Can Cats Eat Sunflower Seeds?

Yes, cats can eat plain and shelled sunflower seeds in small amounts.

Sunflower seeds are harvested from sunflower heads, with one head being able to contain up to 2,000 seeds. The edible seeds are contained in hard, striped shells in black and white colours. 

Sunflower seeds have a mild, nutty flavour and are available in raw or roasted forms. They are packed with plant-based protein, vitamins, manganese, copper, as well as healthy polyunsaturated fat. However, they are also fat and calorie dense, so they should only be given to your pet cat sparingly.  

How to feed sunflower seeds to your cat: Make sure to give your cat shelled and unflavoured sunflower seeds. Feeding her salted sunflower seeds can cause poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, decrease in appetite, incoordination, lethargy, and excessive thirst or urination. Other herbs, spices, and artificial flavourings can also affect your cat in a similar way. Additionally, refrain from giving raw sunflower seeds since these may be contaminated with pathogens or bacteria.

Always remove the hard, inedible sunflower shells. These may cause choking, internal tears, and throat or intestinal blockage. If you are enjoying sunflower seeds with a cat around, make sure to dispose of the shells properly.  

In summary: Considered non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA, sunflower seeds may be fed to your cat sparingly. The cooked, unflavoured type may even add variety to his daily diet. Before making Kitty try sunflower seeds, consult with your veterinarian. Follow his suggestions and do not go over the recommended serving size and frequency. Overfeeding sunflower seeds to your cat may cause vomiting and diarrhea.   

Aside from sunflower seeds, find out which grains, fruits, and vegetables you can safely feed to your cat by checking out our blog’s “can cats eat” category.

References: 

Are Sunflower Seeds Good for You? Nutrition, Benefits and More

Safe and Unsafe Nuts and Seeds For Dogs & Cats 

ASPCA: Sunflower

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

Can Cats Eat Sunflower Seeds? What You Need to Know!