Can cats eat apple seeds?
No. Apple seeds should not be given to cats: they contain cyanide, and seeds and cores can cause choking or a gut blockage. Poisoning mainly matters when many seeds are eaten, so call your vet if your cat ate many seeds or chewed apple stems or leaves.
Updated:
Why
NC State's veterinary hospital lists apple seeds under "Toxic to pets: do not feed!" on its page for cats and dogs, and the ASPCA lists the apple plant as toxic to cats because its stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide (as cyanogenic glycosides). Pet Poison Helpline adds that the core and seeds can cause choking and intestinal obstruction, but that a pet would need to eat massive amounts of seeds for the cyanide to be a concern. We follow the stricter advice: don't give them.
Signs to watch for
- Brick-red gums
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty breathing
- Panting
- Shock
What to do
Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline as soon as possible if your cat ate many apple seeds, chewed apple stems or leaves, or shows any of these signs.
24-hour help by country →Questions and answers
My cat swallowed one apple seed. What now?
Pet Poison Helpline says a pet would need to eat massive amounts of apple seeds for them to be a concern. If you are unsure or see any signs, contact your vet.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Healthy Human Food Treats For Pets — NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital – Nutrition (no date shown)
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Apple — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (no date shown)
- Friendly Fall Foods — Pet Poison Helpline (I. Kiekhafer, S. Koch; published 2023-09-28, modified 2026-05-27)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.