Can Cats Eat Apricots? Everything You Need to Know

My cat, Mićika, has a habit of eating apricots. It makes me crazy when she chokes down those tiny little fruits without even the slightest thought about how much trouble it can cause in terms of her health. It got so bad that I was considering a cat containment unit in the kitchen.

But can cats eat apricots and are they really safe for cats? I did some research and here is everything I found out.

Can Cats Eat Apricots?

Yes, cats can eat apricots. These seeded fruits are a healthy and nutritious treat for cats, providing them with essential vitamins and minerals.

Cats can eat both the flesh and the pit of an apricot but should avoid the latter as it can be a choking hazard. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and beta-carotene.

What are the health benefits of cats eating apricots?

1. Good source of vitamins A and C

Apricots are a good source of Vitamin A and C, which are both essential for your cat’s health. Vitamin A helps keep your cat’s eyesight healthy and their skin and coat looking good.

Vitamin C is important for collagen formation, which contributes to your cat’s normal function of cartilage and bones, teeth and gums, as well as wound healing.

2. Good source of fiber

Apricots are a good source of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for cats’ digestion. Dietary fiber helps to slow down the digestive process, allowing nutrients to be absorbed properly and helping to prevent obesity and diabetes.

3. Can help improve digestion

Apricots are a great fruit to eat when your kitto is having digestive problems. They can be a part of the BRAT diet, which is a common home remedy for diarrhea in cats.

Additionally, apricots are good for constipation as they stimulate more frequent bowel movement and help improve digestion. The fruits are also rich dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion.

4. Can help keep the heart healthy

Apricots are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the heart from damage. They also contain vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

Additionally, the pitted fruits are a good source of fiber, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels and keep the arteries clear.

5. Help improve the appearance of skin and hair

Apricots are a good source of essential nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, which are known to be beneficial for skin and hair health. Cats who eat apricots regularly may have healthier skin and shinier fur as a result.

What are the risks of feeding apricots to cats?

Apricots are a popular fruit, and many people enjoy feeding them to their cats. However, there are some risks associated with feeding apricots to cats.

1. Contain a toxin that can be harmful to cats

The biggest concern with feeding apricots to cats is the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Apricots contain a compound called amygdalin, which can break down into cyanide in the gut.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and difficulty breathing. If you think your cat has consumed too many apricots or is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

2. Can cause an allergic reaction in some cats

Apricots, and other stone fruits, can cause an allergic reaction in some cats. The allergy is caused by a protein in the fruit that is also present in pollen.

If your cat shows any signs of ill-health, such as diarrhea or vomiting, or if they’re not eating, drinking, etc., call your vet and act on their advice.

3. Can cause digestive issues in cats

Apricots are high in fiber, and if a cat eats too many of them, they can experience digestive problems such as diarrhea or vomiting.

If you do feed your cat apricots, make sure to do so in moderation and keep an eye on their stool to make sure they’re not having any problems digesting the fruit.

Another risk associated with feeding apricots to cats is that the pits of the fruit can be dangerous if swallowed. The pits contain cyanide, which can be poisonous if ingested in large quantities. If you’re going to feed your cat apricots, make sure to remove the pits first.

4. Choking hazard for cats

Apricots can be a choking hazard for cats if they are not cut up into small pieces. Cats have small throats and can easily choke on large pieces of food. If you are feeding your cat apricots, make sure to cut them up into small pieces to avoid any accidents.

The fruit’s pit can also choke your furry friend. Make sure to de-seed the fruit before giving it to your cat.

5. Weight gain

Feeding too many apricots can also lead to weight gain in cats. Apricots are relatively high in sugar and calories, so they should be fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Cats who consume too many calories from any source (including apricots) may become overweight or obese over time.

Symptoms of Apricot Poisoning in Cats

1. Vomiting

If your cat is vomiting, it’s likely because they’re not feeling well. Apricot poisoning is one potential cause of vomiting in cats, and you need to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

2. Diarrhea

If your cat has eaten apricots, they may experience gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea. If your cat is displaying these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

3. Lethargy

Lethargy is a state of tiredness, weariness, and lack of energy. It can be a symptom of apricot poisoning in cats because the poison can cause them to feel weak and exhausted.

4. Loss of appetite

If your cat ingests apricots, they may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite. It is common sign that something is wrong with your furry bestie.

5. Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of apricot poisoning in cats. If your furry friend eats the leaves of an apricot, they may start to experience abdominal pain within a few hours.

The pain may be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, abdominal pain can lead to death.

6. Muscle tremors

Muscle tremors are involuntary muscle contractions that can cause your cat to shake or appear to be shivering. In some cases, the tremors may be severe enough to cause your cat to collapse.

Muscle tremors are a symptom of apricot poisoning in cats because the poison can cause neurological damage and disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system.

7. Seizures

If your cat ingests apricots, they may experience seizures and can be fatal if not treated immediately. If your cat experiences a seizure, take them to the vet immediately.

8. Coma

The symptoms of coma in apricot poisoning in cats are very similar to those seen in humans. The most common symptom is a sudden onset of unconsciousness, followed by a period of confusion and disorientation.

Other symptoms include dilated pupils, muscle weakness, and seizures. If left untreated, coma can lead to death.

9. Liver failure

In severe cases, apricot poisoning can lead to liver failure.

Treatment of Apricot Poisoning in Cats

If your cat has eaten an apricot, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. Apricots are poisonous to cats and can cause serious health problems. If left untreated, apricot poisoning can lead to death.

Your veterinarian will likely recommend that you bring your cat to the clinic. Treatment typically includes IV fluids and medication to control vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

If you think your cat has eaten an apricot pit, leaves or stem, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call your veterinarian immediately for treatment recommendations.

Recovery of Apricot Poisoning in Cats

If your cat ate apricots and is now poisoned, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. If you have the apricot pits, take them with you to the vet so they can be properly disposed of.

The next step is to induce vomiting in your cat if they have not already done so. (Do this step only with the help and recommendation of your vet). This can be done by giving them a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or using a syringe to squirt water into their mouth.

Once your cat has vomited, give them plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Finally, monitor your cat closely for the next 24-48 hours for any signs of illness and contact your vet immediately if they occur.

How can I tell if my cat has eaten an apricot?

If you think your cat has eaten an apricot, it is important to look for signs of illness. Some common signs that a cat has ingested something poisonous include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures. If you see any of these signs, it is important to take your cat to the vet immediately.

Can Cats Eat the Pits, Leaves, and Stem of Apricots?

No. There are very serious side effects that can occur if the pits, leaves, and stem of apricots is consumed, it even can be fatal if not treated right away.

Apricot pits, leaves and stems contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats. If a cat ingests even a small amount of cyanide, it could be fatal.

How To Prepare Apricots for Cats?

As for feeding apricots to cats, it is safe and easy. Apricots can be prepared with 1.5 lbs of apricots and 2 oz of water. You will need to first remove the pit as it is poisonous and bitter.

The ingredients can then be blended in a food processor or blender and stored in sterilized jars in the fridge for up to 3 months or frozen for 3 months.

How many apricots can I feed my cat?

If you decide to feed your cat apricots as a treat, start with just one or two pieces at first and see how they tolerate it. If there are no adverse effects, you can gradually increase the amount you feed them.

As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. So, if your cat typically eats 200 calories per day, they should consume no more than 20 calories from apricots or other treats.

Do cats like fruits? Fruits safe for cats

There are a few fruits that are safe for cats to eat. These fruits are low in sugar, which is important for cats because they have a high sweet tooth.

Some of the fruits that are safe for cats to eat include blackberries, blueberries, grapes, and raspberries. You can also check out these 25 fruits safe for your cat.

FAQ

Can cats be allergic to fruits?

Yes, cats can be allergic to different fruits. Signs that your cat may be allergic to fruit include vomiting, diarrhea, and itchiness.

If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet so they can get properly diagnosed and treated.

Can cats eat dried apricots?

Yes, cats can safely eat dried apricots in moderation.

These dried fruits are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They can help keep your cat’s digestive system healthy and may also help to prevent hairballs.

Are there any risks associated with feeding dried apricots to cats?

Dried apricots contain sugar and sulfur dioxide, which can be harmful to cats in large quantities. It is important to limit the number of dried apricots you feed your cat, and make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water.

Can cats eat apricot jam?

In general, cats usually do not consume apricot jam because they lack the enzymes needed to digest the type of sugar found in it. Apricots contain a type of sugar called sorbitol which can cause diarrhea in some animals if consumed in large quantities.

If a cat does eat apricot jam, it might overeat and experience health problems such as feline diabetes. For these reasons, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving your cat any apricot jam at all.

Can kittens eat apricots?

In general, kittens shouldn’t eat apricots because the fruit contains too much sugar than what a kitten needs. This can cause urinary tract infections in kittens. Additionally, kittens don’t have enough teeth to chew up the fruit properly and may end up choking to death.

Is apricot oil toxic to cats?

Yes, apricot oil is toxic to cats. This is because the seed or kernel of apricots contain cyanide which is poisonous to felines.

If you find your cat licking an apricot based domestic product, please visit the vet as soon as possible to make sure your feline friend isn’t in danger of apricot poisoning.

Apricots for diarrhea in cats

Apricots are a great source of fiber, which can help to bulk up stools and make them easier to pass. They also contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help to soothe an irritated digestive tract.

What part of the apricot is poisonous to cats?

The apricot pit is the most dangerous part of the fruit for cats. It could potentially block their intestines and cause serious health problems.

If you think your cat has eaten an apricot pit, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately.