Updated: August 11, 2022 by Kristen Chapple
The most popular fruit in the world, the saying goes that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” but if this is true for us that doesn’t mean that they are just as healthy for our small furry friends. So can cats eat apples? Let us find out in this article!
Are There Any Health Benefits?
The calcium, vitamins A, C and K, as well as the iron, calcium and pectin contained in apples are all good for the cat but they can get those things from other sources as well (cats produce their own vitamin C) so this isn’t really that important overall.
Another good thing are the phytonutrients inside apples that are antioxidants and thus can reduce the risk of cancer while also improving the health of their skin so maybe one slice as a treat isn’t a bad idea. The fibers in apples help reduce the cholesterol build up so if your cat starts to be a bit overweight then this might help them out.
When you give your cat a piece for the first time check to see if they like the taste and if there aren’t any side effects (diarrhea, vomiting etc.) then you can add some the next day as well. There are cat food formulas that use apples to boost their health along with other fruits so check to find some of those if you really want to.
Precautions You Should Know About
The core of the apple with the seeds and pips has traces of cyanide and thus you should always avoid that part of the fruit. Eating too much of these will cause severe stomach problems and can even lead to cyanide poisoning which you probably know shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The skin is actually really rich in antioxidants and thus is good for cats but at the same time if you bought your apples from the supermarket they were probably sprayed with pesticides and these are highly toxic for pets so make sure you get them from reliable sources and always wash them thoroughly.
Preparation
The best way to serve the apple is just give them a slice or a spoonful of applesauce which should be more than enough for a single day. Don’t give too many apple slices to your cat because even if you washed everything carefully and removed the core they still might get digestive problems due to the fruit since their stomach isn’t used to assimilate large quantities of fruits.
As with other types of food don’t just give the leftovers to the cat. If there is a part of the apple that you wouldn’t eat then your cat shouldn’t eat it either. Worms might be dangerous but rotten fruit parts can lead to severe stomach problems and the last thing you want is for your cat to start vomiting all over the house.
Short Answer:
Yes, but in moderation and always remove the core before serving them.
