No, cats should not eat pistachios.
Pistachios are edible nuts that are a member of the cashew family. Though this type of nut does not contain harmful compounds for cats, feeding her pistachios may create other health risks.
First off, because of its size and shell, pistachios may be a choking hazard or be an obstruction in your cat’s gastrointestinal system. Extreme distress, pawing at the mouth, drooling, continuous gagging, and coughing are signs that your cat may be choking. Pistachios are also packed with fiber, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress if your cat consumes too much of it. Another concern is feeding your cat flavoured pistachios mixed with deadly ingredients. Salt, onion, garlic, sugar, and chocolate are all known for being dangerous for cats.
Regular consumption of pistachios can cause pancreatitis, weight gain, feline obesity, and other issues. Pancreatitis may manifest as abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in stool.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats pistachios: Read the nutrition facts label. Check to see if there are any ingredients mixed with the pistachios that may be toxic for your cat. Try to figure out how much she ate and inform your veterinarian about your findings. Remove uneaten pistachio shells and nuts to prevent her from attempting to eat it again.
Keep a close eye on your cat for changes in her mood, behaviour, eating, and litter box habits. Observe if she is having difficulty breathing or experiencing stomach pain since the hard shells may also cause blockage or internal tears.
In summary: Err on the side of caution by keeping all types of nuts away from your cat. This way, she won’t get curious and try to eat a stray pistachio nut she finds lying on the kitchen table. Though pistachios are packed with plant-based protein, they also contain carbohydrates and fat that aren’t good for her.
Instead of giving her pistachios and other types of nuts, why not give her fruits and vegetables to eat? Find out which food you can safely feed your cat by checking out our “can cats eat” category.
References:
Nuts and Seeds for Cats: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations
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