Prunes are the dried-plums that contain thousands of health benefits for humans. For instance, if you are suffering from constipation, you can eat prunes or drink prune juice to get a regular bowel movement. So, if your cat is straining in the litter box, you might get an urge to offer them prunes as well.
However, before altering your feline’s diet, it’s important you ask some important questions, such as can cats eat prunes?
Well, plums and prunes are strictly forbidden for cats. These fruits are severely toxic for felines, and even a small dose can lead to serious health complications. So, if your cat is suffering from digestive issues, you should stick with medicine exclusively created for cats, not prunes.
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Can Cats Have Prune Juice
Felines are naturally carnivores, meaning they won’t be messing with fruits, including prunes. Cats require animal-based protein to survive. So, if you offer them plant-based products, such as prune juice, they will do more harm than good.
Cats cannot get prune juice in the wild, and the only liquid they will get is water. So, instead of giving your feline prune juice, you should offer them fresh and clean water. Try to keep them hydrated to avoid any digestive issues, including irregular bowel movements.
Are Prunes Poisonous to Cats
Yes, prunes are highly toxic for cats. This fruit contains cyanide that could be harmful to your little furball because of their physiology and size. Furthermore, if your cat consumes too many prunes, these can lead to bowel obstructions and internal injuries.
Keep on reading to learn possible side effects of prunes on your cat:
Symptoms Of Plum Poisoning
The presence of cyanide in your cat’s diet can easily lead to plum poisoning. Here are some of the most common clinical signs of plum poisoning in cats:
- Shock
- Collapsing
- Dilated Pupils
- Vomiting
- Lack Of Consciousness
- Cardiac Arrest
- Breathing Difficulty
Furthermore, prunes can also increase the risks of choking hazards in cats. As choking is silent, it can easily cause the death of your little furball! Therefore, if you have prunes at home, it would be best if you kept them out of your feline’s reach.
Can Cats Have Prune Juice for Constipation
The antioxidants and cyanide in prunes can get rid of constipation in humans. If consumed in moderation, prunes can offer a regular bowel movement saving humans from several health problems. However, when it comes to cats, prunes are not an ideal approach against constipation.
As prunes are already toxic for your little friend, they can lead to other health complications instead of helping against constipation. Therefore, you should stick with cat medicine – preferably Miralax.
Final Thought
Can cats eat prunes? No, prunes are severely toxic for cats. Even a small prune consumption can lead to plum poisoning, choking, gastrointestinal issues and many more.
If your feline has unintentionally consumed prunes, you should immediately visit your veterinarian and follow his/her instructions. If your feline has stopped breathing due to prunes, do hands-only CPR and seek medical attention immediately.
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