Can Cats Eat Almonds? Are Nuts Toxic to Cats

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Almonds are not toxic to cats but are not part of a cat’s natural diet. While your cat might be interested in stealing a few bites of your almond-flavored granola bar, giving them a whole bunch of nuts as a snack is not the best idea.

An almond is probably the best option if you must give your cat a nut. However, almonds are very hard and can be a choking hazard to cats if they aren’t chewed properly. Giving your cat a little almond milk rather than some nuts may be best.

There isn’t enough research on feline nut consumption, and most cats would probably turn their nose up at nuts such as pistachios, macadamia, and walnuts. There are no nutritional benefits of feeding nuts to cats.

This article will answer the question, ‘can cats eat almonds?’ We’ll discuss why it’s best not to give your cat nuts and whether cats can have almond milk.

Can cats eat almonds?

Cats can eat almonds, but it’s not advisable to feed nuts to your cat as they may be choking hazards. If you’re worried about your cat getting enough nutrients, talk to your vet about how to supplement their diet.

According to the ASPCA, almonds are non-toxic to cats, and although they contain many nutrients that are beneficial to humans, such as vitamin E, magnesium, antioxidants, and fiber, they aren’t a necessary part of a cat’s diet.

In fact, too much of certain nutrients can actually be harmful to cats. For example, excess vitamin A can cause liver problems, while too much magnesium can lead to diarrhea.

What are the dangers of giving your cat almonds?

While almonds are not toxic to cats, they are not part of a cat’s natural diet. There are healthier snacks that you can give to your cat. Too many almonds can cause digestive problems for your pet.

Here are some reasons that nuts may be bad for your feline friend:

An upset stomach

Just like people, eating something they are not used to can cause an upset stomach in cats. Nuts are also high in fats which can lead to dangerous inflammation of the pancreas and a health condition known as pancreatitis. Fatty foods can also lead to obesity; being overweight puts cats at risk for developing several health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, and liver disease.

Choking hazard

Almonds are a choking hazard for cats as they are fairly small and hard, making them difficult to chew.

Blockages

Eating too many almonds can cause blockages in your cat’s digestive system. If your cat ate a large number of almonds, call your vet straight away, as your pet may need to have the blockage removed.

Which nuts are toxic to cats?

Several nuts are toxic to cats. If you give your cat a nut, ensure it isn’t salted or covered in caramel, chocolate, or sugar. Salt and chocolate are highly toxic to cats and should be avoided, while sugar can cause weight gain, which can lead to health issues in the long run.

Here are some nuts to avoid completely:

Walnuts
Macadamia nuts (these are highly toxic to cats)
Pecans
Hazelnuts
Cashew nuts

Can cats have nut milk?

Cats are not able to digest milk properly due to them being lactose intolerant. Some cats may be able to enjoy a little almond mil k, while others will suffer stomach upset. If you want to give your cat dairy-free milk, choose a specially made cat milk that is easy for them to digest.

How to stop your cat from begging?

Cats can be very persistent when they want something, including begging for food. It can be frustrating and annoying if your cat is constantly begging for food. However, you can do a few things to stop your cat from begging.

One way to stop your cat from begging is to feed them on a schedule. Set specific times for meals and stick to them as closely as possible. This will train your cat to know when it is time to eat, and they will be less likely to beg at other times.

It would help if you also ignored your cat when he begs. Do not give in to your pet’s demands, and eventually he will learn that begging is not an effective way to get food.

Can cats eat almonds: Final thoughts

It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding your cat any nuts, as they aren’t a natural part of the feline diet and don’t contain any beneficial nutrients that cats can’t get elsewhere. Nuts can also be a choking hazard to cats.

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