Apple Cider Vinegar for Cats: Uses, Remedies & Benefits

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The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Cats of all ages can get ill or experience issues that hinder their quality of life. Some cats experience the same issues time and time again throughout their lives, such as urinary tract and upper respiratory infections. As concerned caretakers, we humans should take our cats to the vet when they do not seem to be acting like themselves.

However, the vet may not always be necessary. There are a few ways that apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be used as a remedy for your cat at home. Here are the uses, remedies, and benefits of apple cider vinegar that you should know about.

The 3 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Cats

1) Fight Off a Urinary Tract Infection

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy option for urinary tract infections in cats. It can be used to create proper pH balance in your cat’s urine and maintain it, which works to get rid of bacteria. Reduced bacteria will allow your cat’s urinary tract to naturally heal and stay healthy afterward. You can use apple cider vinegar when infection symptoms arise and until they subside, or continue using it regularly to prevent the onset of future urinary tract problems.

Administering Apple Cider Vinegar for Urinary Tract Infections

Mix about ½ a teaspoon of ACV into your cat’s freshwater supply. If they do not like the water once the ACV has been added, try replacing the water with broth to disguise the acidity of the ACV.

Because your cat will ingest it, we recommend using organic apple cider vinegar only. Please be aware that if your cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease you should avoid using apple cider vinegar (or any other remedy of treatment) before discussing it with the veterinarian as these patients do not process acids very well as a result of their medical condition.

2) Eliminate an Upper Respiratory Infection

ACV can help your cat get rid of a developing upper respiratory infection. It will work as an expectorant helping your cat to breathe easier and feel better which should enhance their appetite. It should also increase their water consumption which is especially important while congested.

Administering Apple Cider Vinegar for Upper Respiratory Infections

Using organic ACV with the “mother” will give better results. You must always gently shake the ACV bottle before use.  If your cat is on any other medical treatment or has been diagnosed suffering a medical condition such as kidney disease, please consult with your veterinarian before administering ACV to make sure this can be done safely.

For a respiratory tract infection, you can dilute about ½ teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar with the “mother” to 1 L of water and use this to refill your cat’s water dish to help them eliminate their respiratory issues. If you try this method, please ensure that the cat is still drinking water as some cats refuse to drink when they taste the ACV in their water. Keeping hydration levels up is crucial. If the cat is refusing to drink, wash the plate well and offer plain drinking water.

You can rub a 50/50 apple cider vinegar and water solution on their paws, their chest, and even on the back of their neck. They will ingest the ACV when grooming. To do this carefully you can use a cloth or a spray bottle but remember to avoid the face area, especially the eyes.

3) Repel Pests Such as Fleas and Mites

Fleas and other pests like mites and even flies dislike the acidity of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will not kill fleas or other pests, but it will effectively and neutrally repel them. When ACV is on a cat’s coat, these pests are much less likely to jump or land on them to try to get food of some kind, whether it is blood, food crumbs, or debris from the outdoors.

Administering Apple Cider Vinegar for Flea and Pest Repellent

Pour water and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle at a 50/50 ratio. Then, spray your cat down with the ACV mixture until their entire body, aside from the head, is lightly wet. Then rub the ACV into the cat’s coat and let it naturally dry. You should apply the ACV spray every day to keep the fleas away. ACV can be applied to furniture and bedding to repel fleas too. However, you will likely need to employ other flea control treatments around the house if an infestation has occurred.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

As mentioned, cats that have kidney disease may not do well with apple cider vinegar because it is so acidic. It is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your cat’s kidneys and other organs are in good enough shape to efficiently process ACV, especially if you plan to administer the vinegar to your cat regularly. Another thing to consider is that there can be too much of a good thing.

Too much apple cider vinegar could produce negative side effects that defeat the purpose of giving it to them in the first place. So, stick to giving your cat no more than 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar a day to ensure that they do not overindulge and end up on the wrong side of the health path.

Our Final Thoughts

Apple cider vinegar can be a healthy addition to your cat’s diet, but it is important not to give them too much. If you are in doubt, reach out to a veterinarian to learn what their recommendations are. Your cat may or may not enjoy the taste of apple cider vinegar. If they do not, you will have to find a way to hide it in their food or drink or choose an alternative remedy of some kind. When all is said and done, apple cider vinegar as a remedy is more likely to offer benefits than harm, so it is worth serious consideration.

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Featured Image Credit: focal point, Shutterstock

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