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The quick answer: Yes, but there are a few rules to follow.
Apples themselves are a symbol of health for humans. After all, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But can an apple a day keep the veterinarian away from kitty? Can cats consume apples? They can, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Benefits of apples for cats
The antioxidants in apples can boost your cat’s immune system and even slow the aging process, similar to the health effects of apples on humans.
Hazards of feeding apples to cats
Some people consider apples toxic to cats, but it’s only certain parts of the apple that are toxic to kitties. If prepared correctly, apples are perfectly safe (and delicious!) for cats. The stems, leaves, and seeds of apples are poisonous to cats due to the toxin in them called cyanide. While the tiny amount of cyanide in an apple seed will do very little to a human, it can have much larger effects on a cat’s small body.
Like most fruits, a cat can only eat apples in small amounts. When introducing your cat to apples, start with just a few very small pieces on top of her regular food. Cutting the pieces very small will also help ensure your cat doesn’t choke on the apple pieces.
If your cat experiences diarrhea or vomiting after eating an apple, consult your veterinarian.
Advice
To make the apple easier to eat, you can puree or mash it. Store-bought applesauce, however, is risky because most applesauce varieties contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners and preservatives, which cats cannot digest.
