Cats are particular about their food but that doesn't stop them from being curious about your food. While nuts have nutritional value for humans, you may wonder if the same applies to cats. In this article, we answer the question, “Can cats eat peanuts?”
Are Peanuts Safe for Cats?
Cats can safely eat peanuts. However, just like any other treat or snack, the key is moderation. Cats get all their vital nutrients from their core diet. Pet parents should follow the 10% rule for treats. Treats should only form 10% of your cat's diet.
When feeding your cat peanuts, you should serve plain, unflavored, and unsalted nuts. Peanuts coated in honey or chocolate or seasoned with ingredients like onion powder and garlic shouldn't be served to cats.
Nutritional Value of Peanuts for Cats
Peanuts are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and proteins. Proteins are good for the repair of body tissue and your cat's growth. Fiber helps with digestion and healthy poop. Healthy fats are good for your cat's skin and coat health. Also, they boost the immune and nervous system. The trace minerals and vitamins are good for your cat's heart health, bone health, and dental health.
Potential Risks of Feeding Peanuts to Cats
Are peanuts bad for cats? No, if given in small quantities. Although peanuts are safe for your cat, there are potential risks. These risks are:
Allergic Reaction
When introducing new food to your cat, always start small and slow. Cats with a sensitive digestive system may have an allergic reaction to new food. Serve small portions then observe and monitor any allergic reaction. Signs of allergic reactions include itching, swelling, vomiting, and sneezing. When you see these signs, stop feeding your cat peanuts. If your cat tolerates them, keep feeding them.
Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia, or salt poisoning, happens when your cat consumes too much salt. Sodium is vital to your cat's regular body function. Excess salt tampers with your cat's body functions by causing electrolyte imbalance.
Peanuts, especially those bought from the stores, have excess salt. If your cat eats them in excess, it will lead to hypernatremia. Symptoms of hypernatremia include loss of appetite, excessive thirst, frequent urination, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. Chronic cases of hypernatremia lead to tremors, kidney damage, seizures, and death.
Diabetes
Peanuts have a high fat and calories content. If your cat eats them in excess, it will lead to diabetes and obesity. Obese cats and cats with pancreatitis shouldn't eat peanuts.
Digestive Issues
Excessive consumption of peanuts will result in gastrointestinal problems for your cat. Common signs of digestive issues are diarrhea and vomiting. When you see these signs, call your vet for professional guidance.
What to Do if Your Cat Ate Too Many Peanuts
If your cat ate too many peanuts, monitor the severity of the symptoms. The symptoms will vary from mild to chronic. It's the severity of the symptoms that will determine the necessity of a trip to the vet.
Some of the mild symptoms like sneezing and itching will go away with home care. When mild symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or switch from mild to severe, take your cat to the vet immediately.
How to Safely Serve Peanuts to Your Cat
Can cats eat nuts? Yes. The safest ways to serve peanuts to your cat are:
Remove the shells before serving. Shells are a potential choking hazard. Also, they may contain molds that have mycotoxins.
Home-made peanuts are safer than commercial nuts. Home-made snacks should always be made without salt and spices.
Serve them in small portions and look out for any allergic reactions.
Don't serve peanuts more than once a week and keep in mind the 10% treat rule.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
Cats and peanut butter aren't the perfect combination. Peanut butter has no nutritional benefit to your cat. Also, it may contain xylitol and excess salt which are dangerous to cats. Xylitol is a sweetener, a sugar substitute used in most peanut butter products. In dogs, xylitol is a toxin. In cats, however, it doesn't cause serious problems if ingested in small quantities. If consumed in excess, it will cause serious problems for your cat.
If you want your cat to enjoy a scoop of “cats peanut butter,” ensure the label reads 100% peanut butter, with no additional ingredients or additives.
Alternatives to Peanuts for Cats
As a pet parent, you want to feed your cat with healthy snacks. Also, you want to serve them with treats without feeling guilty or worrying about extra calories and weight gain.
Healthy alternatives to peanuts for cats are vegetables you can share with your cat including broccoli, spinach, celery, and zucchini.
Conclusion
Can cats eat peanuts?
Yes. The key however is moderation. Excessive consumption of peanuts may lead to health complications for your cat.
