Can Cats Eat Almonds? Benefits & Risks You Must Know

Cats are curious pets and frequently exhibit a desire for human food. Knowing which foods to feed your cat and which to avoid is crucial if you own one.

On the other hand, almonds are among the wholesome snacks for humans because they are delicious with healthy fats, several nutrients, and minerals.

However, can cats eat almonds? It's a controversial debate among pet owners. Some approve of feeding their four-legged friends these nuts, while others criticize this viewpoint.

This article will thoroughly discuss this matter so you can make a final judgment before giving your cats almonds. Let's get started!

Can Cats Eat Almonds?

The answer is yes! You can feed your cats these nuts in moderation. However, not all felines can tolerate almonds, especially kittens under one-year-old.

Moreover, felines are obligate creatures, meaning they need animal protein in their daily diets. Their digestive systems can only break in a tiny amount of vegetables and plants. Thus, most felines in the wild don't consume almonds.

Can cats have almonds? Yes! However, the types of these nuts also determine whether your pets should consume them, as shown below:

Sweet Almonds

A few tasty almonds won't hurt your cat, so they can eat these nuts. According to scientific studies, nothing in sweet almonds is hazardous to cats.

However, these nuts can be challenging for felines to swallow, leading to unfavorable gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Bitter Almonds

Never give kitties bitter almonds because they contain a chemical similar to the deadly cyanide.

If you purchase the almonds are not labeled bitter types, they are often sweet varieties. 

If you think your four-legged friends accidentally consume bitter almonds, it's best to go to the closest veterinarian's urgent care facility.

Almond Milk

Cats don't typically consume dairy or nuts because their digestive systems are designed to process animal protein foods. Also, almond milk cannot replace kitten formula. 

This milk doesn't have lactose, a protein that felines can't digest. However, it contains other additives, like sweeteners unsafe for cats. 

Furthermore, if xylitol sweetener is present in almond milk, it's dangerous for your four-legged friends.

Almond Butter

Butter made of these nuts isn't a food for your fur babies. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid feeding your cats this almond-based product. 

Moreover, this food may have additional ingredients, like salt, seasonings, sweeteners, and flavorings. These things are toxic to these animals.

Raw Almonds

You can provide 1 - 2 nuts for your fur babies without health issues. These things don't contain salt or other flavorings. 

A cat's diet can benefit from adding raw almonds since they are a fantastic source of protein, minerals, and healthy fats.

However, while buying raw nuts, ensure they're pesticide-free and organic.

Unsalted Almonds

You can feed your pets unsalted almonds because they do not have salt or other flavorings. 

However, it's worth noting that you should only let your cats consume these nuts in moderation because of their considerable fat content.

Benefits Of Feeding Almonds To Cats

Can cats eat almonds? Because of their high protein content and delicious, nutty flavor, these nuts are a fantastic snack for your pets.

Here are the benefits your four-legged friends can receive from these nuts:

Healthy Skin & Coat

Almonds provide health benefits for cats that are comparable to those for people. Almonds are an excellent source of nutritious fats and include fatty acids for keeping healthy coats and fur.

Healthy Bones & Teeth

Almonds are a good source of the calcium, and phosphorus cats require for healthy, strong teeth and bones. Moreover, almonds include magnesium, supporting joint health and strong bones.

Better Digestive Health

Cats require sufficient dietary fiber amounts to aid with digestion. Almonds' high magnesium and manganese content can help keep their digestive systems healthy and prevent constipation and other problems.

Better Immune System

Almonds' vitamin B2 boosts cats' resistance to infections or other illnesses, assisting in maintaining a robust immune system.

Moreover, these nuts are a fantastic antioxidant source that aids in preventing oxidative stress and minimizing free radical harm.

Better Heart Health

Almonds include zinc, which lowers the cardiovascular disease risk in kitties, and potassium, which keeps their hearts robust and healthy.

Risk Of Feeding Almonds To Cats

As shared earlier, you should only give almonds to your fur babies in moderation due to their higher fat content.

Below are some risks when you feed too many of these nuts to your pets:

Obesity

Obesity is among the biggest dangers of giving kitties too many nuts because they are abundant in calories and fat.

Therefore, if your pets overeat, they may quickly gain weight and develop associated conditions like diabetes.

Allergic Reactions

According to the study, some felines may have allergic responses after eating almonds. Your four-legged friends may suffer from some symptoms of almond allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling, or itching after consumption. 

If you notice one of these signs, you should stop providing these nuts for them and consult your vet for the best solutions.

See more cat pictures at: Cat Images

Gastrointestinal Issues

Cats that consume excessive amounts of almonds also risk developing digestive problems, including diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. For this reason, it's crucial to feed cats a minimal amount as they might be painful.

Sodium Ion Toxicosis

Almonds frequently have additives, including salt. This amount doesn't cause problems for humans, but it's a different story for felines. 

Only a tiny sodium amount can lead to some medical issues for your pets, like sodium ion toxicosis. This problem gets worse if your fur babies don't regularly drink a proper water amount.

Do Cats Like Almonds?

The answer is Yes! According to a Purina poll, cats like almonds similarly to fish or other types of treats.

Some kitties even exhibit increased activity and playfulness after consuming these nuts, indicating they might particularly enjoy their flavors.

In addition, many cats consider nuts a delightful treat to enjoy as a reward or snack for appropriate behavior.

Yet, kitties should only consume nuts in moderation, as consuming too many might result in medical problems, including obesity and digestive difficulties.

How Many Almonds is Too Much for Cats?

Are almonds bad for cats? The ultimate answer is No if you only feed them in moderation as occasional treats.

These nuts can't be a complete meal for cats. Therefore, it's vital to remember that you shouldn't provide these foods in place of a healthy diet.

Almonds are also rich in fat, so it's essential to only feed pets a tiny amount of them. Let's consider the table showing the recommended number of almonds for your cats depending on their body weight below:

Depending on your pet's weight, you can give them 1 - 2 nuts as an occasional treat. Never offer them more than the number recommended. Otherwise, your fur babies will suffer from several health issues. 

If you are looking for the best diet for your cats, let’s watch this video:

Precautions For Feeding Almonds To Cats

While these nuts can bring some health benefits for your four-legged companions, they pose specific risks mentioned above.

For this reason, if you want to feed your pets almonds, you should take the following extra precautions.

Don't Feed Your Pets Whole And Unshelled Almonds

Your pets might suffocate on almonds that are still in whole shells or those that are still clinging to their branches.

Therefore, you must remove the shells and break the nuts into smaller pieces before giving them to your fur babies.

Never Give Your Cats Flavored And Salted Almonds

It's advisable to keep your cats away from salted and flavored foods because they have added salt or sugar, which causes severe medical issues to your pet's health.

Pay More Attention To Your Pet's Eating Habits

It would be best to constantly observe their eating routines when introducing new food into your pet's diet. 

Moreover, pay more attention to any symptoms of digestive issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Are Almonds Used In Commercial Cat Foods?

The answer is No! As an experienced pet owner, you know that cats are obligate animals. They need animal protein in their daily diets instead of plant matter. 

For this reason, commercial cat foods typically don't contain nuts, including almonds. Most of these products may contain the ingredients as shown below:

• Meat (cattle or poultry)
• Fish
• Grain
• Vegetables
• Nutrient supplements
• Synthetic thickeners
• Flavor enhancers

Wrapping Up

While cats can eat almonds in moderation, these nuts are unsuitable for your pets due to their significant fat content and difficulty in digestion. 

Your pets won't suffer severe harm if they accidentally consume a small piece of these nuts. However, if they overeat these foods, it is better to consult your vet. Some almond toxicity signs in felines include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Besides, it's best to consider some safe treats for your four-legged babies, including cooked fish and chicken. Sticking to cat-specific treats and a balanced diet is best to keep your feline friend healthy and happy.

Thank you for reading!

See more:

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