Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects in Cats

| Modified on Aug 31, 2024
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

2 User Reviews

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Posted by Muna (Maldives) on 07/03/2017

My cat is foaming and drooling after cider was given. Is this normal?

EC: Hi, can you please tell us how you used ACV? Did you apply a 50/50 ACV and Water solution topically to your cat's scruff? Or did you use organic ACV diluted with lots of water in food?


Side Effects
Posted by Sai (Virginia) on 11/18/2013

I want to write to you today to let you know that I am placing a massive warning on ACV for cats. I gave my cat, after reading your message board, acv, just a few drops in his food as he was throwing up a lot and running out of kitty litter after peeing. Three days later he stopped eating. One month after force feeding, sub q fluids, appetite stimulants, pain killers, I had to put him to sleep. The vets felt a tumor. The first vet said that ACV contributed to liver failure and quick demise but holistic vet said no way. I just think that if your cat has an unknown underlying condition you could be playing with fire by giving him acv.

Rest in peace my love, Sai, the best cat in the world ever and never again.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/19/2013

Hello Sai - I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved cat.

I have to agree with your holistic vet on this; your cat died from his tumour, not the ACV. While it's possible that taking your pet to the vet at the first signs of illness - repeated vomiting and voiding large volumes of urine - you may have been able to diagnose his underlying tumour condition, it is also just as likely that the tumour could be missed as they can be difficult to detect until they grow to a noticable size.

I am very sorry for your loss - it sounds like you gave your cat the very best care you possibly could - may he rest in peace.

Replied by Anne
(Canada)
06/04/2014

First of all I was sorry to hear of your loss. ACV is one of earths natural healers and cures so many illnesses.

Many years ago I posted my story on here about my cat whom the Vet said was on her way out due to old age and kidney failure and that I should put her to sleep. I declined his suggestion and instead researched the net and found this site.

Back then I was ignorant and believed prescription drugs were the answer. (They weren't) In fact the medication the Vet prescribed made her stop eating all together and her health worsened.

After learning about ACV I stopped the medication and started giving my cat diluted ACV in her food and also on her fur and she gradually started to eat again and regained her weight and started peeing normally. (Thanks to ACV she lived another year before passing away from old age)

Unfortunately Doctors and Vets are not educated in natural health remedies and only prescribe pharmaceutical products, which sadly are not the solution.

Having regular check up for your pets is the answer and surgery if needed, but man made chemicals do more harm in the long run.

If your Vet finds a health issue research the net for natural remedies. ACV did not kill your pet... Appetite stimulants and pain killers are the cause of liver failure.

Do your homework and read about pharmaceutical companies and their products. (The lists of side effects and deaths from pharmaceutical drugs is scary)

Nature has provided us with everything we need to heal ourselves and our pets naturally.

Replied by Lisa
(Tn)
01/15/2015

Sorry to hear about your loss. However, im not sure what brand or kind of apple cider vinegar that you used, but it's always supposed to be the raw organic kind only. Any kind that says "with mother" in it (preferably a brand that is completely certified organic). The cheap regular apple cider vinegar is not as healthy nor has all the natural vitamins, minerals and vitamins. Apple cider vinegar (" with mother"), is known to cure renal failure in humans and pets. Not sure if you knew this and wish you did.

Replied by Ernie
(California)
04/17/2016

I have used raw, unfiltered ACV for my cats a number of times over the past 30 years. There is no way your precious cat died from the ACV. I am very sorry for your loss.

I use it in emergencies if my male has problems urinating (common in male cats due to their much narrower urethra than females). Some males are more prone to crystal formation more than others. If you allow your cats to eat freely 24/7 without any schedule, you're asking for a problem as the constant food in their system never allows their natural acidic ph to return... making a perfect environment for crystal formation AND bacteria.

STOP ALLOWING YOUR CATS TO EAT FREELY!!!!

Just make sure you always dilute ACV, some say 50/50, I say 1-to-4 ratio (1 part ACV, 4 parts distilled water). The high acidity is bad for delicate tissues of the mouth, throat and stomach..... and VERY hard on their teeth (as with humans). That's why I will not mix it into food as then it is in direct, sustained contact with the enamel surfaces of the teeth.

Replied by Angela
(PA)
02/26/2023

🥲🥲 My yorkie, same length as my cat just 26 pounds, lol over weight! Cats about 10–18. I gave my cat a dropper of red wine vinegar Hell broke loose!!! My face is all clawed up both hands are so cut up from her! Gosh I was holding her in between my legs . Tried to do it fast . Ooooooh no! Didn't work out like that

EC: Please NEVER give a cat straight vinegar. It must always be diluted at least 50/50 with water. Also, Apple Cider Vinegar is the type of vinegar to use for cats, not red wine vinegar. The best and gentlest method for both cats and dogs is to apply diluted apple cider vinegar to the scruff of their necks and their paw pads. It def works.


Side Effects
Posted by Prism (Oshawa, Ontario, Canada) on 10/28/2012

I've been taking 1tsp of ACV with 8oz water myself for quite a while now and almost every warning is to use a straw because it can damage the enamel of our teeth. Well wouldn't it do the same thing if our pets drink it too?