Cats are curious by nature; they love to investigate whatever is left in your glass. So, if your cat drinks the apple juice leftover, it is very normal to wonder – can Cats drink apple juice? Or should you discourage her from drinking it? This article answers this question.
Can Cats Drink Apple Juice?
Yes, cats can drink moderate quantities of apple juice. You can feed your cat a few sips of apple juice at times, but it shouldn’t become a part of their regular diet. Studies show excessive consumption can cause diabetes in older cats and other stomach complications.
Some brands of apple juice have added preservatives and chemicals. These are harmful to cats. So, check the product label and ensure there are no toxic chemicals before giving your cat apple juice.
Cats eating canned food get their moisture from those foods. But if your cat is getting dry food, they need water. If they get used to drinking apple juice, they might shift their preference to apple juice. This can lead to various health problems.
A cat’s diet should be protein-rich with low carbs amount. But apple juice has a high carb intake. So, drinking too much of it can cause cavities in your cat. To avoid this, brush her teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste made particularly for them.
Even though it is rare, some cats can have apple allergies. So, watch your cat after feeding her apple juice. See if there is any sign of allergies – the most common signs being vomiting and farting.
What About Apples? Are They Nutritious for Cats?
Apples can be nutritious for cats. They contain vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, which can be healthy for your furry friend. Apples are a healthier choice to introduce fiber in your cat’s diet rather than apple juice. They have a low level of sugar.
Are Apples Safe for Cats?
Only the fruit part of an apple is safe for your cat to eat. This is because the leaves and stems contain cyanide, which is toxic for them. In addition, cyanide can prevent the cells from absorbing oxygen if it gets into a cat’s system.
If she has cyanide poisoning, you will see symptoms within 15 minutes. Visit a vet immediately if you see any of the following symptoms – vomiting, red gums, difficulty breathing, and dilation of pupils.
Apple seeds are also dangerous for cats. They are a choking hazard and might get stuck between a cat’s teeth. The substances in the seeds might be harmful too.
How To Introduce Apples in My Cat’s Diet?
A cat has no interest in eating something that isn’t meat. So, you have to introduce apples in a clever way to make your cat eat them. You can –
- Cut the apple into small and chewable slices.
- Make a puree or a mash and put it alongside cat food.
- Make a turkey wrap with apple slices inside.
- Cut the apples into small cubes and serve them with dry food.
You shouldn’t feed your cat browned or rotten apples. According to research, keeping apple slices out for more than 30 minutes can induce diarrhea in them.
Summary
To reiterate, can cats drink apple juice? Yes, they can but in small amounts. But apples are the healthier choice of the two. You can feed your cat apples as a treat. If you think your cat has had too much apple juice, take her to the vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Cat Like Apple Juice?
Cats cannot taste anything sweet; they don’t have the required taste receptors. However, your cat might be able to taste flavors in apple juice that escape your taste buds. Or else she might only be curious.
What Are Some Alternatives to Apple Juice?
A few alternatives to apple juice are –
Bone broth – this is very healthy, and it lines up perfectly with the diet of cats.
Tuna juice – cats love fish which makes tuna juice a feline delicacy. Since there is a concern about mercury poisoning, you can give it to your cat as an occasional treat.
Goat milk – Goat milk is gaining popularity day by day due to its low lactose content.
Cats can digest it easily. It also contains probiotics.
What Can I Feed My Cat as A Substitute for Apples?
There are a lot of healthier alternatives for your cat than apples. Your cat will especially like salmon, which is loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Just cook the salmon first before giving it to them. Pumpkin is another good substitute as it has a lot of fiber and is low in calories.
Finally, spinach, which contains iron and vitamins A, C, and K, is very healthy for your cat. But if your cat has struggled with calcium oxalate bladder stones, it isn’t appropriate for them.
