Apples are one of the many fruits that are safe for pets to eat. But what happens if your cat decides to make a move for the core of the fruit? Should you allow it? Can cats eat apple cores? Let’s dive in!
Can cats eat apple cores?
The core of an apple refers to the central portion of the fruit, which contains the seeds. It usually remains uneaten, and is often discarded.
The apple core, stems, leaves, and seeds are considered to be a big no for cats. The biggest risk of consuming apple cores is that it can represent a choking hazard for cats. It can also cause bowel obstruction, which is a life-threatening emergency for our feline friends. Finally, apple seeds also contain cyanide, which is toxic and harmful for cats.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to keep these apple components out of the reach of our furry friends!
What are the signs of toxicity?
If your cat ate an apple core, the first thing you will need to do is to evaluate your feline friend for any signs of distress. Watch for labored breathing, shallow breaths or vomiting.
If they ate the apple core with the seeds included, signs of toxicity may include dilated pupils, pacing, salivation, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat and seizures. Be on the lookout for those symptoms.
Chewing only a few seeds can be fatal for cats, as it can prevent oxygen from reaching the body’s tissues and organs. If left untreated, the condition can be deadly.
What to do if my cat ate apple cores?
If your cat ate an apple core, odds are they will likely pass it without incident.
However, if your cat has any of the previously mentioned signs, you should visit your veterinarian right away to get them checked.
An important note – if your cat has liver disease, the consequences can be worse. With liver disease, cyanide will accumulate more easily within their body, and it is more likely to reach a toxic level.
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