You may have seen those memes on the internet about cats and walnuts. You know, the ones that say “can cats eat walnuts?” and then show a picture of a cat with a horrified look on its face? Well, as it turns out, there is actually some truth to those jokes.
Can cats eat walnuts? The answer is yes, they can. But should they? That’s a tougher question to answer. Walnuts are not toxic to cats, but they may not be the best snack choice for our feline friends. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of feeding walnuts to cats.
In this blog post, we will explore whether or not cats can eat walnuts and what the potential health benefits and risks of doing so are. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!
What Are Walnuts Exactly?
Walnuts are the edible seeds of the walnut tree. They are encased in a hard shell that is removed before eating. Walnuts can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a powder.
Walnuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, copper, and manganese.
Health benefits associated with eating walnuts include lower cholesterol levels, improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and better heart health.
Walnuts are often eaten as a snack or added to salads and other dishes. They can also be used in baking. And, of course, they can be enjoyed raw.
So Can Cats Eat Walnuts?
Cats should not eat walnuts. Walnuts are a type of nut that is high in polyunsaturated fats, which are healthy for humans but not for cats. Cats have a different metabolism than humans and cannot digest polyunsaturated fats properly.
When ingested, these fats can build up in a cat’s liver and lead to health problems like liver disease.Cats lack the ability to break down these fatty acids, so they can experience health problems like liver damage and pancreatitis after eating walnuts.
Walnuts are a choking hazard for cats because they are too big to swallow and can get stuck in their throats.
Eating too many walnuts can actually give your cat diarrhea or even make them sick. Stick to giving your cat cat food designed specifically for their dietary needs—that way you know they’re getting all the nutrients they need!
Why Are Walnuts Bad For Cats ?
- 1. Walnuts are a choking hazard for cats.
- 2. Walnuts are not a natural part of a cat’s diet and can cause stomach upset.
- 3. Walnuts can cause gastrointestinal problems in cats, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- 4. Walnuts can increase the risk of pancreatitis in cats.
- 5. Walnuts are high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain in cats.
- 6.Walnuts are not a part of a cat’s natural diet and can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
- 7.The high levels of protein found in walnuts can put a lot of strain on a cat’s kidneys and liver.
Walnuts are not toxic to cats, but they may not be the best snack choice for our feline friends.
List Of Side Effects Of Walnuts On Cats :
- Choking Hazard
- Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Pancreatitis
- Weight gain
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Strain on kidneys, liver.
- Diabetes
Will Eating Walnuts Kill A Cat?
No, eating walnuts will not kill a cat. However, as we mentioned earlier, there are some potential health risks associated with feeding walnuts to cats. So it’s best to avoid giving them this type of nut altogether.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins. So, while walnuts aren’t poisonous, they’re not going to do the kitten any favours nutritionally.
In fact, too many nuts in general can actually cause problems for cats – things like pancreatitis, weight gain, and liver damage. So if you’re a cat lover, it’s probably best to keep the nuts off the menu!
What To Do If Your Cat Has Consumed Excessive Walnuts?
If you think your cat has consumed too many walnuts, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on whether or not there is cause for concern and what steps need to be taken to ensure your cat’s health.
When To Take Your Cat To The Veterinarian?
If your cat has eaten a significant amount of walnuts, or if they are showing any signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, take them to the veterinarian right away.
Alternative Snacks For Cats:
There are plenty of other snacks that cats can enjoy that are safe and nutritious. Here are some ideas:
- Commercial cat treats
- Cooked chicken
- Cooked fish
- Cooked turkey
- Plain yogurt
- Boiled Eggs
As you can see, there are plenty of other snacks that cats can enjoy instead of walnuts. So there’s no need to worry about giving them this type of nut.
Can Cats Eat Walnuts ? Bottomline :
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require animal protein to survive. So the answer to the question “Can cats eat walnuts?” Is No, cats cannot digest plant proteins like nuts. Cats should not eat walnuts because they can cause digestive problems and pancreatitis in cats.
Walnuts are a type of nut that is high in fat and calories. They also contain a lot of omega-6 fatty acids, which is not good for cats because they tend to have a low level of the enzyme that breaks down these fatty acids.
This means that when cats eat walnuts, it can overload their system with these fatty acids and lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
Walnuts can also negatively affect a cat’s blood sugar levels, so it’s best to avoid giving them to your feline friend altogether.
Parting Words
Walnuts are a choking hazard for cats, and they can also cause digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, walnuts are high in fat and calories, so they can contribute to weight gain in cats. For these reasons, it’s best to keep walnuts away from your cat.
Instead of giving your cat nuts, try feeding her wet or dry food that is specifically made for cats. And be sure to provide plenty of fresh water for her to drink as well.
Remember, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving them this type of nut altogether. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your veterinarian.
I hope this blog post has answered any nutrition related questions you had about whether cats can eat walnuts or not ! If there is anything else I didn’t cover in detail or if you still have more specific questions on this topic, feel free to reach out with your concerns by clicking the contact button below. Our team of experts will be happy to help answer any queries related to cat behaviour, nutrition, and care!
Meow for now 🙂
XoXo
Genie
