Apricots are tasty fruit and contain healthy nutrients and beneficial components. But not every animal can handle a fruit diet like apricots, which leads to the question, can cats eat apricots?
I did a little on this topic and here’s what I know!
Can cats eat apricots? Yes, Cats can eat apricots in small quantities without their leaves, seed, and stem. Fresh apricots are a high source of antioxidants and it’s a healthy diet for cats. Too many apricots in cats’ diet though can cause their stomach to feel upset. So only feed them to your cat in moderation
Apricots are actually very beneficial for cats. And their taste is usually appealing to them as well. This is what makes apricots the best treat for cats. Properly processed apricots can boost cats’ immunity as well.
However, consuming too much of it can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and even tummy ache. So you have to be careful while feeding your cats apricots. In this article, you will get all the information you need to know regarding feeding apricots to your cat.
Reasons To Feed Your Cat Apricots
Apricots are a great source of antioxidants. It has vitamins A, C, and E. Its flavonoid is known to protect from illness and other diseases. Feeding apricots to cats can prevent them from getting ill from several diseases and can even prevent cancer.
The tangy-sweet flesh of apricots is a favorite of many cats. Even many dog breeds love apricots. Apricots contain nutrients that improve gut health and make the liver stronger.
Apricots are also filled with high potassium. Many sick cats suffer from hypokalemia, a condition that leads to excessive fluid loss. Apricots help cats to avoid the consequence of this type of difficulty.
The potassium of apricots provides enough electrolytes to keep the body function of cats smooth.
Cats can also absorb beta carotene from apricots. Beta carotene mainly works as an antioxidant, and it builds strong immunity against severe illnesses such as cancer.
How To Prepare Apricots for Cats?
Just the fleshes of fresh or dried apricots are fine for cats. Its other parts, such as stem, pit, or leaves, are highly poisonous and must be avoided at any cost. So basically, slicing only the fruits into small pieces is enough for the cats to enjoy properly.
Though cats can eat both fresh and dried apricots, it’s better to feed them the fresh ones. Cats have a hard time chewing and digesting the dried apricots. Dried apricots can result in constipation as well.
To feed apricots to a cat, you must prepare it properly. At first, thoroughly clean the apricots with water. Then cut it in the middle.
Make sure to remove its stem, pit, and leaves. Try to peel off its skin, and cut the fruit into small slices (don’t make the slices too small).
Then wash the freshly cut apricots once again, and it is prepared for your cats to enjoy.
Can Cats Eat Apricots Jam?
Cats can eat a small amount of apricot jam. Eating too much of it can lead to significant health problems such as feline diabetes. Consuming too much sweet anything can be harmful to cats. So yes, cats can eat apricot jam but only a small amount of it.
Apricot jam has the flavor of tart-sweetness. It has 12% sugar. Though there are other beneficial components in it, this sweetness is harmful to cats. A slightly high amount of sugar can increase your cat their sugar level by a lot, which eventually can lead to diabetes.
Taking too much sugar also results in dental problems. Their tooth may decay, and they will have a hard time eating anything. So feeding apricots jam to cats is not quite a good idea. However, sugar-free, preservative-free fresh apricots jam is good for your cat.
What Part Of the Apricot Is Poisonous To Cats?
The leaves, seeds, pits, and stems of apricot are highly poisonous. The toxic elements of these apricots can cause respiratory issues, panting, vomiting, and even death.
If your cat eats a poisonous part of apricot, rush your cat to the nearby veterinary clinic. Your cat may need a stomach wash.
The seed, stems, and leaves of apricot contain cyanide. Cyanide is very much harmful to all animals and it prevents oxygen flow in the blood and results in difficulty with breathing. It badly affects the respiratory system and other body functions.
Apart from this, the pit of apricot or “apricot kernels” contains amygdalin, a toxin that eventually turns into cyanide after consumption.
This can cause many health problems such as insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and many more. Too much consumption of these elements can even lead to death.
Apricot Poisoning In Cats
If your cat has somehow consumed the poisonous part of apricots, you must take immediate steps before it’s too late. If you see these symptoms of apricots poisoning in your cats, maintain the following steps to make sure your cat can overcome its effects.
Symptom
- Dilated pupils. As an effect of cyanide, the pupil of cats visibly dilates.
- Difficulty breathing. Cyanide prevents oxygen from reaching the cells. Due to the shortage of oxygen, the cat may find itself facing difficulty breathing. You will notice your cat is breathing heavily and getting quickly tired.
- Vomiting. You will notice your cat having frequent vomiting tendencies and puking a lot of fluids.
- Red gums. Your cat’s gum will turn bright red if it consumes apricots’ contaminated parts.
- Extreme panting. You will notice your cat frequently panting. Its heavy breath will seem as if it’s exhausted.
Causes
Apricot poisoning happens in cats when they are exposed to the poisonous part of apricots. The stem, pit, leaves, and seed are the toxic part of apricots.
They have harmful cyanide in them that prevents cells from taking in oxygen. When the cells don’t get oxygen properly, their function is disturbed.
Solution
The best thing to do in this case is to prevent your cat from consuming the apricots’ poisonous part. Make sure you have properly prepared the apricot before presenting it to your cat for consumption.
But if your cat is already contracted apricots poisoning, then the immediate thing you should do is take it to your vet. They will understand the condition and take adequate measures.
Conclusion- Are Apricots safe for cats?
Eating fruits is always beneficial for health. And apricots are certainly worthy of being on your cat’s diet list. Apricots can be a good treat for your cat.
Their taste and highly beneficial nutrients make them one of the best treats for not only cats but for dogs as well.
However, its improper consumption can be harmful. You have to be attentive to prevent its detrimental effect. Otherwise, you may have to suffer from a loss that you don’t want.
So keep these things in mind and treat your cat with the tangy sweetness of apricots to keep it healthy and happy.