Can Cats Eat Pistachios? | Waldo's Friends

Home / Blog / Can Cats Eat Pistachios?

Blog

Blog Hero

Cat Food

Can Cats Eat Pistachios?

Can Cats Eat Pistachios?

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:

Pistachio

Nuts and Seeds for Cats: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations

Can Cats Eat Pistachios? What Are the Risks Involved?



Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.

Check out related posts

Can Cats Eat Cooked Mince?

Can Cats Eat Cooked Mince?

It depends. Beef is the main ingredient of cooked mince or ground meat. It becomes finely minced with the help of a meat grinder, or chopped by hand. Minced meat is a versatile ingredient. It can be turned into meatballs or hamburger patties. It can also be added to pasta sauce. Aside from beef, chicken,… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Cooked Mince?

Can Cats Eat Chicken Nuggets?

Can Cats Eat Chicken Nuggets?

It is not advisable for cats to eat chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets consist of deboned chicken meat in a breaded casing. These matchbox-sized pieces are deep fried. As an obligate carnivore, cats can benefit from eating plainly cooked chicken as it provides them with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. However, in the case of chicken… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Chicken Nuggets?

Can Cats Eat Pepperoni?

Can Cats Eat Pepperoni?

It is not advisable for cats to eat pepperoni because of the way it is prepared. Pepperoni is a type of cured meat consisting of beef, pork, or a combination of the two. Technically speaking, your cat can eat both plainly cooked beef and pork with some conditions. However, when it comes to making pepperoni,… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Pepperoni?