Can Cats Have Peanut Butter?
While peanut butter is not poisonous to cats, it can cause some severe health issues, especially if it is fed on a regular basis. Peanut butter is high in fat, sodium, and calories, which are unhealthy for your cat.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet consists mostly of meat and they have little to no need for carbohydrates in their diet. Human treats like peanut butter offer no nutritional value to a cat’s diet.
Peanut butter is high in trans-fatty acids that keep it shelf-stable. This type of fat is not healthy for a cat, particularly a cat who is already overweight.
The high sodium and calorie content in peanut butter also makes it unhealthy for cats to consume. Additionally, peanut butter poses the following health risks for your cat:
- Allergies: That’s right, just like humans can be allergic to peanut butter your cat can be, too. The severity can vary from itchy skin to anaphylaxis.
- Stomach upset: Peanut butter can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort in cats.
- Xylitol poisoning: Some peanut butter options have xylitol instead of sugar. Xylitol is extremely toxic to animals so it’s important that your cat never consumes peanut butter that contains this harmful additive.
If you want to give your cat some tasty treats straight from your kitchen, here are a few alternatives to peanut butter:
- A piece of cooked lean meat such as beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb. Make sure it is fully cooked and unseasoned.
- A piece of plain, cooked fish.
- A small portion of cooked egg (scrambled or boiled).
Ultimately, peanut butter is not a safe treat for your cat. If you suspect your cat consumed some peanut butter and they are exhibiting any side effects, contact your veterinarian right away.
Want to learn more about cats? Check out these articles:
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