Why
Apple flesh is not toxic to cats, but it does very little for them. Cats are obligate carnivores and rely on nutrients found in animal products. PetMD's veterinary guide notes that cats cannot process and digest nutrients from non-meat foods as efficiently as people or dogs, so the nutritional benefit of apple is minimal. Cats also cannot taste sweetness: a gene for the sweet taste receptor is inactive in cats, which is one reason many of them ignore fruit completely.
The problem parts are the ones people usually throw away. The ASPCA plant list classes the apple tree as toxic to cats because the stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that release cyanide. Wilting leaves are considered especially toxic. The flesh does not carry this risk.
Apple also brings fiber and sugar. PetMD's guide warns that the fiber can upset a cat's stomach and that the sugar can cause swings in blood sugar, particularly in cats with diabetes or pancreatic disease. That is why apple should stay a rare, tiny extra rather than a regular part of the diet.
What to watch out for
- Seeds, the core, the stem and leaves, which contain cyanide-releasing compounds
- Pieces that are too big for a cat to chew, which can be a choking hazard
- Vomiting, diarrhea, gas or a sore belly after eating too much
- Applesauce, apple pie and baked goods, which usually contain sugar, cinnamon and other spices
- Apple juice and dried apple, which concentrate the sugar
- Cats with diabetes, pancreatic disease, bowel problems or a weight problem; ask your vet first
How to serve it
- Wash and peel the apple, then cut away the core, seeds and stem completely.
- Cut the flesh into very small cubes, about a quarter of an inch (roughly half a centimeter) across.
- Offer it raw or lightly cooked with nothing added. PetMD's veterinary guide notes that cooked apple is easier to digest.
- Give one piece the first time and watch your cat's stools and appetite over the next day.
- If your cat walks away from it, that is fine. Cats do not need fruit.
How much?
PetMD's veterinary guide suggests one or two quarter-inch cubes of apple, once or twice a week, for a healthy cat. More than that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gas or stomach discomfort.
What if my cat chewed apple seeds, stems or leaves?
The cyanide-releasing compounds in apple seeds, stems and leaves are the reason the ASPCA lists the apple tree as toxic to cats. The amount matters: a cat that swallowed a piece of flesh with a seed attached is in a very different situation from one that chewed through a pile of fallen leaves or a bowl of apple cores.
If your cat has eaten seeds, stems or leaves, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service for advice, and have a rough idea of how much is missing. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home. The ASPCA lists these signs of apple plant poisoning, and any of them needs urgent veterinary care:
- Brick-red gums
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty breathing or panting
- Signs of shock
Applesauce, apple pie and other apple products
PetMD's veterinary guide advises against giving cats applesauce, because it usually contains sugar, cinnamon and other spices. An occasional lick is not toxic, but it is not good for your cat either. Apple pie, crumble and apple cake add butter, sugar, flour and spice blends on top of that.
Apple juice, cider and dried apple rings are concentrated sources of sugar with none of the chewing that slows a cat down. They are best kept out of reach. If you want to share something, a tiny cube of plain apple flesh is the better choice, and a small piece of plain cooked meat is better still.
Common questions
Are apples good for cats?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Apple flesh is not toxic to cats, but it does very little for them. Cats are obligate carnivores and rely on nutrients found in animal products.
Are apples bad for cats?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: seeds, the core, the stem and leaves, which contain cyanide-releasing compounds.
Are cats allowed to have apples?
Yes. Wash and peel the apple, then cut away the core, seeds and stem completely.
Can kittens eat apples?
It is better to wait. Kittens have small stomachs and need their food to count toward growth, and fruit adds nothing they need. Ask your vet before giving a kitten any people food.
Is my apple tree dangerous to my cat?
The ASPCA lists the apple tree, including crabapples, as toxic to cats because of the leaves, stems and seeds. Most outdoor cats ignore it, but clear away fallen leaves and fruit, and call your vet if you see your cat chewing on them.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Cats Eat Apples? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- ASPCA. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List: Apple (Malus sylvestris).
- Li X, Li W, Wang H, et al. Pseudogenization of a sweet-receptor gene accounts for cats’ indifference toward sugar. PLoS Genetics, 2005;1(1):e3.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.