Almonds, like many nuts, are very beneficial to humans. Therefore, many people think that giving almonds could be beneficial to cats too. Despite contrary beliefs, there aren’t any positive sides to giving almonds to cats. So that raises the question “Are almonds bad for cats?” Well, the answer is yes, and here’s why.
Cats, like many felines, have unique dietary needs and preferences. They are naturally carnivores, meaning that human foods and plants aren’t safe for them to consume. Obviously, a small amount of almonds couldn’t hurt your cat; and it won’t. It just depends on what kind of almonds and how much they consume. Let’s learn more on the topic.
Can Cats Eat Almonds?
The answer is quite complex. For cats almonds aren’t inherently toxic. However, due to their carnivore nature, eating almonds and other nuts can cause some health issues.
From digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea to potential toxicity, almonds are certainly a food you should avoid giving to your cats. However, giving them a small amount of almonds couldn’t hurt them, right? Well, it depends on what kind of almonds you want to give them.
Sweet Almonds
Sweet almonds are the most common type of almonds you can find at the grocery store. Even though sweet almonds aren’t inherently toxic to cats, giving them in large doses can cause digestive issues for your cats. They can cause diarrhea and even vomiting as they are very high in fat content.
Not only that but they can be problematic for smaller kitties as they can cause choking. Therefore, it would be best if you avoid giving almonds to your cats to avoid any health risks.
Bitter Almonds
Unlike sweet almonds, bitter almonds release cyanide when they are ingested. This is what makes bitter almonds dangerous to both animals and humans, meaning it is toxic to cats as well. It generally takes up to several almonds to be poisonous to human adults; meaning it takes even fewer for them to be lethal to cats.
Bitter almonds are banned from many locations, but if you suspect that your cat has eaten some, make sure to contact the vet immediately.
Are There Any Health Benefits to Giving My Cat Almonds?
Almonds are filled with nutrients such as Magnesium, Vitamin E, and even healthy fats. However, these nutrients more commonly apply to us, humans. If you care about your kitty getting all the nutrients, make sure you give them quality cat food, as it is catered to their meat-based diet. Cats and almonds don’t go well together. Remember, the risks outweigh any health benefits, so avoid giving them almonds.
Conclusion
Can cats have almonds? Overall, it’s wise to avoid giving almonds to your cats, especially bitter almonds. Regular grocery-bought almonds don't pose any huge threatening risks to your cats, but they can still cause them some uncomfortable health issues. Remember, cats are animals with very specific meat-based diets. You should always contact a veterinarian if you’re not sure what you should feed your cat with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats have almond milk?
Potentially, you could give small amounts of almond milk to cats. However, almond milk for cats does nothing since it doesn’t contain any nutrients and can cause some digestive issues for your cats.
Can cats eat nuts?
You should avoid giving nuts to your cats as they can be toxic. Many nuts contain high-fat content which causes health risks to your feline friends.
Can cats have pecans?
Like many nuts, you should avoid giving pecans to your cat. They can pose a choking hazard to your cats as well as cause vomiting and diarrhea.
