Can Cats Eat Apple Pie Filling? Safety & Toxicity Explained
Key Takeaways
- Apple pie filling contains dangerous ingredients like nutmeg and cinnamon that can cause serious health issues in cats, from digestive upset to neurological symptoms.
- The high sugar content serves no nutritional purpose for obligate carnivores and can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
- While plain apples are safe in tiny amounts (without seeds, core, or peel), the added spices, fats, and sugars in pie filling make it completely off-limits.
- Bailey's CBD offers vet-formulated wellness products that support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being with clean, organic ingredients you can trust.
Why Apple Pie Filling Is Dangerous for Cats
Cats Don't Need Sugar (& It Hurts Them)
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their entire digestive system is built around processing meat, not sweets. They don't have the taste receptors to enjoy sugar like we do, and their bodies can't handle it properly either. When cats consume the amounts of sugar found in apple pie filling, several problems can develop:
- Weight gain and obesity: Excess sugar gets stored as fat, leading to unhealthy weight gain that puts stress on their joints and organs.
- Diabetes risk: Regular sugar consumption can contribute to insulin resistance over time.
- Dental disease: Sugar feeds bacteria in your cat's mouth, leading to plaque buildup and painful gum infections.
- Digestive upset: Many cats experience vomiting or diarrhea after eating sugary foods.
Toxic Spices
Most apple pie fillings contain spices that are actually toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Nutmeg, a common spice, contains a compound called myristicin that's dangerous for cats. Even a small amount can cause disorientation, rapid heartbeat, abdominal pain, hallucinations, and seizures in severe cases.
Cinnamon contains coumarin, which acts as a blood thinner and irritant. Cats exposed to cinnamon can experience mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood sugar, and liver problems with repeated exposure. You can't always tell how much of these spices are in a given pie filling, and cats are much smaller than humans, so even "just a little" can have a big impact.
Fats & Butter Overload
Apple pie filling is loaded with fats and butter that disturb a cat's sensitive digestive system. These rich ingredients can trigger an upset stomach, pancreatitis (a painful inflammation requiring veterinary care), and empty calories that contribute to obesity without providing any nutritional value.
Bailey's CBD: Natural Support for Your Pet's Wellness
Veterinarian-Formulated | USDA Organic Hemp | Lab-Tested
Tailored Wellness Options:
- Calming Support Chews & Oil: Peanut butter-flavored soft chews that promote calmness during thunderstorms, travel, or separation – without causing drowsiness.
- Hip & Joint Formula: Support your aging or active pet's mobility with our grain-free formula combining full-spectrum hemp extract with joint-supporting ingredients.
- "No More Itchies" Probiotic Chews: Bacon-flavored soft chews that help maintain healthy skin and digestive balance for pets with seasonal sensitivities.
Why Pet Parents Choose Bailey's:
✓ Subcritical CO2 extraction for cleaner, high-quality CBD
✓ Full-spectrum formula (not isolate) for enhanced effectiveness
✓ Non-psychoactive (<0.3% THC)
✓ Backed by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM
✓ Third-party lab tested for heavy metals and pesticides (QR code on each package)
✓ Free from fillers, chemicals, and harmful additives
✓ Licensed by the Department of Health for added oversight
✓ 4.5 TrustScore from 1,533+ verified reviews on Trustpilot
Find Your Pet's Perfect Formula:
We offer multiple potencies for different sizes and needs – from tiny companions to gentle giants – ensuring the right support for every furry family member. Your satisfaction and your pet's wellness are our priority.
SHOP BAILEY'S CBD COLLECTION →What Happens If Your Cat Eats Apple Pie Filling?
Keep apple pie filling safely away from curious cats to avoid a veterinary emergency.
Accidents happen. If your cat manages to eat some apple pie filling, here's what you need to know.
Signs to Watch For
Keep a close eye on your cat for the next several hours. Some things to watch for can include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Disorientation or acting "out of it"
- Rapid heartbeat or tremors (less common but possible with nutmeg)
What to Do Right Away
If your cat has eaten something concerning, the most important thing is to stay calm so your cat does not pick up on your stress, which can make the situation more difficult. Don't try to make your cat vomit unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to, as this can sometimes cause more harm than good.
Call your vet immediately if your cat shows any symptoms or if they've eaten a significant amount of something potentially dangerous. When you call, give them detailed information about what your cat ate, how much they consumed, and when it happened. Even if your cat seems fine initially, monitor them closely, as some symptoms can take time to appear.
Can Cats Eat Plain Apples?
Plain apple slices are safe for cats in small amounts, but most cats show little interest in fruit.
The good news is that plain, fresh apple flesh is actually safe for cats in very small amounts. The key is preparation and moderation.
How to Safely Offer Apple
If you want to share a tiny taste of apple with your cat, there are important safety steps to follow. Remove all seeds, as they contain cyanide compounds that are toxic to cats. Peel the apple completely and cut out the core. Offer only one to two small pieces per week at maximum, and make sure the apple is completely plain with no sugar, spices, or toppings added.
Most cats aren't even interested in apples since they can't taste sweetness, so don't be surprised if your cat shows no interest at all. If your cat does seem to like apples, that's fine to offer occasionally, but it should never replace their regular, protein-based diet.
Healthier Treat Alternatives Your Cat Will Actually Enjoy
Instead of risking your cat's health with human desserts, stick to treats designed for feline digestion. Protein-based treats are always the best choice, such as small pieces of plain, cooked chicken or turkey, freeze-dried meat treats, or high-quality commercial cat treats with minimal ingredients.
If your cat shows interest in fruit, safe occasional options include tiny pieces of seedless watermelon, cantaloupe, or one or two blueberries. Other cat-friendly options include cat grass, catnip or silvervine, and commercially prepared treats with added health benefits.
For overall wellness support, veterinary-formulated supplements can be helpful. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements, especially if you are not sure of the supplement’s formulation.
Bailey's CBD: Your Trusted Partner for Feline Wellness
Bailey's CBD calming CBD chews offer a reliable way to support your cat's wellness during stressful situations.
At Bailey’s CBD, we understand that cat parents want the absolute best for their furry family members. That’s why we ensure our CBD products are specifically formulated to support feline wellness naturally and help support your cat's overall health and comfort.
We source our USDA organic hemp from a single farm in Boulder, Colorado. Our subcritical CO₂ extraction method is cleaner and purer than standard methods. We make sure that every batch is third-party lab tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and potency, with results you can verify through the QR code on every package.
Our CBD Oil for Cats is easy to dose and may help support your cat's natural balance and well-being. For cats who prefer treats, our Calming CBD Cat Chews offer a tasty way to promote calmness during stressful situations. And our CBD Pet Shampoo helps maintain healthy skin and coat.
We've earned our place as a trusted name in pet wellness, backed by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM, and licensed by the Department of Health for added regulatory oversight. With nearly a decade of experience and over 1,533 verified reviews on Trustpilot (4.5 TrustScore), cat parents trust us to deliver clean, effective products.
When you choose Bailey's, you're choosing products free from artificial additives, and preservatives—just pure, responsibly sourced ingredients designed to support your cat naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can cats eat any type of pie?
No, cats shouldn't eat any type of pie. Most pies contain ingredients harmful to cats, including high amounts of sugar, butter, and potentially toxic spices. Fruit pies often contain dangerous spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while cream pies are loaded with dairy that many cats can't digest. Stick to cat-specific treats instead.
Is cinnamon toxic to cats?
Yes, cinnamon can be toxic to cats. It contains coumarin, which can cause mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver problems. While a tiny accidental exposure might not cause severe symptoms, repeated exposure or larger amounts can lead to serious health issues. It's best to keep all cinnamon-containing foods away from your cat.
What fruits are completely unsafe for cats?
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Citrus fruits contain compounds that can cause stomach upset. Cherries, peaches, and plums have pits containing cyanide. Avocados contain persin, which is toxic to cats. When in doubt, skip the fruit and stick to protein-based treats.
How much apple can I safely give my cat?
If you want to offer plain apples, keep portions extremely limited. Give no more than one or two small pieces per week. The apple must be completely seedless, peeled, and with the core removed. Many cats won't even be interested since they can't taste sweetness. Apple should never replace any portion of your cat's regular protein-based diet.
How can I support my cat's digestive health naturally?
Supporting your cat’s digestive health begins with a high-quality, protein-rich diet and by avoiding human foods.
Bailey’s CBD offers veterinarian-formulated options that help maintain your cat’s overall wellness. Our full-spectrum CBD oil and chews are made with USDA organic hemp from Boulder, CO, using clean subcritical CO₂ extraction.
With a Department of Health license and transparent third-party testing accessible through a QR code on every package, you can trust that you’re giving your cat safe, high-quality products made for their well-being.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Call
Email