Can Cats Eat Apples?

Cats can occasionally have a small piece of plain apple. 

The safest part to share is the plain apple flesh. While apple peels aren’t toxic for cats, they can be difficult to digest. Avoid giving your cat apple seeds, stems, or leaves, which can all contain compounds that aren’t safe for cats. 

Cats also shouldn’t eat apple pie, apple chips, caramel apples, or other sweetened apple snacks. 

If you’d rather reach for a store-bought treat instead, try these fruity cat treats: 

So are apples safe for cats? Yes. But are they good for cats? That’s a different question. 

While a small amount is generally safe, apples aren’t especially beneficial for cats. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found in animal-based foods, not fruits or other plant foods. Because of that, apples don’t offer much that a complete and balanced cat food isn’t already providing. 

In fact, apples can be bad for cats if your cat is given too much or eats the wrong parts. 

A few things to watch out for: 

• Upset stomach: Like any other new food, too much apple can upset your cat’s stomach and cause vomiting or diarrhea. 
• Natural sugar: Sweet fruit can be a poor fit for cats who are on special diets, especially cats with diabetes. If your cat has this condition or is on a veterinary diet, it’s a good idea to check with your vet before offering fruit at all. 
• Seeds, stems, and leaves: You shouldn’t feed these parts to cats because apple seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that can release cyanide when chewed. However, your cat would have to eat a lot for problems to develop. 
• Added ingredients: Cinnamon, caramel, baked fillings, and sweeteners make apple-based desserts a no-go. They may contain ingredients that make cats sick. 

All treats, including apples, should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s overall diet. The rest should come from a complete and balanced cat food.  

For most healthy adult cats, one or two small bite-sized pieces (¼-inch squares) once or twice a week is enough. Think occasional treat, not daily habit. 

If your cat has a sensitive stomach, start with even smaller amounts or skip it altogether. 

If you want to share a little apple: 

• Wash the fruit well. 
• Remove the stem, seeds, and core. 
• Peel it. This can make apples easier for your cat to digest. 
• Cut the flesh into small, bite-size pieces. 

If your cat ate too much apple, they may end up with mild stomach upset. 

Watch for signs such as: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Gas 
• Low appetite 
• Belly discomfort 

Call your veterinarian if: 

• Your cat ate seeds, stems, or leaves. 
• Your cat got into applesauce or dessert with extra ingredients. 
• Your cat keeps vomiting or has diarrhea for more than a day. 
• Your cat seems uncomfortable or stops eating for more than a day. 

If you think your cat ate a large amount of seeds, stems, or leaves and you can’t reach your veterinarian right away, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). 

Can cats eat applesauce? 

No, cats shouldn’t eat applesauce. Many store-bought products contain added sugar, cinnamon, or other ingredients that cats shouldn’t eat. Even plain, unsweetened applesauce doesn’t offer much nutritionally. 

Can cats eat apple skin? 

Cats can eat a small bit of apple skin, but it’s not the best choice. The skin is tough to chew and hard for them to digest. Stick to plain apple flesh. 

What fruits can cats eat? 

Cats can eat a few fruits in very small amounts, but they don’t offer much nutritional benefit either. Bananas, strawberries, and blueberries are examples that are safe, but they should stay in treat territory. 

Can kittens eat apples? 

It’s best to wait until your cat is at least a year old before giving them apple pieces. Once kittens are weaned, their diet should focus on high-quality kitten food that gives them the nutrients they need to grow and develop.