Pet emergency
My cat ate Golden Delicious apple — what to do
Step by step
- Take golden delicious apple away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet — or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My cat ate golden delicious apple — FAQ
Is golden delicious apple poisonous to cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Golden Delicious apple (Malus domestica 'Golden Delicious') as mildly toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Malus (apple/crabapple) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — the seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin). Ripe fruit flesh is non-toxic to humans. Prevent pets from chewing on plant material or consuming seeds.
How serious is it if my cat ate golden delicious apple?
Golden Delicious apple is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Malus (apple/crabapple) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses — the seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin). Ripe fruit flesh is non-toxic to humans. Prevent pets from chewing on plant material or consuming seeds. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my cat vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep golden delicious apple well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your cat.
Related
- My cat ate apple — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is golden delicious apple toxic to cats? — full toxicity detail
- Golden Delicious apple and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant