Can Cats Eat Durian? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safety Guide

Have you seen videos of people and animals reacting to the, well, pungent smell of the durian fruit? It can be pretty amazing that a fruit that smells so bad is highly nutritious and heavily sought after by humans all over.

Durian is not toxic to cats, but at the same time, it is not part of their normal diet. If your cat steals some durian flesh off the ground, there is no need to worry, and your cat should be fine. However, it is possible that if your kitty eats durian, they will develop mild digestive signs depending on the amount consumed and your cat’s unique characteristics. This overwhelmingly smelly fruit can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. But why? We have the answers in this article.

What Is Durian?

Durian is a very large, distinct-smelling fruit from Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia. It has spikes on the outside with an edible pulp inside. Many chefs rely on durian to create all sorts of delectable dishes. The durian fruit comes from several trees in the genus Durio. While there are around 30 trees in this category, only six produce edible fruit.

In some areas of Singapore and Malaysia, you aren’t even allowed to eat the fruit in public. However, durian fruits are non-toxic despite their putrid smell. While durian is all the rage in certain areas, some can barely stomach the smell.

If you ask, you might hear several opinions on what durian smells like. Generally, it combines oniony, fruity, and savory tones. Despite the distinctive scent, the taste tells a different story. People describe the flavor as a mix of caramel and vanilla with a smooth, cheesecake or custard-like texture. So, even though it has a pungent odor, the taste is a delicacy for most who dare eat it.

Durian Nutrition Facts

Serving per 100 grams

As you can see, durian provides a wide range of nutritional benefits. In addition to the valuable nutrients, it is also relatively high in calories, so snacking on the fruit too much will pack on the pounds.

Since cats are obligate carnivores, they don’t “need” fruit. However, some might enjoy the strange and powerful flavors and scents, while others will snub it in disapproval.

Do Cats Like the Flavor of Durian?

Some felines are incredibly picky, while others eat bizarre things without reason. Durian is the same—most cats will turn up their nose, but there will always be those strange felines that love it.

Maybe this question was prompted by watching a cat eat durian or gag at the smell. Both reactions are relatively standard, but it is hard to say how one cat will react over another.

Most cats won't even give durian a chance. The smell is enough to ward them away without looking back, but other more adventurous felines might take that plunge into the unknown.

Since cats cannot taste sweetness, they won’t experience the flavor like a human would.

Can Cats Eat Durian?

The short answer is technically yes, but ultimately no. Durian is not a part of your cat's natural diet, and they gain no real benefit from eating it. However, if you would like to offer durian to your cat, you should speak to your vet first

If your cat snuck a bite without your approval, you can stay calm. At most, durian could cause mild digestive signs since it is not a common food, but it is not considered toxic.

Some of the signs include:

Some cats may eat it without a problem, but that doesn’t mean they should consume the fruit frequently. If your cat shows signs of discomfort, make sure you consult your vet.

Can Cats Eat Any Fruits?

If your vet gives you the green light to serve your cat fruit, there are plenty of cat-safe fruits your kitty can enjoy. Some fruits are also added to cat food and snacks.

Some kitty-safe foods include:

Of course, fruit shouldn't be part of a cat's standard diet, which should consist of a complete and balanced dry kibble, fresh food, wet food, or homemade vet-approved cat food. Fruits primarily contain carbohydrates, which is not an essential dietary nutrient for cats.

So, while some fruit is perfectly safe occasionally, it should only serve as a little treat here and there.

Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.

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Conclusion

Durian will likely cause your cat to sniff and run for the hills instead of salivating and snacking. However, some cats are drawn to the flavor of the strong-smelling fruit. So, if you find that your cat wants to join the party anytime you have durian, you should check with your vet if it is okay to serve a tiny bit of the flesh.

If you feed your cat durian, remember to give them just a tiny taste. It may cause digestive signs, or they may seem unaffected. After all, your cat’s nutritional needs should be covered by high-quality cat food, which should be complete and balanced.

Featured Image Credit: DinhCo, Pixabay