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Pet safety

Is Apple toxic to cats?

Malus domestica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists apple as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Apple fruit flesh is non-toxic and is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and cats in small amounts. However, apple seeds, leaves, and stems contain amygdalin (a cyanogenic glycoside) that releases hydrogen cyanide when chewed and metabolised. ASPCA lists Malus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses based on these plant parts. Remove seeds and core before offering apple pieces to pets.

What to do if your cat ate apple

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move apple out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of apple to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten apple, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is apple toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is apple toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists apple as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Apple fruit flesh is non-toxic and is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and cats in small amounts. However, apple seeds, leaves, and stems contain amygdalin (a cyanogenic glycoside) that releases hydrogen cyanide when chewed and metabolised. ASPCA lists Malus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses based on these plant parts. Remove seeds and core before offering apple pieces to pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats apple?

Apple fruit flesh is non-toxic and is listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and cats in small amounts. However, apple seeds, leaves, and stems contain amygdalin (a cyanogenic glycoside) that releases hydrogen cyanide when chewed and metabolised. ASPCA lists Malus species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses based on these plant parts. Remove seeds and core before offering apple pieces to pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to apple.

What should I do if my cat ate apple?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is apple toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Apple is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full apple pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to apple?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full apple pet-safety