Can Cats Eat Apples? Yes, in moderation: Safe Amount by Weight

In moderation

Yes, in moderation

cats can eat a small piece of peeled apple flesh. Remove the seeds, core and stem, which contain cyanide-releasing compounds. Cats do not need fruit, so keep it to a rare nibble.

Apples for cats at a glance

Can cats eat it?	In moderation
Calories	About 6 kcal per small piece of apple (1/16 of an apple)
Main benefit	Not toxic (flesh only)
Main risk	Seeds, stems and leaves contain amygdalin
Kittens?	In tiny amounts once on solid food; kittens have sensitive stomachs

How many apples can a cat eat?

Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One small piece of apple (1/16 of an apple) has about 6 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult cat could have in a day if apples were the only treat.

Cat weight	Daily treat budget	Max apples per day
6 lb (2.7 kg)	18 kcal	2.5 × small piece of apple (1/16 of an apple)
8 lb (3.6 kg)	22 kcal	3.5 × small piece of apple (1/16 of an apple)
10 lb (4.5 kg)	26 kcal	4 × small piece of apple (1/16 of an apple)
12 lb (5.4 kg)	30 kcal	4.5 × small piece of apple (1/16 of an apple)
14 lb (6.4 kg)	34 kcal	5.5 × small piece of apple (1/16 of an apple)

Benefits and risks

Benefits

Not toxic (flesh only)
Contains some fiber and vitamin C
Crunchy texture some cats enjoy

Risks

Seeds, stems and leaves contain amygdalin
Sugar is unnecessary for cats
Large pieces can be a choking hazard

How to feed apples to your cat

Peel, core and remove all seeds
Cut into tiny pieces
Offer one or two bites

What if my cat ate too much apples?

Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your cat seems unwell.

Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.

Apples and cats: FAQ

Can cats have apples?

Yes, cats can eat a small piece of peeled apple flesh. Remove the seeds, core and stem, which contain cyanide-releasing compounds. Cats do not need fruit, so keep it to a rare nibble.

Are apple seeds dangerous for cats?

Yes, they contain amygdalin. Remove them before offering apple.

Can cats eat applesauce?

Unsweetened applesauce in a tiny amount is okay, but there is no benefit.

Can kittens eat apples?

Stick to complete kitten food; fruit is not needed.

More "can cats eat" guides

Browse lists: all fruits cats can eat · human foods cats can eat · foods cats can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Cats Eat Apples?