Can Cats Eat Apples?

Apples are a common snack in many of our homes, and it’s not unusual for our cats to show interest when you’re eating one. While cats have very different nutritional needs from humans, a small amount of certain fruits can be safe as an occasional treat.  Cats can eat small amounts of fresh apple flesh, as long as you prepare it properly and treat it as an occasional snack rather than part of their regular diet.

Cats are mainly obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to get most of their nutrition from animal-based foods. Fruit isn't necessary a cat, but a tiny piece of apple can be an occasional treat for most healthy adult cats.

Are Apples Safe for Cats?

The flesh of an apple is generally safe for cats to eat in small amounts. Apples contain water, fiber, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals, but cats don't need fruit to meet their nutritional requirements.

The bigger concern comes from how you serve the apple. Before giving your cat a piece of an apple, make sure to remove the stem, leaves, and seeds, and cut the apple into a very small piece that your cat can easily chew. You should also wash the apple first to remove dirt, bacteria, or any residue from the skin.

Cats have very small mouths and could swallow the apple quickly, so a bite-sized piece is all your cat needs.

Can Cats Eat Apple Skin?

Cats can technically eat apple skin, but there's really for you to give it your kitty. The skin can be tougher for a cat to chew and digest, and washing the apple doesn't necessarily. Instead, remove the skin of the apple and give your cat a tiny piece of the flesh instead. This also makes it easier to remove any seeds or other parts of the apple that your cat shouldn't eat.

What About Apple Seeds?

No, cats should not eat apple seeds. Apple seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide when crushed or chewed. Although a cat would generally need to consume a significant amount for serious poisoning to occur, it's best to avoid the seeds altogether.

Always remove the core and seeds before giving your cat an apple. The stem and leaves should also be thrown away so your cat doesn’t nibble on the entire apple.

Can Cats Eat Apple Cores?

Cats shouldn't eat apple cores. The core is tough, difficult for a cat to chew, and can present a choking hazard. It may also contain seeds.

If you're sharing apple with your cat, don't hand over a piece from the core. Cut off a small section of the flesh, remove the peel if desired, and make sure it contains no seeds.

Are Apples Good for Cats?

Apples aren't necessary for cats, but the flesh does have some nutrients, including fiber and vitamin C. However, cats don't process nutrition in the same way humans do, and they get the nutrients they need from healthy cat food.

Unlike humans, cats can produce vitamin C in their bodies, so they don't need fruit as a source of vitamin C. The small nutritional benefits your cat might get from a piece of apple aren't enough to make apples an important part of their diet.

Think of apple as an treat rather than a healthy food your cat needs to eat.

How Much Apple Can a Cat Eat?

A very small piece of an apple is more than enough. For most cats, a bite or two of plain apple flesh is more than enough for an occasional treat.

Cats have much smaller bodies than people, so even a seemingly small human snack can represent a significant amount of food for them. Treats should also remain a small part of your cat's overall diet.

The first time you give your cat an apple, start with a very small piece and see how your cat responds. Some cats may enjoy the taste or texture, while others will completely ignore it, which is perfectly normal.

Can Kittens Eat Apples?

Kittens really don’t need to have apples in any form. Growing kittens need a complete and balanced kitten food formulated to provide the calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals necessary for healthy development.

A tiny piece of apple flesh is probably not going to be harmful to an otherwise healthy kitten, but there is little nutritional benefit to adding it to their diet. Young kittens also have smaller mouths, making appropriately sized pieces especially important.

What About Applesauce or Cooked Apples?

It's better to avoid giving your cat applesauce that you get from the store. Many varieties contain added sugar, spices, preservatives, or other ingredients that cats don't need.

Some applesauce products may also contain sweeteners or flavorings that aren't appropriate for cats. Plain, unsweetened applesauce made from cooked apples is less concerning, but there's still little reason to give it to your cat when a tiny piece of fresh apple flesh is a simpler option.

Cats can eat a small amount of plain cooked apple as long as it doesn't contain ingredients that are unsafe or unhealthy for them. The problem is that cooked apples are often prepared with sugar, butter, spices, or other ingredients.

If you want to give your cat a piece of cooked apple, make sure it is completely plain and make sure it’s a tiny amount. Never give your cat a bite of apple pie, apple crisp, or other desserts made with apples.  There is too much sugar and fat, as well as ingredients such as spices that aren’t good or necessary for cats.

Can Cats Be Allergic to Apples?

Food allergies can occur in cats, although apples aren't among the most common feline food allergens. A small amount of apple is unlikely to cause a problem for most cats, but any new food can potentially cause digestive upset or an adverse reaction.

After introducing any new treat, watch your cat for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive itching, swelling, or other unusual symptoms. If your cat develops a concerning reaction after eating something new, make sure to contact your veterinarian for next steps.

Are There Any Health Benefits of Apples for Cats?

Apples contain antioxidants and fiber, but that doesn't mean cats need apples for these benefits. Cats have unique nutritional requirements, and their complete cat food should provide the nutrients they need.

The fiber in apples may sound appealing, particularly when you're thinking about digestive health, but feeding fruit isn’t the right way to manage a cat’s constipation or other digestive problems in cats. If your cat is having ongoing digestive issues, talk with your veterinarian rather than trying to treat the problem with human foods.

When Should You Avoid Giving Your Cat Apples?

Healthy adult cats can generally have a tiny amount of plain apple flesh as an occasional treat. However, some cats may need a more carefully controlled diet because of medical conditions, food sensitivities, obesity, or dietary restrictions.

If your cat is on a prescription diet or your veterinarian has recommended avoiding additional foods, check with your veterinarian before introducing apple or any other treat.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats Apple Seeds?

If your cat accidentally eats a single apple seed, your cat should be OK.  One small seed is unlikely to result in cyanide poisoning, but the risk depends on the amount consumed and whether the seeds were chewed or crushed.

If your cat has eaten multiple seeds, chewed a significant number of seeds, or you aren't sure how much was consumed, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service for guidance. Don't try to make your cat vomit unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so.

Final Thoughts

If you want to give your cat a small piece of fresh apple flesh a treat now and then, that’s fine. Just remove the seeds, core, stem, and leaves, cut the apple into a tiny piece, and keep the portions small. Apples aren't really necessary to be a part of a cat's diet, but there's nothing wrong with sharing a little plain apple with your curious feline from time to time.