Can Cats Eat Cashews?

A plain cashew is not a known poison for cats, so one bite is unlikely to hurt. But cashews are fatty and give your cat little it needs. Salted or flavored cashews are a bigger worry. Skip them as a treat, and call your vet if your cat eats a lot.

Why are cashews not a great snack for cats?

The ASPCA says nuts are high in oils and fats. It names almonds, pecans, and walnuts. It does not name cashews. But cashews are also a nut, and the same worry applies. The fat can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In some pets it can also cause pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas, the organ that helps digest food.

Cornell’s Feline Health Center says cats are obligate carnivores. That means they need nutrients found only in animal products. Nuts do not fill that need. Complete cat food does.

We did not find a source that says cashews are poisonous to cats. We also did not find one that says they are a healthy treat.

What is pancreatitis in cats?

The Merck Veterinary Manual says the cause is often never found. In cats, signs can include:

• Tiredness and not wanting to eat
• Vomiting
• Dehydration and weight loss
• Belly pain
• Yellow skin or gums (jaundice)

Some cats show no signs at all. Mild cases usually go well with care at the vet. Merck says severe cases are uncertain, and about half of cats with severe pancreatitis may die. Merck does not say that nuts cause it in cats. The ASPCA says the fat in nuts can cause it in some pets. Either way, it is a good reason to keep fatty snacks small.

Are salted cashews bad for cats?

Yes, they are worse than plain ones. Pet Poison Helpline says cats’ bodies are not built to handle a lot of salt. Too much salt pulls water out of the body and can harm the kidneys and other organs.

Signs of too much salt include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Not wanting to eat
• Peeing a lot
• Dehydration and tiredness
• Shaking or seizures in serious cases

The sources do not give a safe or harmful amount of salt for cats. So the safest plan is to keep salty snacks away.

Other kinds of cashews and nut mixes

Are flavored cashews safe for cats?

Not a good idea. Honey roasted, barbecue, and spicy cashews may have extra salt, sugar, or seasonings. Onion and garlic are a special worry. The ASPCA says cats are more sensitive to them than dogs are. Pet Poison Helpline says signs can start a day after eating, or take several days to show. Check the label before you think about sharing.

What about mixed nuts?

Mixed nuts can have other nuts in them. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline list macadamia nuts as a problem. Their warnings describe signs in dogs, such as weakness, shaking, and vomiting. They do not describe cats. Because mixes are also usually salted, keep them away from your cat.

What should I do if my cat ate cashews?

If your cat ate one or two plain cashews, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or low energy over the next day or so. Call your vet if your cat ate a lot, or if the nuts were salted or flavored. Call right away if your cat seems sick or has belly pain.

What can I give my cat instead?

Cornell says a complete, balanced cat food is the base of a good diet. For treats, it suggests keeping them to no more than 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s daily calories. A treat made for cats is a better pick than a nut. For other risky foods, see our list of foods that are toxic to cats.