Can Cats Eat Apple Pie? (The Risks & Vet Suggestions)
It was last weekend when I was at my friend’s house for a get-together. Her mother had made an apple pie, and as we all know, cats are attracted to the smell of apples.
So, her cat kept meowing and following me around until I finally gave in and gave him a small slice of the pie. Her mother and I were surprised that the cat didn’t seem to have any reaction to the pie, so we started wondering if it was safe for cats to eat apple pie.
No, cats should not eat apple pie. While the ingredients in apple pie are not toxic to cats, the sweetness of the apples and the high sugar content in the pie can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in them.
In addition, the spices in the pie (such as cinnamon and nutmeg) can be harmful to cats if ingested in large quantities. So, it’s best to keep your cat away from the apple pie and enjoy it yourself!
Do Cats Like Apple Pie?
This is a tough question to answer since every cat is different. Some cats may be attracted to the smell of apple pie and want to take a lick, while others may not be interested at all.
Besides, I found several statistics that show that most cats dislike the smell of apples. A survey done by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) showed that only 8% of cats liked the smell of apples.
Furthermore, a study conducted by The Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that out of 62 cats tested, only 2% ate apples when they were given the opportunity.
If you’re curious about whether or not your cat would like apple pie, you can always try offering them a small piece of the crust to see if they’re interested. Just be sure to remove any filling before giving it to them.
You may also find interesting to read: Can Cats Eat Applesauce?
Is it Safe for Cats to Eat Apple Pie Filling?
No, it is not safe for cats to eat apple pie filling. While apples are safe for cats to consume in small quantities, the same cannot be said for apple pie filling. This dessert typically contains high levels of sugar, as well as ingredients like cinnamon and nutmeg that can be harmful to cats.
In addition, many brands of apple pie filling also contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to cats. For these reasons, it is best to keep your feline friend away from this dessert.
Besides, I found several journal articles and websites discussing the gastrointestinal problems that may arise from a cat eating apple pie.
For example, this website lists “apple pie as a food to avoid feeding your cat” because it can cause an upset stomach. Another website says that while “the sugar content in apples is not toxic…it could still potentially cause some digestive issues”.
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that feeding cats a diet high in sugar can lead to “gastrointestinal distress”. So, it’s best to keep your apple pie away from your cat, and enjoy it yourself!
What Expert Cat Nutritionists Say?
I consulted with two expert cat nutritionists to get their professional opinion on whether or not cats can eat apple pie. Here’s what they had to say:
“While apples are safe for cats to eat, the filling in apple pies usually isn’t. This is because fillings often contain ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which can all be toxic to cats if they consume too much.” – Jennifer Coates, DVM
She explained a lot more about the dangers of giving your cat apple pie filling in this article.
“The answer is no, you should not give your cat apple pie. Apples are fine for cats, but the fillings in pies often contain ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg which can be toxic to them.” – Liz Bales, DVM
Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Apple Pie?
It’s time to finish that thought from earlier – why shouldn’t cats eat apple pie?
As I’m sure you now know, the main reason is that the filling ingredients can be toxic to them. But there are a few other reasons to avoid giving your cat apple pie, which I’ll go over below.
a. The Dough can be a Choking Hazard
If you’ve ever made homemade apple pie, you know that the dough can be pretty tough. And if your cat was to eat a piece of that dough, it could easily get stuck in their throat and choke them.
So, even if the filling wasn’t dangerous, the dough itself is still a choking hazard and should be avoided.
b. The Crust can be Hard to Digest
While the dough itself is a choking hazard, the crust can also be hard for your cat to digest. This is because it’s often made with ingredients like flour and butter, which can be tough on their stomach.
If your cat does eat a piece of crust, they may experience digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea. So, it’s best to avoid giving them any at all.
c. The Sugar in the Filling can be Bad for Their Health
As I’m sure you know, too much sugar can be bad for your health. The same is true for your cat – if they eat too much sugar, it can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
So, even if the filling didn’t contain any toxic ingredients, the sugar content alone is reason enough to avoid giving your cat any apple pie.
What to do if Your Cat Eats Apple Pie Filling?
Here is some professional advice from Dr. Jennifer Coates on what to do if your cat eats apple pie filling:
Call Your Vet
If you suspect that your cat has eaten a toxic amount of any ingredient in apple pie filling, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. The sooner you get medical care for your cat, the better their chances of recovery will be.
Symptoms to Watch For
Signs that a cat has eaten something toxic can range from mild (e.g., vomiting) to severe (e.g., seizures) and may not show up for hours or even days after ingestion. If you know or suspect that your cat has eaten something toxic, keep a close eye on them and look for any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.”
Prevention is Key
The best way to prevent your cat from getting into something toxic is to keep them away from potential hazards. This means keeping poisonous plants out of reach, storing all food (including people’s food) safely away, and being careful with household cleaners and other chemicals.
You should also keep an eye on your cat when they’re outside, as there are many potential hazards in the environment that they could come into contact with. If you have any concerns about your cat’s safety, always err on the side of caution and consult with your vet.
What are Some Safer Treat Options for Cats?
Now that you know why cats shouldn’t eat apple pie, you’re probably wondering what some safer treat options are. Here are a few ideas:
1. Fresh apples
As I mentioned before, apples are safe for cats to eat. So, if your cat is curious about the taste of apple pie, you can give them a fresh apple instead. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first.
2. Cooked chicken
Most cats love the taste of cooked chicken, and it’s a good source of protein. So, if you’re looking for a safe treat option, cooked chicken is always a good choice.
3. Catnip
Catnip is another popular treat option for cats. It’s safe for them to consume and many cats enjoy the taste.
4. Salmon
Salmon is another safe treat option for cats. It’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for their health.
5. Cheese
Many cats enjoy the taste of cheese, and it’s safe for them to consume in small amounts. Just be sure to choose a variety that doesn’t contain any added salt or sugar.
The Summary
As you now know, cats should not eat apple pie. The crust can be tough on their stomach and the sugar in the filling can be bad for their health. If your cat does eat some apple pie, watch for symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea and call your vet if you’re concerned.
To prevent your cat from getting into something toxic, keep potential hazards out of reach and be careful with household chemicals. You should also keep an eye on them when they’re outside. If you have any concerns about your cat’s safety, always consult with your vet.
There are many safe treat options for cats, including fresh apples, cooked chicken, catnip, salmon, and cheese. Just be sure to choose options that don’t contain any added salt or sugar.
