid rind and pith: Do not let your cat nibble the peel or bitter white pith.
Monitor closely: Watch for signs of choking, vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic reactions after ingestion.
No regular treats: Pomegranate should never become a routine snack .

What If My Cat Accidentally Eats Pomegranate?

In most cases, if your cat ingests a small piece of pomegranate, it is unlikely to cause any serious harm. You should:

Observe your cat for the next 24 hours for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or choking.
If you notice vomiting, lethargy, bloating, or constipated behavior, contact your veterinarian.
If your cat consumed seeds or peel, consult your vet, especially if you see signs of distress.

What Do Veterinarians Say?

Most veterinarians agree: Cats may eat a tiny amount of pomegranate safely, but there are no significant health benefits and several possible risks. High-quality, animal-based cat food should always be the mainstay of your petâs diet. Fruits like pomegranate are unnecessary and potentially dangerous in excess .

Best Alternatives: Healthy Treats for Cats

If youâre looking to enrich your catâs diet or treat repertoire, consider these alternatives:

Commercially prepared cat treats: Designed for feline nutritional needs and often fortified with taurine and other essentials.
Small pieces of cooked, unseasoned meat: Chicken, turkey, or beef with no bones or seasoning.
Freeze-dried animal protein treats: Rich in flavor and highly digestible.
Catnip or silvervine: Safe, fun, and provides enrichment without calories.

FAQs About Cats and Pomegranate

Q: Can cats eat pomegranate seeds?

A: No, pomegranate seeds are a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage in cats. If your cat eats one accidentally, watch for distress and call your vet if symptoms develop.

Q: How much pomegranate can a cat eat safely?

A: A single pomegranate aril (the juicy part only, not the seed) as a rare, tiny treat is safe for most cats. Never offer more than this, and only if your veterinarian approves.

Q: What should I do if my cat has stomach upset after eating pomegranate?

A: Withhold all treats and monitor your cat. Mild stomach upset often resolves quickly. If symptoms persist, worsen, or if your cat seems lethargic, contact your veterinarian.

Q: Are there any fruits cats can eat?

A: While most fruits are unnecessary for cats, small amounts of blueberries, peeled apples (without seeds), or cooked pumpkin are considered safe. Always introduce new foods slowly and in tiny quantities.

Q: Is pomegranate extract in cat foods safe?

A: Some pet food brands use purified pomegranate extract for antioxidant value in very small amounts. These are considered safe when formulated for pets, but should not be supplemented at home without guidance.

Summary: Should You Give Your Cat Pomegranate?

Pomegranate is non-toxic but not recommended as a routine treat for cats. It offers minimal benefits, and the potential for digestive upset, choking, and nutritional imbalance outweighs any positives. Your cat will be far happierâand healthierâon a diet built around complete and balanced cat food and vet-approved treats.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete