Cats and apple juice

Can Cats Drink Apple Juice? What You Need to Know!

Last updated: May 18 2021

Plenty of cats love to investigate glasses that have been left on the counter. Maybe they just want a drink of water — instead of using that expensive water fountain that you bought them!

But if you’ve got apple juice in that glass and your cat goes to take a little drink, is that safe? Can cats drink apple juice, or is this something to be discouraged?

The short answer is that yes, cats can drink a small amount of apple juice without suffering any ill effects. You probably don’t want to let them make a habit of it, though.

What does apple juice contain?

100 grams of unsweetened apple juice contains:

1 grams of protein

It also contains antioxidants and vitamins.

Some brands of apple juice may contain sweeteners, preservatives, and other chemicals.

Diabetic Cats

Image Credit: NTP_RASTA, Shutterstock

As mentioned, apple juice contains sugar.

That means if your cat is a diabetic, allowing them to drink apple juice is a definite no-no.

Signs of diabetes include:

Inability to jump

If your cat has any of these signs, you should speak to your vet before giving them anything containing high levels of sugar, including apples.

What to do if your cat loves apples

The high sugar content of apple juice means that this isn’t an ideal drink for your cat.

But you may want to offer them a healthier, apple alternative.

Offering your cat a small amount of apple that’s been grated or chopped into small pieces is a better alternative than the juice. The skin contains fiber, which can help your cat’s digestive system function correctly. Remember to wash the apple first to remove any traces of bacteria or pesticides.

You could also feed them a small amount of unsweetened applesauce, either storebought or homemade. Try putting a little on a saucer, or add it to your cat’s food.

Remember that giving your cat apple shouldn’t ever be a substitute for feeding them a balanced, meat-based diet that’s designed to meet all their nutritional requirements.

Apple seeds are poisonous to cats, so they should always be avoided. The same goes for the leaves and stem if they’re still on the apple. They all contain chemical compounds that convert into hydrogen cyanide, which can cause serious problems for your cat if they’re ingested.

You should also brush your cat’s teeth or give them a dental treat after they’ve had apple juice or apples, to cancel out the risk of them developing dental issues due to the sugar in apples.

Image Credit: Markus Mainka, Shutterstock

Wrapping it up

Apple juice is safe for cats to drink in small quantities. The high sugar levels cancel out the goodness that your cat may get in the form of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.

If your cat loves the taste of apple juice, consider offering them fresh apples or applesauce instead. These contain more fiber and less sugar. But remember to always avoid the seeds, stems, and leaves.

Cats are obligate carnivores, so their digestive systems are designed to function best on a high-protein, meat-based diet — and that doesn’t include apples!

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Can Cats Drink Apple Juice?

Let me guess. You probably left out a glass of apple juice once or twice on the table and you saw your cat trying to take a few licks. Now you are left wondering. Can cats drink apple juice? The short answer is yes. Cats can drink apple juice to an extent. Apple juice itself is not toxic to a cat like citrus fruits, but the high sugar content might make you double think about giving your cat apple juice.

Cats are carnivores which means they eat anything that has meat. This also means that they may not digest anything that is not fully meat. If you insist on letting your cat drink apple juice, then there are a few things you might want to know.

Apple Juice Is Safe in Moderation

A little apple juice won’t hurt your cat. In fact, the antioxidants found in apples might actually benefit your cat. There is also a good deal of fiber and vitamins. Just like everything in life, moderation is key. Do not go overboard giving your cat apple juice. Too much can give your cat an upset stomach due to the very high sugar content that juice contains. High sugar food and drink is also very bad for older cats since they are more susceptible to diabetes.

If you are reluctant on trying to give your cat apple juice for the added vitamins and fiber, then you should look into apples instead as an alternative.

Can Cats Eat Apples?

Generally speaking yes. Cats can also eat apples. I mean apple juice is made from apples in the first place right? The benefit to giving your cat whole apples as opposed to apple juice is that there is less sugar content.

Many brands of apple juice usually have added sugar as well preservatives and chemicals that you won’t normally find in a regular apple. In my opinion, feeding your cat apples is a lot better than giving them apple juice. There are however a few necessary steps to take when preparing apples for your cat to eat.

Are Apples Healthy for Your Cat?

Like apple juice, apples are good for cats in moderation. Your cat will mainly benefit from the Vitamin C and Fiber in apples. Other than a few vitamins, an apple isn’t going to cure your cat of malnutrition or make them better if they are ill. Apples should also never substitute a real meal. Only use them as a supplement to what they are already eating.

How to Prepare Apples for Your Cat

There are a few things to take into consideration when preparing apples for your cat. The first thing to do is to make sure you wash the fruit very well. Just like if you were going to eat the apples yourself. Washing the fruit will help get rid of any pesticides or bacteria that may be on the outside of the apples.

It is very unlikely that you will be able to get your cat to take a bite out of a whole apple. While a pureed apple may be the best way to feed it to your cat, you can also cut the apple into small bite size pieces and hand it to your cat that way. This thin apple slicer and corer from Amazon works great at removing the skin, seeds, and stem to have a ready made apple slice for your cat.

I personally recommend giving your cat applesauce since it is already in the easiest form for your cat to eat. You can put a little bit in their food or feed it to them for a snack.

Avoid Giving Your Cat Rotten Fruit

Be careful with accidentally giving your cat a rotten apple. Do not feed your cat any types of fruit that you would not eat yourself. If you look at the fruit and it makes you turn your head, do your cat a favor and don’t feed it to them as well. Rotten fruit can do more harm than good if fed to your cat. Cat’s stomachs are a lot more sensitive than humans. Fermented apples can give your cat diarrhea or worse stomach problems that can quickly land them into the vet’s office.

Keep Your Cat Far Away From the Apple Seeds

Apple seeds are the most dangerous part of the apple for your cat. Not only can your cat choke on the seeds or get them stuck in their teeth, but they are composed of substances that can turn into hydrogen cyanide. Don’t forget about the stem and leaves on an apple as well if it is all organic. The leaves and stem also contain cyanide just like the seeds. If cyanide gets into your cat’s system, it will inhibit the cells from taking in oxygen.

Symptoms of apple poisoning will begin about 10-15 minutes after exposure to the cyanide which include: dilated pupils, vomiting, heavy panting or breathing, brick red colored gums, and difficulty breathing. Apple poisoning is a very serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Your cat will need to get to a vet as soon as possible for treatment.

Best Practices When Serving Apples to Cats

Always remember that apples should only be given in moderation to your cat. It is recommended to give your cat pureed apple or applesauce over whole apples or apple juice due to it being easily eaten. Giving your cat applesauce can also prevent any type of cyanide poisoning that can occur if your cat were to ingest the stem, seeds, or any leaves that are still attached.

Don’t forget to wash the apples if you decide to give them whole fruit instead. Wash them well before feeding it to your cat to get rid of any bacteria or chemicals that may be on the apples during production.

Final Thoughts

Cats can definitely drink apple juice. Due to the high sugar content in juice, it is not recommended in large quantities. Older cats are also more susceptible to diabetes from high sugar food or drinks. Out of all the forms you can feed your cat, applesauce is the best.

You can simply supplement one of your cat’s meals daily by pouring it on. If your cat loves the taste of apple sauce by itself, then you can also feed it to them as a snack. Never use apples as a meal by itself. Your cat should already be on a healthy diet before trying to add in supplements like fruits.

Shane has a lot of personal experience with the hardships and pleasures of owning a cat. His experience ranges from traveling to health and safety with cats, but doesn’t stop there.

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Can Cats Drink Apple Juice?

Did you leave out some apple juice only for your cat to drink some of it? You may be wondering if it is safe. It happens more often than you may think. Cats are naturally curious. They are likely to lick anything that is left in your glass. Apples are safe and beneficial to cats. But is it the same with apple juice? Can the high sugar content be toxic to your cat?

Can cats drink apple juice? Yes, they can. However, they should not drink too much of it. Even though apple juice is safe, its high sugar content is not recommended for cats.

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Whether you are exploring new food options for your cat or you simply have too much apple juice, you may be wondering if cats can drink apple juice. If yes, how much apple juice is safe? Cats are known to be carnivorous. I understand that you may be concerned about their ability to accept and digest anything that is not meat. Keep reading to learn more.

Can Cats Drink Apple Juice?

Your cat can drink apple juice in moderation. Apples are safe and full of antioxidants that may be good for your cat’s health. They are rich in vitamins and fiber. However, apple juice also has high sugar levels which could be toxic. Excessive sugar can cause stomach upsets.

While it is okay to let your cat have a few sips of apple juice once in a while, they should not drink it every day. Excessive consumption of apple juice increases the risk of diabetes for older cats. Some apple juice brands may have toxic chemicals and preservatives.

If you choose to give your cat apple juice, read the product label and ensure that there are no harmful chemicals. If your cat gets accustomed to drinking apple juice, it may start preferring it over water. Cats that eat canned foods get a lot of the moisture they need from the food. If, however, you feed them dry foods, they need to drink water.

Cats that drink a lot of apple juice may replace water with the sugary juice which is bad for their health. The diet of cats should be rich in protein but low in carbs. Apple juice is high in carbs. After giving your cat some apple juice, brush its teeth to prevent cavities. There are special toothbrushes and toothpaste for cats.

Note that some cats may be allergic to apples. Even though apple allergies are rare, they happen. After feeding your cat apples or apple juice, watch out for signs of allergy. The most common signs are farting and vomiting. If you are looking for a safe way to introduce fiber and vitamins to your cats’ diet, I suggest that you feed your cats apples rather than apple juice. However, your cats won’t be excited about eating anything that isn’t meat. Cut the apples into small sizes that your cat can chew easily. The main benefit of feeding your cats apples instead of apple juice is that they have low sugar content. The amount of apple or apple juice you feed your cats may depend on their preference.

I recommend that you feed them apples as a treat once in a while. Give them an average of four small apple pieces every week. A vet may help you determine the amount of apple juice that is safe for your cat. When introducing apples to your cat, get rid of all seeds. Seeds are some of the most dangerous parts of the apple. They can choke your cat or get stuck between their teeth. Apple seeds have substances that could be toxic.

With apples, the fruit is the only safe part. Leaves and stems contain toxic cyanide. If it gets into the cat’s system, its cells may be unable to absorb oxygen.

If your cat is exposed to cyanide, you may start to notice the symptoms of poisoning in about 15 minutes.

Some of the most common symptoms include; difficulty breathing, vomiting, red gums, and dilation of the pupils. If you notice the symptoms, seek the help of a vet immediately.

You may also need to seek the opinion of a vet if you suspect that your cat may have drunk too much apple juice. The vet will let you know if it is safe.

Tips for Serving Apples to Cats

When served in moderation, apples can be beneficial to your cats.

I suggest that you give them pureed apples or applesauce. They are easier to chew than whole apple chunks. They also reduce the chance of apple poisoning.

Whether you choose to serve the apples whole or as puree, you must wash them carefully to get rid of all dirt, pesticides, and bacteria. Dirty apples could make your cat sick.

Apple peels are not bad for your cat. They have the same effect as the apple itself. However, your cat is highly unlikely to eat apple peels and leave out the apple.

Note that serving too many apples can make your cat sick. Give your cat small portions of the fruit in different sittings.

If you are looking for creative ways to prepare apple meals for your cat, there are many possibilities. They include:

• Slice your apples into small, chewable pieces
• Mash or puree the apples and serve them with regular cat food
• Wrap small slices of your apples in a turkey wrap
• Serve cubed apple pieces with the cat’s dry food
• Avoid giving your cat pieces of apples that have browned or appear rotten. If you leave apple pieces out for over 30 minutes, they may cause diarrhoea.

Different cats have different preferences. Some cats may not be interested in eating apples.

Do not force them. Instead, find an alternative source of vitamins. Even though apples are great, your cat doesn’t need them. There are lots of foods and supplements that work just as well.

How Much Apple Juice is Too Much

The diet of a cat is mostly carnivorous. You should be very careful when introducing anything else. The sugar in apple juice can cause diabetes or digestion problems. Even the natural sugar in apples may be bad for your cat’s health. There should be a limit to the number of apples or apple juice that a cat consumes.

Feeding your cat too many apples or apple juice might make it difficult for them to eat other foods.

If apples replace certain meals, your cat may not be getting all the nutrition that it needs. Fortunately, you won’t have trouble getting your cats to stay away from apples. They don’t have the taste receptors for sweetness.

The crunchiness of apples may excite some cats. If you aren’t careful, a cat that eats too many apples may become obese. They are also likely to get diabetes. The major symptoms of diabetes include;

• Increased thirst
• Constant urination
• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Reduced activity and inability to jump

If you are unsure of the number of apples or apple juice that is safe for your cat, contact a vet. You should also speak to them if your cat shows any signs of diabetes.

When you introduce apples or apple juice to your cat’s diet, take note of other foods that they will be consuming. Ensure that they are not ingesting too much sugar. Avoid other treats that have high carbs or sugar concentration.

Alternative Snacks for Cats

If you are trying to introduce healthy snacks to your cat’s diet, apples are not your option. There are lots of healthy alternatives. You can always find something that your cat will like. Note that your cats are carnivores. You should, therefore, limit the number of fruits and veggies that you give them. If veggies replace regular cat meals, they may miss out on essential nutrients. Some of your options include;

· Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It is a healthy and tasty treat that your cats will enjoy. Cook the salmon before serving it to your cat.

· Pumpkin

Pumpkin may not be the most obvious food option for cats but it is great. It has low calories and lots of fiber. You may serve pumpkin along with other cat treats. It is known to be a safe and effective treatment for cats with abnormal stools.

· Spinach

Spinach is one of the healthiest snacks for your cat. It is rich in iron and vitamins A, C, and K. Even though it is healthy, spinach may not be appropriate for cats that have ever struggled with calcium oxalate bladder stones.

In summary, cats can drink apple juice. They can also eat apples. However, apple juice has a high sugar content that might cause diabetes when taken in large quantities.

Younger cats are less susceptible to diabetes than older cats. The best way to introduce apples to your cat’s diet is through applesauce.

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