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Can Cats Eat Walnuts?

Can Cats Eat Walnuts?

Walnuts are edible seeds of drupes coming from any tree belonging to the genus Juglans. Its seed kernels are typically enclosed in a brown seed coat, which are loaded with antioxidants. Though it is not a true botanical nut, it is considered as such in the culinary world. 

Humans enjoy eating raw, toasted, pickled, and candied walnuts. They also use walnuts as an ingredient or topping for other dishes and pastries. Though walnuts can be enjoyed by humans in many ways, these should never be shared with your pet cat. Just like Brazil nuts, pecans, and almonds, walnuts are high in oils and fats. When consumed, the walnut’s fat content may cause diarrhea and pancreatitis. 

Aside from the edible seeds, keep your cat’s paws away from the hard shells. These may cause choking, intestinal blocks, and internal tears if your cat tries to eat them.  

What to do if your cat accidentally eats walnuts: Speak with your veterinarian immediately if your cat ate a considerable amount of walnuts in one sitting. Watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure.

If your pet cat ate walnuts flavoured with sugar, salt, onion, garlic, and chives, inform your vet about it as these may result in other symptoms. Common symptoms of poisoning include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, shock or collapse, skin inflammation or swelling, depression or coma, and changes in drinking, urinating, and appetite.

In summary: Though walnuts are rich in plant-based protein, they are not suitable for feline pets that need animal-based protein to thrive. When fed to your cat regularly, walnuts may cause harmful lasting effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and pancreatitis. There’s also the risk of giving moldy walnuts, which are poisonous for cats. 

Instead of giving walnuts, find out which fruits and vegetables you can safely feed your cat through our blog’s “can cats eat” category.

References:

Wikipedia: Walnut

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

Can Cats Eat Walnuts? What You Need to Know!

Poisoning in Cats



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