Can Cats Eat Pistachios?

Pistachios are not a good treat for cats. The ASPCA says they are not really toxic to animals, but a lot of them can upset the stomach. Shells can block the gut. If your cat ate one or two plain pistachios without the shell, it is unlikely to be an emergency. Don’t offer more.

Why are pistachios 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. Merck also tells owners to avoid giving table scraps.

Nuts are high in fat

The ASPCA says nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts have a lot of oil and fat. This can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It may also inflame the pancreas in some pets. The pancreas is a small organ that helps with digestion.

The ASPCA’s pistachio comments say that eating a large number can cause stomach upset and possibly pancreatitis. The sources we read do not say how many pistachios are too many for a cat. Merck says the cause of pancreatitis in cats is usually not known, and it does not name fatty food as a cause. Even so, a fatty snack gives your cat nothing it needs.

Are pistachio shells dangerous for cats?

Yes. The ASPCA says pistachios eaten in the shell could cause an intestinal obstruction. That means a block in the gut that food cannot get past. Shells are also hard to chew and easy to swallow by accident.

Cats like to bat small things around, so a loose shell on the floor can turn into a toy. Sweep them up and keep the bowl out of reach.

What should I watch for if my cat ate pistachios?

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 pistachios, or if you think it swallowed shells.

Other nuts

Can cats eat walnuts?

Walnuts are not a good treat either. The ASPCA puts walnuts in the same group as almonds and pecans: high in fat, with the same risk of an upset stomach. The ASPCA lists black walnut as non-toxic to cats.

Moldy nuts are a different story. The ASPCA says that for dogs, moldy walnuts and hulls can cause tremors and seizures. Pet Poison Helpline says moldy food, including nuts, can carry toxins that affect cats too. Signs include vomiting, drooling, shaking, and seizures. Throw out old or moldy nuts where your cat cannot dig them out. Call a vet right away if your cat ate some.

What about salted or flavored pistachios?

The sources we read do not say anything specific about salted or flavored pistachios for cats. Plain ones 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.

Can cats eat pistachio ice cream?

Better not. Merck says dairy products should not be fed to cats. Ice cream also has sugar and fat, and it adds nothing your cat needs. For more, see our guide on ice cream for cats.

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 nuts, see almonds and cats. For a full list of foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to cats.