Almonds, even kids, know the fact that they are full of nutrition and fibers. Probably one of the superfoods humans should consume. But is it the same for cats? Can cats eat almonds? The good news is, yes, cats can eat almonds safely in small quantities.
Let’s find out all you need to know about the relationship between cats and almonds! Because the question is not just limited to yes or no!
Can Cats Have Almonds?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat almonds but only in moderation.in fact, almonds are not toxic or poisonous to cats. They can safely eat a few. However, if cats overeat almonds, they may experience issues in the digestive system like upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea.
While nuts are very healthy for humans, it’s very natural for you to wander around the thoughts of nuts like almonds having any health effects on our dear cats! Won’t it is super easy to take care of fulfilling the nutritious value with almonds for cats!
But wait, tho cats can safely consume almonds, does that mean it would be right to feed her?
For cats, almonds are less beneficial! So it’s a no! You can’t let your cat consume almonds every day, even it’s not an appropriate part of their diet.
So if you were thinking that, let me be a responsible cat parent and give almonds to treat your cat, you need to stop there and drop this idea on the floor, just like you drop an almond which made you land on our page.
Types of Almonds Cats Can Eat
Well, well, well! Almonds are something which is even known by the smallest kid in your house, with such popularity it also excels in variations!
There are many types of almonds, so once you got the answer, can cat eat almonds! You got to worry about what kind of almonds are edible for our cats. Humans are very creative, and they tend to customize everything according to their taste, choice, preference. Etc
There three major coating on almonds we can find is that of chocolate, salt, and butter. Now, let’s analyze in-depth.
Chocolate almond: can cats eat chocolate-dipped almonds? The answer is a big no! Tho the almonds are safe for cats, but this type of coating is not, as Chocolate is considered toxic for cats.
Sweet almond: this kind of almonds are sold in stores for humans, cats can safely consume sweet almonds as they are not toxic to them. However, you need to keep at least one thing in mind that though it’s safe, take no green flags in feeding them.
It’s just safe for them means that you need nothing to be worried about if they happen to pick one or two sweet almonds from the floor or shelf! But introducing it to their diet is a big no!
Bitter almonds: tho bitter almonds are not sold in the USA, but they are bad for your cats. This is entirely a different variety of almonds that contains amygdalin.
After consumption, it breaks down into cyanide compounds. Traces of hydrocyanic acid, a solution of hydrogen cyanide and water, the by-product of which is an organic form of the poison cyanide. It takes almost 10 such bitter almonds to kill a human child, so the calculations are pretty clear and easy to understand.
You should not allow your cat to come in contact with bitter almonds at all!
What’s Good about Almonds for Your Cat?
Almonds are not toxic for cats, and they can eat them safely, but it contains almost less to zero health benefits for them. They contribute a little nutritious value.
So the bottom line is that your cat can eat one or two almonds occasionally, but let’s not make it a habit as they really don’t need it or won’t do any wonders on her health.
What’s Bad about Almonds for Your Cat?
Since cats can eat almonds safely, and they are not toxic to cats only if they consume in a very moderate amount. There are a few things that can possibly go wrong if your cat happens to digest almonds in a huge amount.
Cyanogenic glycosides are a natural toxin found in almonds, cherries, peach pits, and apple seeds that is perfectly natural.
Dilated pupils, an unsettled stomach, and hyperventilation are all indications of cyanide poisoning.
The following are a few reasons of what’s bad about almonds for your cats:
- They contain fats and oils in large amounts, which can be hard for our cats to digest.
- Your cat can experience vomiting or diarrhea if she eats more than a handful of almonds.
- The last but not the least important, since almonds are tiny they can cause an airway blockage/chocking to your cats.
Can Kittens Eat Almonds?
Almonds are not toxic for kittens, so they won’t cost harm to your kitten if she accidentally eats an almond. We have used the word accidentally here because we would strictly suggest that you should keep your kittens away from it or any other nut.
Firstly because kittens have a tiny stomach eventually tiny mouths, they can easily chock onto almonds! Secondly, not consuming in moderate amounts could raise the risk of indigestion, vomiting, and possibly diarrhea.
Can Cats Eat Almonds in Processed Food?
Almond butter and almond milk, popularly made from almonds, particularly made up of sweet almonds! Are these two safe for cats to digest?
Adult cats and even kittens can consume almond milk, it’s safe for them. In fact, many kittens or cats who have lactose intolerance are fed on almond milk instead of normal cow milk, but again that’s only for exceptional situations.
If you have a cat or kitten who is lactose intolerant then there are better and suitable options available for them, for example, a milk formula.
The same goes for almond butter, it is safe for cats to consume, but again there is no point in doing so! As your cat doesn’t require unnecessary calories which have no health benefit.
Conclusion
So I hope you got the answer to, can cats eat almonds? Yes, but only in moderation and under the watchful observation of their human companions. This is not the kind of food that should be shared with our cats. It is yes, but with lots of noes if we sum it up!
The potential harm any cat will do after high amounts of consumption of almonds is by experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Rest, you don’t have to worry if your cat eats one or two almonds.
References
- Cats and Dairy: Get the Facts — Pet WebMD
- Internet Myths and Rumors: Pet Toxin Edition — ASPCA
- Can Kittens Drink Milk? — PetMD