Serving advice
Treat apricots as a snack rather than part of the daily ration — the usual ceiling is about 10% of daily calories. Start with one small piece of apricots and watch stools and appetite over the next 24 hours.
The fleshy part of fresh apricots is safe for dogs and cats in small amounts. The pit contains amygdalin, which can release cyanide and is hazardous if swallowed. Remove the pit completely; if a pet ingests it, watch for drooling, weakness, or rapid breathing.
Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.
There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.
Other foods that are safe to share
The full A–Z food list groups every food by verdict for each species.
Why these cautions matter
Stone-fruit pits and some seeds release cyanide when crushed, and quite apart from that they are a choking and blockage hazard.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat apricots?
YES — safe. The fleshy part of fresh apricots is safe for dogs and cats in small amounts. The pit contains amygdalin, which can release cyanide and is hazardous if swallowed. Remove the pit completely; if a pet ingests it, watch for drooling, weakness, or rapid breathing.
How much apricots can cats have?
Serve apricots as a snack and keep it under about 10% of daily calories. Start with one small piece of apricots and watch stools and appetite for the next 24 hours.
What reaction should I watch for after cats eats apricots?
In the 24 hours after cats eats apricots, look for vomiting, diarrhoea, gas or a drop in appetite. The fleshy part of fresh apricots is safe for dogs and cats in small amounts. The pit contains amygdalin, which can release cyanide and is hazardous if swallowed. Remove the pit completely; if a pet ingests it, watch for drooling, weakness, or rapid breathing.
How often can cats have apricots?
Treat apricots as an occasional extra, once or twice a week at most, and keep the portion small next to your cat's regular meals — those still do the nutritional work.
What else can cats have besides apricots?
Rotate through the safe list — Strawberry or Sweet potato (cooked) — instead of the same thing every time; a mix covers more nutrients than any single extra, and it stops your cat holding out for one favourite.