Can Cats Drink Apple Juice? ( See What Study Says )

Ok so, I think licking or drinking your apple juice by your cat is a common scenario for many people.

You wake up & drink your apple juice as breakfast. You left some on the table and you see your cat drinking some of them.

Now you may be wondering – Can cats drink apple juice? Is it really safe?

In this article – I am going to cover this topic and show you the answer with research-backed evidence

Just so you know, my daughter was browsing through YouTube the other day and she chanced upon a cat that was so content pawing apple juice. And, so she thought about getting some from the fridge to give to our cat.

Just as she was pouring it for the cat, I stopped her as I wasn’t sure if apple juice is ok for the cat.

Are they? A quick call was all it took for me to confirm with the vet. I didn’t want to cause our cat harm.

I’m sure my daughter didn’t and that she was just too excited. But, if you are like me, how would you have known?

Can Cats Drink Apple Juice? Is It Safe?

Either you left a glass of bottle juice on the table and caught your cat licking it or you were in the same situation as mine, you are probably here to find out whether apple juice is bad or not for your furball.

The big question: Can Cats Drink Apple Juice?

The answer: Yes

The cat can consume apple juice but only to an extent. Apple juice, unlike some citrus fruits, is not toxic to cats.

However, what will make you think twice about allowing them to indulge in it is its high sugar content.

Cats are carnivores, which means they may not process anything that is not entirely meat.

If you press for letting your feline drink apple juice, be sure you are aware of what it will do to your cat.

In moderation, apple juice is safe for cats. It won’t hurt your cat. In reality, the antioxidants that are present in apples may benefit your cat.

Apples also have a good deal of fiber and vitamins. But, as with most things, moderation is important.

Do not go beyond too much in giving your cat apple juice. Going overboard with apple juice can cause your cat to upset stomach because of its very high sugar content.

Note that foods and drinks that have high sugar content are harmful to older cats because of diabetes.

Allow them to have a few sips every once in a while, but not every day.

Be sure that when you do, you read the label to guarantee that there are no chemicals that may be harmful to your tabby.

Cats that get accustomed to drinking juice may over time prefer it over water.

That wouldn’t be an issue if they eat wet food regularly. Wet food gives them the moisture they need from food.

However, if they are fed with dry kibbles, they need to drink water consistently.

If your cat drinks too much apple juice and if they choose it over water, it could be a problem.

Cat’s diet should be rich in protein and low in carbs. Apple juice is high in carbs. Also, be sure that when your cat consumes apple juice, that you brush its teeth to prevent cavities.

Another thing to consider is a food allergy. While apple allergy in cats is rare, it is still possible.

After letting your cat eat the apple or drink apple juice, be on the lookout for signs of allergy. It could be as simple as farting or as worst as vomiting.

If you are thinking of introducing fiber to your cat’s diet, feed them apples instead of giving them apple juice to drink.

Keep in mind that these carnivores may not find apples appealing. Cut them in small sizes so they can chew it easily. Feed them apples as a treat every once in a while.

Do not forget that with apples, the fruit is the only safe part to eat. Take off leaves and stems as they may contain toxic cyanide.

If this gets into your moggy’s system, its cells may find it hard to absorb oxygen. Cats exposed to cyanide may show symptoms of poisoning in 15 minutes.

Such symptoms include:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Vomiting
• Red gums
• Dilation of pupils.

If these symptoms start to show right after, drive by the nearest animal clinic immediately.

Otherwise, if you suspect that your cat may have consumed too much apple juice, you may simply call the vet and he will let you know whether the amount you gave was safe or not.

How Much Apple Juice or Apple Slices Is Too Much?

Being a carnivorous creature, you should be careful when you try to introduce other food.

We cannot emphasize enough how too much apple juice can cause diabetes or digestion issues.

Even when apple’s sugar is natural, they are still bad for your cat’s health, therefore there should be a limit to what they take.

If you feed your kitten excessive apples or allow them to drink lavishly on apple juice, it might make it difficult for them to eat other foods.

They may replace certain meals and may leave your cats not getting all the nutrients they need.

Fortunately, it won’t be hard to steer your cat away from apples. After all, they don’t have taste receptors for sugariness.

What excites them about apples is the crunch. With the apple’s crunchiness, they may continue to take bite after bite.

And, if you are not careful, they may eat too many apples and could lead them to obesity. They may also be likely to acquire diabetes. Diabetes’ major symptoms are:

• Constant urination
• Reduced appetite
• Increased thirst
• Vomiting
• Reduced activity and lethargy

If you are adding apples or apple juice to your cat’s diet, be mindful of the other foods that they intake.

Make sure that they are not getting too much sugar. Lessen or avoid treats that may have high carbs or sugar content.

Final Word

After the call I made to the vet, I allowed my daughter to give a small sip of apple juice to our cat.

But, reminded her that she can’t always give in when the cat sees her with her glass of apple juice. So, if you are in the same position as I was, you know what to do.

Be sure to keep in mind the reminders we mentioned and you will have no problems with your cat and apples.