Fruits
Can cats eat strawberries?
Non-toxic and low in calories, but sugary and not nutritionally needed.
Portion: One small slice (roughly ¼ of a medium strawberry), occasionally.
The short answer
Yes, in small amounts. Strawberries aren't toxic to cats and are lower in sugar than many fruits, so a small piece of fresh, washed strawberry is a fine occasional treat. Remove the leafy top, cut it small, and avoid anything sweetened — jam, syrup, ice cream or strawberry-flavoured yoghurt.
Why the verdict
Strawberries are mostly water with modest sugar and fibre. Cats can't taste sweetness, so there's little reason to feed them, but the fruit itself contains nothing known to be poisonous to cats. Problems come from volume (GI upset) and from sweetened strawberry products.
How to prepare it
- Wash thoroughly to remove pesticide residue.
- Remove the green calyx and stem.
- Dice into small pieces.
- Fresh or plain frozen only — nothing sugared or syrup-packed.
Signs of trouble
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Itching or swelling (rare allergic reaction)
Strawberries & cats: FAQ
Can kittens eat strawberries?
A tiny piece is unlikely to cause harm, but kittens do best on complete kitten food only.
Can cats eat strawberry leaves?
The leaves aren't considered toxic but are bitter and fibrous; remove them to avoid stomach upset.
Can cats eat strawberry yoghurt?
Not recommended — it combines lactose and added sugar, and some low-sugar versions contain sweeteners.
Related foods
See every food that’s toxic to cats →
Sources
- ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List — Cats (accessed 2026-09-29)
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat (accessed 2026-09-29)
Last updated 2026-09-29. We are not veterinarians: this guide summarises published veterinary references and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. See our methodology and disclaimer.