Can cats eat apples?

Updated 10/05/2023

Your cat might be the apple of your eye - and rightly so. But can cats eat apples? And more importantly, if they do sneak a bite from one of your five-a-day, is apple safe for cats to eat?  

Apples are full of vitamins and minerals - and are certainly a healthy snack for us humans. But can they provide the same health benefits for our feline friends? Here, we’ll discuss in detail whether or not apples are safe for your fluffy friend to snack on...

Are apples poisonous to cats?

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, as the old saying goes - but what about cats? Can cats have apples? 

The flesh of an apple is perfectly safe for cats to eat occasionally, in small amounts. However, apple seeds do contain something called amygdalin, which is a cyanide and sugar-based molecule. When an animal chews the seed, the sugar is digested releasing the cyanide part. In reality, a cat would probably need to eat quite a lot of apple seeds for cyanide poisoning to occur. But most people avoid giving their furry friends this part of the apple, just in case. 

The stem leaves and peel of apples are not poisonous. However, it is also a good idea to remove these before serving. They can be quite fibrous and hard for our feline friends to digest.

Are apples good for cats?

Not really! While apples are high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, they are also high in sugar. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they thrive best on a diet made up of animal protein and meat. As such, fruit is not a natural part of your kitty's diet - and it offers little nutritional benefit to them. Plus, due to the high sugar content, feeding your cat apples regularly could lead to obesity and even diabetes. 

Therefore, your kitty would be better off (and probably much prefer!) sticking to their daily kibble. A good quality, complete cat food will contain all the nutrients they need. 

What type of apples can cats eat?

Can cats eat green apples? Green apples are more or less the same as other kinds of apples and are safe for cats provided the leaves, stem, and seeds have all been removed. 

You should, however, avoid giving your cat apple products that have been made with added sugars, chemicals, or preservatives - think applesauce, apple pie, dried apples or candied apples. These are all a big no-no. 

Feeding your cat apples

Due to the high sugar content, we wouldn't recommend introducing apples into your cat's culinary repertoire. Plus, most cats are highly unlikely to even like apples.

That said, if you are feeding your cat an apple (for example, to sneak in some medication) then be sure to thoroughly wash the apple, and remove the leaves, stems, and seeds. Likewise, the peel of the apple should be removed – as mentioned earlier, this can be hard for cats to chew, and could cause stomach upset. Remember to chop the apple into small, easy-to-chew pieces (think around the size of a piece of kibble).

As a general rule of thumb (or claw), before introducing a new food into your moggy’s diet, it’s always worth chatting with your vet first. And if your cat does eat an apple, be sure to watch out for any side effects that might occur when introducing your cat to any new food type, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

What other foods are safe for cats?

Of course, the best way to ensure your kitty is getting all the nutrients they need is by following a complete and balanced diet. However, a piece of fruit as an occasional treat is unlikely to cause too much harm. Here are some other fruits that are safe for your furry friend to try in small amounts:

• Bananas 
• Watermelon (with the seeds and rind removed)
• Pumpkin (remove the outer skin and seeds)
• Blueberries
• Strawberries

Learn what else your sweet feline friend can and can’t eat here.