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My 5 kg cat has eaten two small apricot pieces every day for a month — any long term risks?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

Small amounts of pitted apricot flesh are safe, but feeding them daily adds up. Over time your cat may gain unnecessary weight or develop an upset stomach from the natural sugars. Watch for vomiting or loose stools, and cut back to an occasional treat instead of a daily habit. Call your own vet if you notice any ongoing digestive changes.

Apricots (pitted) — Food safety facts

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

The flesh is safe in small pieces. The pit, leaves and stem contain cyanide compounds — never allow a whole apricot.

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

Apricots (pitted) 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 Apricots (pitted) food facts page.

Open the full food page: Apricots (pitted) food facts →