Can cats eat nuts? To answer this question simply, can cats eat nuts, but they should do so in smaller amounts and less often because it could be bad for their health. For example, macadamia and pistachio nuts have many poisons that can hurt your pet. On the other hand, hazelnuts are thought to be safer for cats.
Can cats have nuts?
The biggest issue with nuts is that they have a lot of fat. When cats overeat fat, they gain weight and are more likely to get diabetes and pancreatitis. Even though most nuts are safe for cats, you should still know which ones are dangerous and how much of them is too much.
What are the different kinds of nuts, and what do they do to cats?
There are many kinds of nuts on the market, and some of them are safe for cats to eat if they eat them in small amounts and only occasionally.
Here is a short list of which nuts are safe for cats and which ones are poisonous, as well as what might happen if they eat them:
Macadamia nuts: Can cats eat macadamia nuts? The answer is that there isn’t enough research to show that cats can safely digest macadamia nuts. But even so, it’s important to remember that these nuts are very poisonous and can affect their nervous system. Some of the possible side effects are vomiting, tremors, weight gain, pancreatitis, and high body temperature. It is best to avoid these nuts and always talk to your vet.
Walnuts: Cats often have stomach problems after eating walnuts because they are high in fat, which their sensitive digestive systems can’t handle. Some of the possible side effects are throwing up, diarrhea, inflammation of the kidneys, and in the worst cases, kidney failure. Moldy walnuts can be even scarier because they can be very dangerous and harmful to cats. This is because fungi make tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are very dangerous to cats.
Almonds: Almonds are not poisonous for cats, but they can cause health problems, so you shouldn’t give them to your cat. Since cats need low-fat food, almonds can make them sick to their stomachs and make them throw up. You can give your cat one or two almonds, but if you do it all the time, it could cause these health problems.
Peanuts: These nuts aren’t dangerous for cats because they have a lot of protein, biotin, carbs, and vitamin E, all of which are good for their skin. But they have a lot of fat, which makes it hard for cats to digest them in large amounts, and some cats may be allergic to them. Aside from that, you have to take off the shells because they can get stuck in your intestines and make you choke. You shouldn’t feed them to your cat because cat food already has a lot of other ways to get these nutrients.
Cashew Nuts: Even though they aren’t harmful to cats, you shouldn’t feed them to them because they won’t get much out of them, and they have a lot of fat, which can affect their GI tract. Overall, they are safe, but if they are given in large amounts, they can cause problems with digestion and even pancreatitis. In this case, cashews are best as a treat once in a while.
Chestnuts: Cats can eat chestnuts, but they shouldn’t be their primary source of food because they don’t have much nutritional value and are high in carbs. Contrary to other nuts, such as cashews, walnuts, or macadamia, they have much less fat and calories. This makes them a better snack or treat than cashews, walnuts, or macadamia. They also have magnesium and potassium in them, which may help your cat’s heart problems. It’s important to remember not to give too much of this nut.
Hazelnuts: These are also a safer choice for cats. But it doesn’t give the cat what it needs to stay healthy. Because of this, it should be more of a treat than a replacement for their regular, well-balanced meal. In addition, it has a lot of fat, which can cause problems with digestion.
Pecans: They are also safe for cats to eat, but only in small amounts because they are high in fat.
Pistachios: Can cats eat pistachio nuts? Well, the answer is that pistachio nuts are very bad for your pet because it is often full of salt, artificial flavors, and a lot of flavors. If you want to feed them, it’s best to make sure it doesn’t have a shell since shells can cause a blockage in the intestines that might need attention from a vet.
Brazil nuts: They have monounsaturated fat, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C, E, B6, and A, as well as monounsaturated fat. If your cat eats it once in a while, it won’t hurt him or her in any obvious way, but if he or she eats a lot of it, it can cause digestive problems.
Pine Nuts: There isn’t any research that proves pine nuts are bad for cats, but the high-fat content (68 grams) can cause digestive problems and, if eaten often, can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.
Related: CAN CATS EAT PEACHES?
FAQs: Can cat eat nuts?
What nuts are dangerous for cats?
Nuts Like grapes and macadamia nuts are dangerous for pets, but no one knows precisely why. Other kinds of nuts, like almonds, pecans, and walnuts, have a lot of oils and fats that can make cats sick to their stomachs or even give them pancreatitis.
Can my cat eat nuts that are dried?
As a note, it’s not a good idea to give cats nuts in general. Nuts are more likely to cause cats to choke or get stuck in their esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
Are almonds safe for cats to eat?
Almonds don’t hurt cats, but they don’t have much nutritional value, either. Because cats have short digestive tracts, almonds don’t break down well in their bodies. If a cat eats more than one or two almonds, it might get stomach pain, throw up, or even have diarrhea.
Can peanut butter be given to cats?
Even though many cats like the taste of this sweet and salty spread, their owners shouldn’t give it to their cats. It has no nutritional value, and more importantly, some of the things in it, like fat and artificial sweeteners, can be bad for cats or even kill them.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.