| Verdict for cats | Caution |
| Severity | 2 / 5 — Mild — usually stomach upset; watch them. |
| Safe amount | A taste at most |
| Category | Fruit |
| Source | ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database; VCA Animal Hospitals — pet health library · reviewed 2026-08-07 · confidence: high |
Apple flesh is not toxic to cats, but a cat gets nothing nutritionally from fruit and many will simply vomit it back. A tiny piece of peeled flesh is harmless; the seeds and core are not, for the same cyanogenic reason as in dogs.
Don't make it a habit. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea or a lost appetite over the next day and call your vet if it doesn't settle or your cat seems unwell.
Never induce vomiting and never give any medicine unless a vet tells you to — it can do more damage than the poison. What we will and won't tell you.
If you're sharing food because you want to treat them, a treat formulated for cats does the job without the guesswork.
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Can dogs eat apples? — Generally safe for dogs.
Not toxic, but be careful — apples aren't poisonous to cats, and they come with caveats that matter. Apple flesh is not toxic to cats, but a cat gets nothing nutritionally from fruit and many will simply vomit it back. A tiny piece of peeled flesh is harmless; the seeds and core are not, for the same cyanogenic reason as in dogs.
Watch for: Most pets are fine after a small amount; Vomiting, loose stools or a skipped meal if they had a lot; Any new food can upset a sensitive stomach — introduce it in a small amount. Some signs lag by a day — call, don't wait.
The safe amount is a taste at most, as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. Large amounts mainly cause stomach upset; if that doesn't settle within a day, call your vet.