Can cats eat cashews? Should cats eat cashews? The answer to both the questions is not the same. If your adorable little kitty happens to accidentally consume cashews, should you rush him/her to the emergency room? Probably not.
Even so, it’s only wise to not feed cashews to your feline buddy. Let’s find out everything possible about the connection between cashews and cats.
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How to React When Your Cat Eats One Too Many Cashews Without Your Knowledge
First of all, don’t leave cashews within your pet’s reach. Second of all, the chances are your cat might not consume too many cashews to incite a toxic reaction. Even so, be concerned.
Cashews are packed with tons of protein and fat. These large amounts aren’t easy to digest for a cat’s tummy. Also, they can cause a lot of dehydration. So you have to make sure your cat receives enough fluids and water.
Overconsumption might also cause vomiting. So if your cat looks like he/she is going to barf, then it’s advisable to go to the vet. Vomiting is the first warning that toxicity is taking form.
Can Cats Eat Cashews?
They can, but they shouldn’t. Let me explain below.
Humans fall into the category of omnivores. What this means is that our bodies can survive and even thrive on proteins and plants. But cats, on the other hand, are carnivores by nature. And that implies they demand high protein in their diet.
The wild consists of big cats that only eat meat. This is because they don’t get the opportunity to extract nutrients from ingredients that are plant-based. Am I right? Even cubs of lions have a digestive system that only accepts and thrives on “wild” food.
But why am I telling you all this? To make my point that cats don’t need to consume cashews. It’s not a part of their natural diet or physical well-being.
Can Cats Choke on Cashews?
Yes, unfortunately, cashews do pose a choking hazard to cats. But so do other food items.
Keeping that in mind, a cat can even choke on large-sized pet kibbles. So it all depends on how big the cashew is. If you’re planning on feeding cashews to your cat, in a limited quantity as an occasional treat, then break it in quarters or half.
Are There Any Long-Term Risks of Feeding Cashews to Cats?
You might want to know this as a responsible, loving, and caring cat parent.
Long-term effects of feeding cashews to cats take the form of pancreatitis. This medical condition increases the size of a cat’s pancreas. So immediate treatment, at such times, is what’s required.
Some of the most common symptoms of pancreatitis are appetite loss, lethargy, and fever. Please note that there’s no home or temporary solution for a disease like this. It’s highly recommended to make an appointment with your vet. To talk about the most effective treatment and possible measures to practice for avoiding any related problems.
What About Cashew Milk, Can Cats Drink That?
In restricted quantities, YES. But don’t underestimate its fat content just because cashew milk doesn’t contain lactose. Milk or any other food with plenty of fats cause long-term health issues.
So keep the consumption to a minimum. Start by feeding very little to check if your cat is allergic to it or not. But to be honest, much like nuts, cats might have an allergic reaction to milk as well.
The thing is that the stomach of cats is already very sensitive. So any change in your feline’s diet has the ability to trigger a negative reaction. The tummy needs some time for breaking down foreign proteins and foods.
Are Cashews Toxic for Cats?
The words “poisonous” or “toxic” may not be a part of the picture here. However, the words “healthy”, “necessary”, or “beneficial” aren’t either.
100 grams of cashews contain 18-percent protein, 30-percent carbs, and 44-percent fat. And a little bit of water. What I see here is fat-rich and protein-rich content. Don’t you? But that’s not how it works for felines. Cats need more protein, fewer carbs, and a moderate amount of fat.
Also, proteins for cats should be packed with amino acids. No wonder animal protein seems like a healthier choice for felines. Plus, it contains a generous level of amino acids as well.
Now I’m not denying that cashews offer minerals and vitamins too. But their high-fat levels tend to cause digestive problems in cats. And let’s not forget the possibility of obesity in the long run.
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What’s the Moral of the Story?
There’s no denying that cashews provide empty calories when it comes to cats. Healthier alternatives include carrots and bananas. Compared to their calorie density, cashews are dangerous.
The same applies to other nuts as well. These calories add up quickly. And that, in turn, heightens the chances of your adorable feline becoming obese.
When cats become overweight, it opens the door to many serious health conditions. Such as arthritis, diabetes, heart issues, limited mobility, and even cancer.
So why shorten the lifespan of your precious cat just by feeding him/her cashews? Something that cats are not even genetically wired to appreciate as much as animal meat!
Conclusion
To sum it up, cashews aren’t poisonous or toxic. Nevertheless, they’re highly not recommended. The calories and fats in there are not suitable for a feline’s healthy and nutritional diet.
If you still decide to feed your pet cashews, you’re only just knocking at the door of obesity. When that door opens, so do other serious doors that shorten the lifespan of your adorable little kitty.
Instead, choose other cat-friendly treats if occasional feeding is what you have in mind. Nuts shouldn’t be a part of this in the case of cats as well as dogs.
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Sources:
1. https://www.thehappycatsite.com/can-cats-eat-cashews/
2. https://petsoverload.com/can-cats-eat-cashews-or-are-they-toxic-poisonous-to-them/
