Does cat eat apple

Do Cats Eat Apples?

Table of Contents

Do Cats Eat Apples? Apples are considered to be safe for healthy cats. So if your cat has a health condition (such as diabetes), this general rule doesn’t apply. Human foods like apples should only be given occasionally and in moderation. Apple stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide and are poisonous to cats.

Moments later, your cat coils around your legs and plops down, begging for a tidbit of your treat with a sweet meow. Not only can “Human food” be perfectly safe for cats, but some of your groceries could actually be good for them. While cats, unlike humans, don’t require veggies in their diet, they can be a safe and healthy treat. Although not a necessary part of their diet, a little bit of white rice won’t harm your cat. Protein-rich eggs are another healthful food you can share with your cat. If you have ever seen your cat nibble on grass, then you know kitties like leafy greens. Talk to your vet about the best food to feed your cat daily or if you have any concerns about what your kitty should or should not be eating.

Are bananas OK for cats to eat? Kiddos aren’t the only ones who can benefit from bananas. They can be a healthy snack for cats, too, although they should only be a special treat due to their high sugar content. Lower in sugar and high in antioxidants, blueberries and strawberries are good fruits to share with your kitty

Is homemade cat food better? Homemade food is better for cats because you control the ingredients and how it’s made. Most commercial cat food contains unnecessary ingredients and fillers. These low-quality ingredients cause weight gain and health-related issues. Balanced raw homemade cat food provides high-quality, fresh nutrients.

What do cats love the most? Toys that reflect light or appear to change in some way are particularly attractive. Cats also like toys with different textures that are around the size of their natural prey (such as mice). Many cats love squeaky toys but some cats are startled by them so introduce them carefully.

Related Questions

What food is irresistible to cats?

– Give them some canned/wet food (the stinkier the better – try seafood varieties)
– Give them some meat baby food.
– Add some water from a can of tuna or anchovies to their food.
– Add a little bit of warmed, low-sodium chicken broth to your their food, whether it’s kibble or canned.

What human food can cats eat?

– Fish. While you don’t want your kitty eating from the aquarium, feeding him oily fish such as tuna or mackerel can help his eyesight, joints and brain.
– Meat. Poutry, beef and other meat is a natural option for your little carnivore.
– Cheese.
– Bananas.
– Berries.
– Melon.
– Carrots.
– Rice.

What foods do cats love?

– Salmon.
– Trout.
– Herring.
– Mackerel.
– Tuna.
– Whitefish.
– Chicken.
– Turkey.

Can cats eat scrambled eggs?

Cats can eat scrambled eggs or boiled eggs with no salt or seasonings. But there is a risk of adding too much fat to your cat’s diet. Feeding only egg whites that are either boiled or scrambled will reduce these risks. Egg whites contain almost no fats, making them the better source of protein for your cat.

What human food can I feed my cats?

– Fish. While you don’t want your kitty eating from the aquarium, feeding him oily fish such as tuna or mackerel can help his eyesight, joints and brain.
– Meat. Poutry, beef and other meat is a natural option for your little carnivore.
– Cheese.
– Bananas.
– Berries.
– Melon.
– Carrots.
– Rice.

What human food can cats eat list?

– Fish. While you don’t want your kitty eating from the aquarium, feeding him oily fish such as tuna or mackerel can help his eyesight, joints and brain.
– Meat. Poutry, beef and other meat is a natural option for your little carnivore.
– Cheese.
– Bananas.
– Berries.
– Melon.
– Carrots.
– Rice.

Can cats eat strawberries?

Although, according to the ASPCA, strawberries are non-toxic to felines and thus, they’re safe in moderation. ANSWER: The safest way to engage cats and strawberries is to cut the stem and leaves off and then feed a small portion of the strawberry to your cat.

Is it safe for cats to eat apples?

Human foods like apples should only be given occasionally and in moderation. Apple stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide and are poisonous to cats. If your cat consumes any of these parts, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) as soon as possible.

What fruits can cats eat?

– Apples.
– Bananas.
– Blueberries.
– Strawberries.
– Seedless watermelon.

What kind of human food can cats eat?

– Fish. While you don’t want your kitty eating from the aquarium, feeding him oily fish such as tuna or mackerel can help his eyesight, joints and brain.
– Meat. Poutry, beef and other meat is a natural option for your little carnivore.
– Cheese.
– Bananas.
– Berries.
– Melon.
– Carrots.
– Rice.

What homemade food can I give my cat?

– Protein: cooked dark meat chicken, beef, pork, lamb, salmon, or tuna (83 grams or 3 wt-ounces)
– Carbohydrate: cooked white rice, oatmeal, barley, corn, peas, or pasta (50 grams or 1/3 cup)
– Fiber: cooked sweet potato, without skin (30 grams or 1/5 cup)

What human foods are bad for cats?

– Milk, cheese and other dairy products. Many of us grew up with the image of kittens drinking milk or cream in cartoons or picture books.
– Chocolate.
– Raw eggs, meat or fish.
– Dog food.
– Bread and yeast.
– Tuna.
– Onions and garlic.

What foods are cats not allowed to eat?

– Milk, cheese and other dairy products. Many of us grew up with the image of kittens drinking milk or cream in cartoons or picture books.
– Chocolate.
– Raw eggs, meat or fish.
– Dog food.
– Bread and yeast.
– Tuna.
– Onions and garlic.

What is the healthiest way to feed a cat?

Wet food helps to ensure adequate water intake and dry food is good for oral health. A balance of wet and dry food is preferable, as feeding only dry food may lead to obesity [2]. Never feed puppy or dog food to your cat as it will be deficient in taurine, an essential protein that cats can only obtain through food.

Can cats eat apples and bananas?

Fruits like apples, bananas and pears are an important part of a healthy human diet. The short answer would be yes, it’s safe for cats to eat these fruits in small, controlled amounts.

What foods do cats like?

Cats are meat eaters, plain and simple. They have to have protein from meat for a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. Raw or spoiled meat could make your cat sick.

Can cats eat cheese?

Cheese is not a natural part of a cat’s diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they can only get necessary nutrients from meat. But even though cheese is also high in protein, it can upset a cat’s delicate digestive system. The reason for this is that cats don’t tolerate dairy very well.

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Can Cats Eat Apples? What You Need to Know!

Last updated: May 18 2021

Any time your cat watches you eat, it’s hard to avoid the temptation to share a bit of your food with them. Sweet, crisp, and delicious, apples are a treat that’s as healthy as they are tasty. Naturally, you’ll want to give your cat a slice when they show interest. After all, if it’s good for us, it could be good for your cat as well.

Luckily, in the case of apples, they’re completely safe for cats to eat. Moreover, some of the nutrients in apples can pose some positive health benefits for your feline. That said, there are some precautions you ought to be aware of before you hand a slice of your granny smith over to your cat. Let’s take a look at the benefits and risks associated with feeding cats apples.

Is the Whole Apple Safe for a Cat to Eat?

If you look up apples on the ASPCA website, you’ll find them listed as a substance that’s toxic to cats. Read a bit closer and you’ll discover that they’re referring to the seeds, stems, and leaves, but not the fruit itself.

What this means for you is that you can feed your cat small bits of apple, but you need to take great care to ensure that all you give them is apple meat. You can’t allow any of the seeds or stems to be eaten.

The problem with the stems, seeds, and leaves is that they contain cyanide.

If your cat eats the seeds and ingests cyanide, health problems are soon to follow. Some of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:

Despite the dangers associated with the ingestion of the seeds, stem, or leaves, the meat of the apple is safe for your cat to eat. But that doesn’t mean your cat will want to eat it! Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all of the nutrients they need from eating other animals. On the off chance your cat does like apples, it’s not going to hurt your cat to share a bit, always in moderation, of course.

Image Credit: raissameres, Pixabay

Benefits of Apples for Cats

We’ve discussed some of the possible dangers that come with feeding apples to your cats, but there are also some benefits that are worth mentioning.

Fiber

In the wild, your cat would have gotten a small amount of fiber from the bones and cartilage of the animals they ate. Today, your cat likely isn’t eating many small mammals, so they’re not getting that much-needed fiber to keep their digestive systems functioning at 100%. A few bites of apple on occasion can provide a little boost of fiber that can help keep your cat’s digestive tract in good health.

Calcium

Calcium is an essential nutrient for cats, so they have to get it from the foods they eat. While they aren’t the most concentrated source of calcium, apples do contain enough calcium to give your cat a boost.

This vital mineral regulates fluid concentration within the cells of your cat’s body. It also plays a role in blood coagulation. Of course, many people are aware of calcium’s role in building and maintaining cartilage and bones, including teeth and joints.

Precautions to Take When Feeding Apples to Cats

More likely than not, your cat will have no interest in eating an apple. But if your cat has decided to let curiosity get the better of them and you wish to fulfill their desires, then there are a few precautions you need to take to make sure that you’re doing so safely.

Wash the Apple Thoroughly

Apples are covered in fungicides and pesticides from the farming process. They’re also coated in a thick layer of germs from the time they spent traveling from the farm to the grocery store where they sat as hundreds of people walked by. You don’t want to feed all of these harmful extras to your cat, so thoroughly wash the apple before feeding it to your feline.

Only Feed Fresh Fruit

If the apple has started to turn brown, get soft, or show any signs of rotting or aging, don’t feed it to your cat. They’re much more sensitive to fruits that are going bad than we are. For you, eating that apple might not cause much harm. But for your cat, it could be a more unpleasant experience.

Cats can easily get sick from an apple that’s just starting to rot. Vomiting and diarrhea are common in such cases. But another concern is the fermenting of the apple’s natural juices. This starts to happen rapidly, and your cat has far less tolerance to alcohol than you. A fermented apple can easily cause alcohol poisoning in your cat’s tiny body, and now you’ve got a whole new problem on your hands.

No Seeds, Stems, Leaves

As we mentioned, the seeds and stem of the apple and the leaves of the tree all contain cyanide, which is highly toxic for cats. Make sure you remove the stem and all seeds from the apple before giving it to your cat.

Feed in moderation

Apples contain quite a bit of sugar. Remember, cats are obligate carnivores, so their bodies aren’t great at processing carbohydrates. Feeding sugars to your cat can lead to an upset stomach, weight gain, and more. But you can avoid all of these problems by only feeding your cat a little bit of an apple at a time.

Image Credit: pasja1000, Pixabay

How to Feed Apples to a Cat

If you’re going to feed your cat apples, there’s one way that’s better than any other; applesauce. Applesauce is much easier for your cat to eat than a whole apple or even cut up slices.

But store-bought applesauce often has lots of sugary additives. It’s best if you can simply puree an apple up yourself. Once again, make sure you remove the seeds and stem before tossing the apple in the blender as these are toxic for your kitty.

If you don’t have access to a blender and you’ve got an apple on hand, you can safely feed it to your cat by cutting it into small chunks or slices. Just make sure they’re pretty small as you don’t want your cat to choke.

Conclusion

Your cat probably doesn’t want to eat an apple. If you think they seem like they want a bite of your apple, you might just be projecting. But some cats break the norm and they enjoy these sweet treats. If you have one of these unique felines, there’s no reason to worry. Apples won’t hurt your cat, as long as you don’t feed them the parts that contain cyanide. And like all things, moderation is key. Too much apple can upset your cat’s stomach, so only give them a little at a time.

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Can Cats Eat Apples? – A Complete Guide To Cats And Apples

Can cats eat apples? If you are having a fruity snack, then you might be tempted to give your kitty a slice or two. And if your cat likes to play with apples, he may be tempted to take a bite. But is it a good idea?

Apples are generally thought of as being pretty healthy. But that doesn’t mean that your cat should eat a lot of them, or that he should eat every part of an apple.

Let’s take a look at some more details on the question, “Can cats have apples?”

Can Cats Have Apples?

Technically, yes, cats can eat apples. However, cats and apples are a bit of a funny combination.

Apples are a hugely popular fruit among humans and are eaten all across the world. You may have heard phrases like ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ which suggests that apples are beneficial to our health.

Some nutritional experts recommend that people consume lots of fruits and vegetables to combat the risks of certain diseases.

In the case of apples, specifically, some studies have suggested they reduce the risk of asthma, diabetes and even certain cancers. Apples are a great source of antioxidants, which lower cholesterol, slow aging, and hinder cancer cell growth in humans.

But cats, to point out the obvious, are not humans. So their diets differ significantly.

Cats are obligate carnivores. This means that they may find it hard to digest certain foods and they may also not even like the taste of apples.

In addition to this, due to the shape of apples, your cat might probably find it hard to eat the fruit as it is.

However, this doesn’t mean that there won’t be a few cats who appreciate a slice of apple. So let’s take a look at whether this is a good idea.

Cats and Apples

While most of an apple is okay for your cat to eat, the core and seeds should not be given to animals.

This means you must take care to ensure their removal before letting your cat eat any apple.

Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is very dangerous for animals and could poison your cat.

There’s a lot written about how much it would take to actually poison a cat, but the fact is that the ASPCA still registers apples as toxic to felines. Although apple seeds only contain a small amount of cyanide, it is still better to err on the side of caution.

If your cat ingests any pips you should immediately consult your veterinarian for further advice and help.

Why Do Cats Like Apples?

Cats are typically drawn to foods because of the smell. This probably is not the case with an apple, however.

So why might cats like apples?

Well, there’s the old saying about cats and curiosity. Many cats may just be drawn to whatever their human is eating for that very reason!

It’s also very possible that a cat might seem interested in eating a piece of apple, only to change his mind once he gets a taste of what it is.

Are Apples Safe For Cats?

The “meat” of an apple, by itself, is safe for a cat to eat in moderation. It should be cut up in small pieces to avoid any possibility of choking.

However, as mentioned above, the core and seeds can be dangerous to a cat, or to any other animal, and to humans as well, due to the cyanide contained in them.

Are Apples Poisonous To Cats?

While apples themselves are not poisonous, the cyanide in the pips and core certainly would be.

It is a small amount in each apple, but cats aren’t very big animals. It’s generally best to take precautions against letting them eat something that could be poisonous, and it doesn’t take very long to remove the core from an apple.

If you’ve found your cat chewing on an apple core, and you think he might have swallowed the seeds, scroll down to the section on what to do, further on in this article.

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Are Apples Bad For Cats?

The parts of the apple that contain small amounts of cyanide, of course, are the biggest concern in answering the question, “Can cats have apples?”

Small amounts of fruit are fine for a cat.

But, as mentioned, cats need to eat meat for their main sustenance.

Although certain fruits can be beneficial to your pet in small servings, they should not be used to replace your cat’s normal diet.

This is not only because your cat is a carnivore, but because apples can’t provide every nutrient that your cat needs. It is important the make sure your cat has a well balanced diet to be at its healthiest.

If you’re uncertain that your cat is getting everything it needs for perfect health from its current diet, you should consult your vet to get advice on a better dietary plan.

If your cat does react badly to apple, it is best to avoid giving it. There are plenty of other treats or snacks that your cat could have that would be just as tasty and beneficial.

Are Apples Good For Cats?

Apples and the antioxidants they contain have various health benefits for humans, but can we say the same for our cats?

We’ve established that apples aren’t bad for your cat in most cases (apart from the seeds and core!), but is apple actively good for your pet?

Foods like apples can be beneficial for your cat’s health in small doses, if you are introducing it to your pet’s diet to replace unhealthy high-fat pet treats.

Your cat’s immune system could be strengthened, and its aging will be slowed, similar to the effects the fruit has on human health.

Research is still being conducted on the usefulness of human foods, and even some “novel” foods, when included in a pet’s diet.

Can Cats Eat Cooked Apples?

Can cats have apples if they’re cooked?

The short answer is yes. Cooked apples on their own will be much the same for a cat as an uncooked apple.

The caution here is to be aware of what else might be included in the cooked apples. Often, we add ingredients like brown sugar and cinnamon to our cooked apples because it enhances the flavor for us.

But too much sugar and some other spices may not agree with your cat’s stomach.

Can Cats Eat Apple Peel?

It seems unlikely that a cat would eat an apple peel on its own, but there’s nothing to say that they can’t. It should not have any other effect on them than the apple itself.

However, it isn’t a good idea to give your cat too much of any part of a fruit all at once, as this can upset their stomach.

Can Cats Eat Apple Pie?

Much the same caution goes for this question as for whether cats can eat cooked apples, as seen above.

The baked apples themselves won’t cause a problem.

However, it’s likely that a great deal of sugar and other spices has been included in the pie recipe.

So while a cat can eat a little bit of apple pie, it’s probably a good idea not to let them just chow down.

Can Cats Eat Apple Seeds?

No, cats should absolutely not eat apple seeds.

This has been mentioned a few times already, but it’s best to be clear!

Apple seeds and apple cores can be dangerous to animals in large doses.

Can Apples Give My Cat An Upset Stomach?

Like any other fruit that your pet can eat, you should be careful not to give them too much in one sitting, as this could cause an upset stomach.

If you decide to give your cat apples you need to ensure that you have removed the core and any seeds beforehand.

You should also wash the apple to make sure it is clean of any pesticides used while they fruit was growing, as these too could have a harmful effect on your pet.

Giving your cat apple every now and again won’t hurt, but like anything else, it should be done in moderation to ensure the best health for your cat!

My Cat Ate Apple Seeds, What Should I Do?

The core and seeds of an apple contain small amounts of cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and animals.

If you think that your cat has eaten either some apple seeds or part of the core, it’s best to play it safe and contact your vet right away.

When an animal or a human has eaten something containing a toxicity such as cyanide, one of the first signs is usually rapid breathing, followed by heart palpitations.

A cat might very well swallow the seed rather than chew it up, which would likely render it non-toxic, since the seeds must be crushed in order to be dangerous. But it’s always best to be sure.

Can Apples Treat Obesity In Cats?

Apples are commonly touted as a health food that can help humans to lose unwanted pounds.

Is the same true for cats? Can cats have apples regularly and lose weight?

Some believe that this only makes sense. And in a certain way, it does.

Apples can be beneficial for overweight cats if they are used to reduce or replace the amount of unhealthy cat treats that the cat may currently be given.

But it’s best to give apples only in moderation.

So, no, apples don’t technically “treat” obesity in cats. But they can be used as an aid to help an obese cat lose weight gradually, as a treat replacement.

Can Kittens Eat Apples?

Kittens can eat apples, just as older cats can. The same basic precautions apply.

However, it is important to keep a close eye on a kitten’s diet. When cats are young and still growing, they will need a diet specially formulated to make sure they get the nutrients they need.

So, while a kitten can have some pieces of apple, make absolutely certain that they are eating a balanced and nutritious diet.

Cat Apple Treats

There are endless possibilities of how to prepare apple for your cat.

Firstly, you could slice it up into small edible pieces on top of their normal meal. Smaller pieces are more manageable for your pet to eat and will help avoid choking.

Alternatively, you could puree or mash them. This could also be served alongside your cat’s normal food!

There are loads of recipes for pet treats online that contain apple. Here’s one that we think looks very tasty!

• Small slices on top of dry or wet cat food
• Pureed apple mixed in with wet cat food
• Cooked and mashed apple as a treat
• Small pieces of fresh apple as a treat
• Small pieces of apple wrapped in cooked turkey or ham

Alternatives To Apples For Cats

But what if your cat just doesn’t like apples?

That’s perfectly fine!

It is important to remember that your cat might simply not like apple, so if it does not eat the fruit whichever way you decide to serve it, you don’t need to panic!

Here are a few other treat options to try, to mix up your cat’s treat regimen or diet a little.

Can Cats Eat Apples Summary

Cats can eat apples. If your cat takes a bit out of an apple he has been playing with, you don’t need to panic. And if you want to share a slice of the apple you are eating with your cat, that’s okay.

However, you shouldn’t worry too much if your cat doesn’t start eating apples, as you hoped. And you don’t need to go out of your way to feed apple to your cat if you don’t want to.

Not every cat will like apples, and if you’re particularly worried about any potential health problems, you can consult your vet to find other ways to help your pet.

The important thing to remember is that your cat, and every other pet, should not eat apple cores or seeds.

Have you given apples to your cat? You can let us know about your experiences with cats and apples in the comments below.

References and Further Reading

• Mercola, 2017, What Happens When You Eat Apple Seeds?
• Di Cerbo, A, et al., 2017, Functional Foods In Pet Nutrition, Research in Veterinary Science
• Cope, R., 2019, Cyanide Poisoning, MSD Veterinary Manual
• Jeanelle Boyer, ‘Apple Phytochemicals and their Health Benefits’, Nutrition Journal, 3:5 (2004)
• Veronique Legrand-Defretin, ‘Differences between cats and dogs: a nutritional view’, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 53 (1994)

This article has been extensively revised and updated for 2019.

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