Can cats eat almonds? In a nutshell, no, cats cannot eat almonds as they do more harm than good to your cat. If you give your cat almonds regularly, it could lead to problems with health and well-being. Offering only one or two almonds at a time will not harm your cat.
Cats cannot effectively digest almonds, which causes some unpleasant side effects. Your veterinarian will likely advise against giving almonds to your cat under any circumstances.
Cats are often curious eaters. Maybe your cat has an obsession with toilet paper or has raided your storage of cat litter and spread it out like a giant sheet of ice on the hardwood floor.
Whatever area of the house your cat decides to “commandeer,” you have probably wondered if there is an edible substance that causes cats to behave offensively.
Almonds are among the most popular nuts. They are healthy and can be enjoyed by people more. Unlike nuts processed in factories, raw almonds contain fewer fats and more vitamins. Almonds and their kernels have several health benefits to humans as they are rich in protein, calcium, zinc and iron, vitamin K and magnesium.
Keep on reading to determine whether you can supplement your cat’s diet with almonds.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Almonds?
Can cats eat almonds? Almonds are not safe for cats to eat if they exceed just the minimal quantity of one or two. If your cat eats a small number of almonds, you do not need to worry about it. But make sure you are extremely cautious while feeding almonds to cats.
Some feline breeds do not tolerate fatty foods well and are prone to digestive difficulties when consuming them. In general, you should keep the number of almonds in your kitty’s diet low to avoid potential side effects.
Potential Health Complications When Cats Eat Almonds
Almonds are healthy snack food for humans but not good for dogs or cats. Almonds can be choking hazards, and even if your pet does not choke on the nut itself, it could choke on a piece that has been broken off.
Many pet owners are unaware of the problems that almonds can cause, so it’s essential to know the risks.
Cyanide Poisoning – Can Cats eat Almonds?
One of the biggest risks associated with almonds is cyanide poisoning. Cyanide is produced naturally in almonds by amygdalin, a glycoside found in all plant parts but especially in its seeds (almonds).
When an almond is chewed or damaged, amygdalin breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, which is highly toxic and can cause serious health complications and even death.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not picky eaters, as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones?
Cyanide poisoning symptoms include vomiting, appetite loss, dilated pupils, and hyperventilation. If your cat ingests almonds and exhibits any of these symptoms, you must take him to your veterinarian immediately because this is a medical emergency.
Choking Hazard – Can Cats eat Almonds?
Almonds are a hard food for your cat to eat and can cause your kitty to choke on them or develop an obstruction if she eats too many at once. If this happens, you’ll notice your cat having difficulty breathing or swallowing. They may also cough or gag while trying to get the almond out of her throat.
Internal Obstructions
Eating too many almonds at once could also lead to an internal obstruction. An obstruction will lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly decreased appetite and lethargy.
This is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention and possible surgery if the almond does not pass through the gastrointestinal tract on its own.
Obesity – Can Cats eat Almonds?
Almonds contain high amounts of fat. When ingested, the fat is broken down into fatty acids and absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to excess fat throughout the body, resulting in obesity and related health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Upset Stomach
Toxic or dangerous, almonds can cause upset stomachs if eaten too frequently by your cat. Eating large amounts of almonds may cause diarrhea in your cat because the high-fat content stresses the digestive tract.
Toxic Toppings – Can Cats eat Almonds?
In addition to the high-fat content, almonds may be processed with other ingredients that are toxic to cats. For example, almonds may be covered with chocolate or dipped in sugar when used as a dessert topping.
Both chocolate and sugar are toxic to cats if ingested. Some almond products may also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
Ultimately, almonds are healthy food but are not intended for cats. They might seem like a safe snack for cats because they are so small, but they aren’t a good choice for your pets.
The mycotoxins naturally occur in almonds and can be poisonous to cat digestive systems.
