Native to Mexico and Central America, Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit found in tropical and subtropical regions in South America and Asia. In these places the fruit flourishes and grows in abundance. 

Appropriately named, the dragon fruit’s outer skin is cactus-like, resembling that of the scales of a mythical dragon.

Considered a cactus plant, its vibrant green and reddish-pink hues indicate that the fruit is full of nutrients. This is just as its creamy white flesh spotted with black seeds gives way to many rich and natural properties. This fruit's rich goodness often prompts us to quiz, "Can cats eat dragon fruit?"

Is Dragon Fruit Safe for Cats?

Dragon fruit, which is also known as Pitaya; its seeds, along with a sweet and fleshy pulp, are listed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), as non-toxic to cats. This ruling includes the plant itself and its fruit.

But it doesn't mean that your cat can eat a lot of this exotic fruit because too much of this fruit may cause diarrhoea and vomiting in felines.

Is Dragon Fruit Good for Cats?

The flesh of dragon fruit is low in calories and sweet. Yet, due to a cat's inability to detect sweet taste, they are usually not interested in the sweetness found in fruit. However, if you want to give this fruit to your cat, few bites are all that their digestive system can tolerate, so give them a little at a time.

Can Cats Eat Dragon Fruit?

Because cats are mainly carnivores and derive their protein from meat, you might not consider feeding them plant-based food. Still, it is important for your cat's diet to be nutritionally balanced, low in fat and appropriate for your cat's life stage.

Adding fruits to your cat's diet will help ensure that it is getting plenty of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, to help it stay strong and healthy. It will also boost its immune system. Pet treats can also be high in calories, so dragon fruits can provide a healthy alternative.

Dragon fruit contains low levels of phosphorus and magnesium, which help to keep the amount of calcium in your cat's blood at healthy levels. Dragon fruit also contains small amounts of potassium, iron, copper and zinc.

Additionally, cats can eat dragon fruit because it is a good source of vitamin A- an essential nutrient that is important for maintaining a cat's skin and eyes.

Is Dragon Fruit Bad for Cats?

Dragon fruit is not necessarily bad for your cat, but it does contain chemicals that can cause digestive problems if eaten in large quantities. Also, too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity, so keep the amount of dragon fruit you give to your cat limited.

Is Dragon Fruit Toxic to Cats?

Although cats and kittens derive a vast majority of their nutritional needs from animal proteins, cats are far more likely to fall asleep in a fruit bowl than to nibble at its contents. Yet, dragon fruit is listed as a non-toxic fruit to cats, and can be fed to cats in moderation.

Can Kittens Eat Dragon Fruit?

No, kittens should not eat dragon fruit. Due to their small size and age, kittens should be fed specific food instead of fruits. This is because milk or formula contains nutrients that they need at this stage of development. Most vets consider dragon fruit safe for cats if taken in moderation.