Can Cats Drink Cranberry Juice? Potential Health Benefits & FAQ (Vet Reviewed)

Cranberry juice is often very good for people. For instance, it can be prescribed to prevent urinary tract infections and similar instances. 

But is this also true for cats? While cranberry supplements might work, let’s keep in mind that cats have different nutritional needs compared to people.

Cats should mostly eat protein and fats, and cranberry juice typically doesn’t have any of these things. In fact, most are full of carbohydrates because most juices have added sugar in them. 

For this reason, you’ll have to read the label and avoid sugar-added cranberry juice. You may even be able to find cranberry juice without added sugar or artificial sweeteners. There are potential benefits to feeding cranberry juice to your cat, assuming that it is free of extra sugar.

Are Cranberries Safe for Cats?

Plain cranberry juice does seem to be okay for cats. Juice with added sugar is not okay for cats because the added sugar can cause serious problems. Cranberry juice should not make up the majority of the cat’s diet. It does not include the nutrients a cat needs to thrive. You shouldn’t be adding it as a regular part of your cat’s diet.

That said, many cat foods include cranberries in moderate amounts to add necessary vitamins and antioxidants. In addition, diets designed for urinary health are more likely to contain cranberries because they may help your feline avoid certain urinary tract problems. 

However, cranberries contain a substance called oxalates. These can cause oxalate crystals, especially if the feline already has a predisposition to calcium oxalate bladder stones. So, if you’re seeking to use cranberries to treat your cat’s feline idiopathic cystitis, a specific supplement prescribed by your veterinarian is your best bet. Supplements are specially formulated to include chemicals that prevent calcium oxalate or struvite stones formation.

Can Cats Drink Unsweetened Cranberry Juice?

Yes, they can, to a certain extent. However, you shouldn’t introduce it as a major or regular part of the cat’s diet. Cranberries are high in carbohydrates. Your cat needs a diet mainly containing protein and fat. Cranberries don’t include much protein or fat at all. For this reason, they should be generally avoided as a large part of your feline’s diet.

Unsweetened cranberry juice is the only suitable option for your feline. Added sugar is unnecessary for cats. Most juices are sweetened for people, but cats cannot even taste sweet flavor, and they have much smaller bodies. Therefore, a bit of sugar is a lot for them, even if it isn’t much for the average adult human. Sugary drinks and foods should be avoided for all cats.

Health Benefits of Cranberry for Cats

Just like with humans, there are potential benefits of feeding your cat cranberries. Of course, cranberries likely aren’t going to cure any diseases or illnesses outright. However, they may be used alongside medication and veterinary care.

Unlike humans, cats were not bred to consume high levels of veggies and fruits. They can be fed a few cranberries without much of a problem, but it shouldn’t be too many. Likewise, they shouldn’t take up much of the cat’s diet, as they may push out other essential nutrients.  Instead, your cat should be eating mostly protein and fat, which they can get from meat and other animal products. Adding a few natural unsweetened cranberries to top up their plate is okay.

Cranberries are a good source of fiber, as are most berries. They also contain quite a few vitamins, including C, E, and K. They also contain a tannin called proanthocyanidin, which has antiviral activity and seems to be effective against cat intestinal viruses. This is the main reason that cranberries are sometimes included in cat foods.

Are There Any Studies Done on Cats and Cranberry Juice?

There is a drug for UTIs in cats called cystocure, which uses extracts from cranberries as one of the main ingredients. This medication has been shown to be effective. However, it includes other ingredients, and the cranberry extract is very concentrated. Another study suggests that cranberry could be effective in reducing the urinary tract and gastrointestinal signs of feline idiopathic cystitis.

It is unknown how much cranberry juice your cat would need to drink to get the potential benefits. 

Nowadays, many cranberry extracts or concentrated cranberry veterinary supplements are available in the market, but each has a different formula, so your veterinarian is the best person to help you find the right one for your cat’s needs. 

Are Cranberries Good for a Cat’s Urinary Health?

There are many theories as to why cranberries can help with urinary tract problems. One is that they make the urine more acidic, which can limit the growth of bacteria. This also seems to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls, which causes them to be flushed out.

What Else Can You Give Cats for Urinary Problems?

UTIs should be treated by a veterinarian. An antibiotic will be prescribed most of the time and will provide your feline with fast relief. Usually, the exact bacterium causing the UTI needs to be identified, which will often need to be done with a culture. This may take a few days, so the vet may prescribe an antibiotic to resolve the infection.

Specific diets and supplements may prevent urinary tract problems. However, you should speak with your vet before switching your cat’s diet around. Different cats may be more prone to UTIs and other urinary tract issues than others, but they may need a specific diet, supplementation, and management to prevent future problems. Keep in mind that feline idiopathic cystitis is a non-infectious urinary problem that is common in cats.

Final Thoughts

Cranberries are often considered a home remedy for human urinary health. However, their use on cats has not been studied extensively. While preliminary studies suggest that they may be beneficial, fruits are not a natural part of your pet’s diet. Therefore, you should consult your veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet or including a supplement.

Your cat’s vet should treat any urinary problems. Ask them if adding cranberries, the juice, or a concentrated cranberry extract in supplements may be helpful for your feline. For example, a particular food with cranberries may be beneficial for your cat.

Related Reads:

• Can Cats Eat Craisins? What You Need to Know

• Can Cats Eat Apples? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Alternative Options

Featured Image Credit: Piqsels