Can Cats Eat Peaches?

Cyanide Poisoning

The soft interior kernel of the pit contains the chemical amygdalin, which converts to hydrogen cyanide—a chemical that’s extremely toxic to cats.

For cyanide to be released, a cat must chew and break open the pit, or ingest pieces of a broken pit.

Avoid giving cats the pit.

The leaves and stems of peaches also contain cyanide and should be avoided.

Digestive Damage and Choking Hazard

Cyanide is less likely to be released if the pit is swallowed whole, but this introduces other grave concerns: choking and gastrointestinal obstruction.

If your cat swallows a whole peach pit or a piece of the pit, it can get lodged in their throat or digestive tract. This is a potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical intervention.

Though the occurrence of cats ingesting peach pits is rare, the severity of the associated risks makes it crucial to exercise caution.

Peach Skin Hazards

The skin of a peach, while not inherently dangerous to cats, can contain harmful pesticide residues. The skin's high-fiber content may challenge your feline's digestive system.

It’s best to avoid giving your cat peach skin entirely.

Sugar Content

Peaches are naturally rich in sugars. This makes them a tasty treat for humans, but they pose dietary concerns for cats.

Unlike humans, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are optimized for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Their systems are not designed to process sugars efficiently.

High sugar content can be especially problematic for cats who are diabetic or prediabetic, as it can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Even for nondiabetic cats, frequent ingestion of sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which can increase the risk of developing other health problems, like joint issues or cardiovascular disease.

Moreover, excess sugar can affect a cat’s dental health, potentially leading to issues like plaque buildup and dental decay. As dental problems are already common in domestic cats, adding sugar to the equation only exacerbates the risk.

While instances of peach poisoning in cats are rare, they are serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention. If your cat has consumed any part of the peach that contains cyanide—including the pit, leaves or stem—be on the lookout for symptoms of poisoning.

Symptoms of peach poisoning in cats include:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors
• Bright red gums and mucous membranes
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Panting

If you think your cat consumed parts of a peach, look for any peach remnants to determine which parts of the fruit your cat ingested. If the pit is still intact, your cat is likely OK.

Take your cat to a veterinarian or the nearest pet emergency clinic immediately if:

• The peach pit appears broken or is in pieces.
• It appears your cat chewed on the pit.
• You can’t find the pit.
• You suspect your cat consumed peach leaves or stems.
• You’re unsure how much or which parts of the peach they consumed.
• Your cat is showing signs of an intestinal blockage, including loss of appetite, bloating and straining to poop.
• Your cat is showing signs of peach poisoning.

If your cat has consumed too much peach flesh, the risks are less immediate—but could lead to digestive upset due to high sugar and fiber content. In such cases, monitor your cat for signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting or diarrhea, and consult your veterinarian for advice.

You can also call an animal poison helpline for advice, including:

• ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661

While there are risks to consider, sharing a small, occasional piece of peach flesh with your cat isn’t entirely without merit.

Here are some potential health benefits of peaches for cats:

Hydration

Peaches are high in water content, making them a supplementary source of hydration for your kitty.

Although plain water is undeniably the best way to keep your cat hydrated, a juicy piece of peach can offer a small but welcome boost, particularly on hot days.

Fiber

Peaches contain dietary fiber, which could aid in digestion—but it’s important to note that cats don’t have the same dietary fiber requirements as humans.

While a small amount of fiber won’t harm your cat and might even promote better digestion, consuming too much could cause an upset stomach.

Nutrients

Peaches contain antioxidants and a variety of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. However, there’s debate among veterinarians and pet nutritionists about how effectively cats can absorb nutrients from plant-based foods.

As obligate carnivores, cats are adapted to obtain their essential nutrients from animal sources. While the nutrient content in peaches may offer some benefits, the amount of nutrients absorbed is likely minimal.