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My cat has a sensitive stomach—will a few bites of cooked quince cause diarrhoea or gas?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

It might. Cooked quince flesh is generally safe in small amounts, but any new food can upset a sensitive stomach, especially in cats. The seeds contain cyanogenic compounds and must be avoided entirely, but the bigger risk for your cat is likely digestive intolerance. Start with a tiny piece, watch for any signs like soft stool, gas, or vomiting over the next day, and skip it if you notice a reaction. If diarrhoea is severe or lasts more than a day, a call to your own vet is a good idea.

Quince — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Cooked flesh is safe in small amounts. The seeds contain cyanogenic compounds.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Quince is not poisonous to cats, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

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.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Quince food facts page.

Open the full food page: Quince food facts →