How much pear for your cat?
Most guides say "a few pieces". Enter your cat's weight and get the actual daily ceiling, worked out from pear's calories and the 10%-of-daily-calories treat rule vets use.
Assumes a healthy, neutered adult at a stable weight, and that this is their only treat that day. Puppies, pregnant, very active or unwell pets need different amounts — ask your vet.
Why this verdict for cats
Plain pear flesh in tiny amounts is non-toxic, but cats gain little from it. Skip the seeds.
Pears are a genuinely good dog treat — high in fibre, vitamin C and copper, and soft enough for older dogs with worn teeth. The only real caution lives in the core.
How much is safe?
A couple of slices for a medium dog is a sensible treat. Pears are sweeter than they taste, so keep them within the usual rule that treats stay under about 10% of daily calories. Cats can have a tiny piece but rarely show interest, and their systems handle fruit sugar poorly.
What happens if a cat eats too much?
Too much pear brings the same result as too much of any fibrous fruit: loose stools, gas and an upset stomach. The sugar load also matters for overweight and diabetic pets.
How to serve it safely
Wash, core it, and cut into bite-size pieces — the seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds, and while a stray seed is unlikely to poison a dog, the core is worth removing every time. Skip canned pears in syrup.
🍽️ Feeding it safely?
Frequently asked questions
Are pear seeds really dangerous?
In practice, one or two swallowed seeds are very unlikely to cause harm — the amount of cyanide is tiny and the seeds usually pass whole. Deliberately feeding cores is a different matter. Core it and don't worry about the occasional accident.
Can puppies eat pear?
A small piece is fine once they are on solid food, but puppies have sensitive stomachs and need their calories from a growth diet. Keep fruit as an occasional extra.
More fruits for cats
By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · Last updated July 31, 2026.
Sources
- ASPCA — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- American Kennel Club — Dog Nutrition
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poison List