We all grow up learning the old adage that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are undoubtedly a fruit that you should work into your weekly meal planning, especially for their vitamin and fiber benefits. But did you know that apples are also actually healthy for cats too?
So when it comes to the question “Can cats eat apples?” the answer is definitely yes, as long as you keep in mind a few simple safety guidelines. And of course, you must always ask your veterinarian before sharing any human foods, even apples, with your cat.
Here’s why cats can eat apples and why you might want to consider adding them to your feline’s diet as a healthy occasional snack.
Are Apples Safe For Cats?
In short, it is safe for cats to eat apples. In fact, apples are sometimes added to commercial cat foods in small amounts.
Apples contain a good amount of fiber, which can help prevent your cat from becoming constipated. They also provide a beneficial dose of vitamin C.
How Do I Feed My Cat Apples Safely?
After you get the okay from your veterinarian, you can try feeding your cat a bit of apple.
First up, make sure to thoroughly wash any apples you’re going to try to feed to your cat, especially ones bought from a supermarket rather than a farmer’s market. You don’t want any toxic pesticides making their way into your feline’s digestive system.
Then, you need to peel the apple so that your kitty avoids snacking on the skin.
Most importantly of all, make sure that your cat does not ingest any of the apple seeds. These contain an amount of cyanide, which is poisonous. As a human, the small amount of cyanide in an apple seed likely won’t affect you, but cats are much smaller, so the dose could be way more potent.
Finally, always make sure that the apples are fresh. Rotten apples will most likely give your cat a case of diarrhea. If the apple isn’t something you’d eat yourself, do not serve it to your kitty!
Does your cat like to eat apples? Do you ever give them a bite as a treat? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
