Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Almonds?
Almonds are not a good snack for cats. A plain one is unlikely to be an emergency, but the fat can upset the belly. Here is what to know, plus almond butter.
Almonds are not a good treat for cats. The ASPCA says the oil and fat in almonds can upset the stomach, and may inflame the pancreas in some animals. If your cat ate one plain almond, it is unlikely to be an emergency. Just don’t offer more.
Why almonds are not a good snack for cats
Cats are meat eaters
The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats are carnivores, which means they eat mainly meat. Cats do not need nuts. A complete cat food already has what they need. The same page tells owners to avoid giving table scraps.
Almonds are high in fat
The ASPCA says almonds, pecans, and walnuts have a lot of oil and fat. This can upset the stomach. The ASPCA also says it may inflame the pancreas in some animals. The pancreas is a small organ that helps with digestion.
Cat pancreatitis is a little different from what happens in dogs. Merck says the cause is usually not known. Risk factors include belly injuries, surgery, some drugs, and some infections. Merck does not name fatty food as a cause in cats. Even so, there is no good reason to give a cat a fatty snack.
What should I watch for if my cat ate an almond?
The ASPCA names stomach upset as the main worry. Watch your cat for a day or two for vomiting, loose stool, or not wanting to eat.
Merck lists these signs of serious pancreatitis in cats:
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Throwing up
- Dehydration
- Belly pain
- Yellow skin or gums (jaundice)
- Fever
Some cats show no signs at all. Call your vet if your cat seems sick after eating almonds, or if your cat ate a lot.
Other kinds of almond foods
Can cats eat almond butter?
Almond butter is not a good treat either. It has the same high fat as whole almonds. A small lick of plain almond butter is unlikely to be an emergency, but it gives your cat nothing it needs.
Check the label for sweeteners. The ASPCA says xylitol shows up in some sugar-free foods, including nut butters. The ASPCA says cats are not negatively affected by xylitol. It is very dangerous for dogs, though. If you also have a dog, keep the jar where the dog cannot reach it. Our guide on peanut butter for dogs explains more.
What about salted or flavored almonds?
The sources we read do not say anything specific about salted or flavored almonds for cats. Plain almonds are already not a good choice, so do not offer flavored ones. If your cat ate some, check the ingredient list and call your vet if you are unsure what was in them.
What can I give my cat instead?
Treats made for cats are the easiest choice. You can also give a few pieces of your cat’s regular food as a reward. For other people foods, see our guides on cheese for cats and foods that are toxic to cats.
Common questions
Are almonds poisonous to cats?
The ASPCA lists almonds with foods that can upset the stomach because of their high fat, not as a poison. Still, they are not a treat to share with your cat.
Can cats get pancreatitis from almonds?
The ASPCA says the oils in almonds may inflame the pancreas in some animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual says the cause of pancreatitis in cats is usually unknown, so no one can promise it will or will not happen.
Do cats need nuts in their diet?
No. The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats are carnivores that eat mainly meat. A complete and balanced cat food gives your cat what it needs.
Is xylitol dangerous for cats?
The ASPCA says cats are not negatively affected by xylitol, but it is very dangerous for dogs. If you have a dog too, keep xylitol products away from it.