Can Cats Eat Apples?

Can Cats Eat Apples – Apples are a well-liked fruit worldwide that comes in several varieties to suit different tastes. However, are apples as beneficial for cats as they are for humans? Before offering your feline friend apples, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Can Cats Eat Apples

Can Cats Eat Apples?

While apples can be a healthy snack for cats, there are some factors to consider. Chemical amygdalin is present in the stems, seeds, and leaves of an apple. When digested, the chemical releases cyanide, which can be potentially lethal. While small amounts of cyanide are released, it is best to avoid giving your cat the seeds, stems, and leaves to prevent any harm.

Cats are obligate carnivores, and apples do not contain a significant amount of protein. Furthermore, they contain no taurine at all. Taurine is needed in your cat’s diet as they cannot produce it on their own. Apples are also high in fiber, which can help cats recover from diarrhea. However, excessive fiber can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, feeding apples to your cat in moderation is ideal.

Can Cats Eat Apples

Research shows that dried apple pomace, a byproduct from processing apples into juice, cider, and vinegar, can decrease crude protein digestion in cats. This study, however, only focused on dried apple pomace and not whole raw apples. Different cooking methods can affect the bioavailability of nutrients, and therefore apples prepared differently may not negatively affect protein digestion.

What Kind of Apples Can Cats Eat?

Cats do not have receptors to taste sweetness; hence they do not have distinct preferences among different varieties of apples. Sweeter varieties contain high amounts of sugar, which can cause gastrointestinal complications and other problems, especially in diabetic cats. Therefore, it is best to avoid sweeter varieties and feed your cat smaller pieces of raw apples.

Safe Ways to Feed Apples to Your Cats

Cooked apples can be easier to digest and chew, but human consumption apples may contain added sugars and spices that may cause health problems for cats. Dried apples, apple juice, and candy apples contain more sugar and should be avoided. Small pieces of raw apples are safe and healthy to feed your cat.

In conclusion, apples are healthy fruits for humans, but it is best to feed them to your cats in moderation. Feeding your cat small pieces of raw apples can be safe, but avoid giving them stems, seeds, and leaves to prevent any potential harm.