Cats are obligate carnivores, and meat is a huge part of a cat’s diet. However fruits are one of the snacks you can use in your cat’s diet, but you cannot give any fruit to your cat. What about apples? Can cats have apples? Are apples good or bad for cats? Which parts of an apple should not be given to a cat? In this article, we will discuss the questions about eating apples in cats, their consumption, and the points you should follow.
Can cats eat apples?
Yes, cats can eat apples.
Apples are good fruits for cats, but they should not eat apple seeds. The presence of apples in a cat’s diet is not necessary. Still, it is a healthy and nutritious snack with many benefits for cats.
Are apple seeds poisonous to cats? Why?
It is better to make sure that you remove the seed before giving the apple to your cat. The most crucial danger of apple seeds is a poison called hydrogen cyanide.
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which turns into hydrogen cyanide after reaching the cat’s digestive system. Hydrogen cyanide reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen, which causes the cat to have trouble breathing and even die.
In addition, eating apple seeds may cause suffocation and blockage of the cat’s intestines.
Another danger of apple seeds is getting stuck between the cat’s teeth and gums, which can cause various problems in the cat’s teeth in the long run.
What happens if a cat eats apple seeds?
If your cat eats the apple seed, don’t worry. 1 or 2 apples are not very toxic. Just check the cat’s mouth and check the cat’s health for 24 hours. If you see the following symptoms in your cat, go to the vet:
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of balance
- Pupil dilation
- Increased salivation
- Redness of the gums
- convulsions
- Muscle tremors
What are the benefits of apples for cats?
It is necessary to remember that cats are carnivores, and a plant-based diet does not meet the cat’s needs. Cats need vitamins, minerals, and meat. But apples are a great cat snack because they have so many benefits for cats. These benefits include:
High fiber: improves digestive function
Raw apples are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber that can regulate the functioning of the cat’s digestive system.
By controlling the amount of water in the intestines, apples prevent diarrhea, constipation, and megacolon in cats.
So if your cat is suffering from diarrhea or constipation, adding some fiber to your cat’s diet can help.
Water: Hydrate the cat’s body
Apples are rich in water, which can hydrate your cat’s body. Eating kibble can dehydrate your cat, so giving your cat an apple can hydrate your cat, mainly if your cat isn’t used to drinking a lot of water.
Lack of water in the cat’s body can cause digestive problems such as constipation.
Vitamins and minerals
Apples contain adequate nutrients, including vitamins A and C, phosphorus, potassium, and antioxidants. These minerals and nutrients can strengthen the cat’s immune system and prevent various diseases in cats.
Other nutrients in apples include:
- B group vitamins (B1, B2, B6)
- Calcium
- copper
- Manganese
- Flavonoids
- Polyphenols: This micronutrient prevents digestive problems, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Apple contains malic and tartaric acid, which helps better digestion of fats in the digestive system.
Apples also contain a plant chemical called quercetin, which prevents cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and muscle problems such as arthritis.
Eating apples are also great for your cat’s coat, as apples’ antioxidant and detoxifying properties prevent skin problems.
The presence of chlorogenic acid in apples also reduces the weight of cats. For this reason, it can be suitable for fat cats. Of course, excessive giving of apples has problems and dangers, which we will explain below.
Blueberries and strawberries are two safe fruits for cats that have the same minerals and vitamins as apples.
Dangers of feeding cats with apples
Considering the various benefits that we have said about apples, the question may arise in your mind whether apples are harmful for cats or not? Under what circumstances should we not give apples to our cats?
Apple sugar is bad for diabetic cats
Apples are full of sugar. Every 100 grams of apples contain 10 grams of sugar. Cats do not understand the sweet taste, so don’t think that your cat will enjoy eating apples too much. High use of apples in the cat’s diet causes obesity and problems related to excess weight.
Diabetic cats should never eat apples because, as we said, apples contain a high percentage of sugar and raise the cat’s blood sugar.
The high fiber in apples is dangerous for cats with IBD
Cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should be given with caution. Because the high fiber in apples may make it difficult to digest food and cause bloating, stomach upset, and diarrhea in cats.
Presence of toxins and pesticides
Another danger of apples is the presence of pesticides on their skin. If you do not wash the apple well, toxins and bacteria may enter the cat’s body.
Unlike the seed, it is not necessary to remove the skin of the apple. The skin of this fruit also contains nutrients and antioxidants, but it is better to remove the apple skin.
The ASPCA website recommends that you never feed apple stems and leaves to cats and dogs.
How many apples should you give your cat?
Fruits and vegetables should only make up 10% of a cat’s and dog’s diet. Determining the right amount of apples depends on the cat’s health status, the amount of daily calories needed, and the age and weight of the cat.
In general, it is better to divide the apple into small pieces of 1 gram and give 1 to 2 pieces of it to your cat weekly.
Note: After eating the first piece of apple, check the cat’s signs and feces in the next 24 hours so there is no problem. Your cat may be allergic to apples or its digestive system may not be able to digest them well.
Apples are a good snack for cats, not a main meal!
Fruits and vegetables replace apples in cat nutrition
There are many valuable and safe fruits and vegetables for cats that you can use in your cat’s diet. Fruits such as mangoes, pears, peaches, and watermelons can be used instead of apples in cat nutrition.
Useful vegetables that can be used in cat nutrition are:
- Broccoli
- pumpkin
- carrot
- green beans
and good and safe fruits for cats:
People also ask
Not. Apple pie contains a high percentage of preservatives and sugar, which can cause obesity and diabetes in cats.
Not. Apple sauce sold in supermarkets contains preservatives and is not recommended for cats. But if you make homemade applesauce that doesn’t contain preservatives, eating some is no harm. However, pureed apples are more manageable for cats to digest than raw apples. But it is better to give it to the cat in small amounts.
Although apple seeds contain a small percentage of cyanide, eating them is not recommended.
The bottom line
Cats can eat apples, but this fruit is not necessary for a cat’s diet. Apples are a healthy snack for cats that you can give them in small amounts. This fruit has many benefits for cats, but overeating also causes digestive problems such as diarrhea and upset stomach. So, give apples to your cat in moderation.
