It’s already been established that nuts and dogs are arch-enemies. Cats, on the other hand, and walnuts are not so tight either. But felines, unlike dogs, don’t need to be rushed to the nearest emergency room if they happen to consume walnuts. Even so, the nut does cause a certain level of discomfort and some minor paltry side effects. So can cats eat walnuts?
Now let’s try to understand the topic at hand in the most logical manner below.
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Can Cats Eat Walnuts?
The benefits of consuming walnuts are pretty much out there. They reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and support weight control. Along with managing diabetes and lowering blood pressure! But are these health benefits applicable to cats as well? The answer to this question doesn’t matter. And I’ll tell you why below.
When cats consume walnuts, their digestive tract tends to give rise to a lot of discomforts. A cat, after accidentally eating a walnut, might not die. But its digestive system does get affected. And that’s because of the high-fat content present in walnuts.
We, humans, are built with a much larger tummy. So walnuts don’t seem to create such an impact on our stomach. However, cats have a much, much smaller digestive tract. This means their already sensitive digestive system is bound to not take it well.
Expect the following symptoms if your feline happens to accidentally consume walnuts:
- Kidney failure
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Now you should also know that walnuts contain salt. And salt for cats is never a good idea. Sodium content also gives rise to vomiting and diarrhea along with seizures and tremors.
So can cats eat walnuts? NOPE, absolutely not!
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Other Foods Not Safe to Consume for Cats
1. Dairy Products
Yes, cats love drinking milk. But that doesn’t mean milk is necessarily good for your feline. Milk contains lactose. And lactose is a very troublesome ingredient for a cat’s stomach to digest. The outcome of which is diarrhea or an upset tummy.
The majority of cats consumes lactose from mother’s milk. But this happens when the cats were kittens. Meaning only for a few weeks during that stage of their life. Once the mother stops nursing, the stomach loses its capacity to tolerate lactose and milk. And this is what causes digestive issues during adulthood.
2. Garlic and Onion
The possibility of developing anemia and damaging red blood cells. This is what happens when your cat consumes onion, garlic, scallion, or shallot. The foods items, when consumed in large amounts, have a poisonous nature. Even the concentrated form of garlic and onion is considered to be toxic. Examples include garlic powder and onion soup.
Some of the most common symptoms that occur after consuming garlic and onion are as follows:
- Weakness
- Pale gums
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Dark red or orange urine
- Pale gums
It’s best to rush your feline to the nearest emergency room if you spot any one of these signs.
Caffeinated Drinks and Chocolate
Is chocolate as fatal to cats as it is to dogs? YES!
Chocolate contains methylxanthines. This particular substance tends to induce vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, elevated body temperature, excessive thirst, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, and abdominal discomfort. That’s a long list, isn’t it?
The same substance is also a part of caffeinated beverages. So it’s best to avoid them at all costs. Also, did you know that dark chocolate poses a greater threat in comparison to milk chocolate and white chocolate?
3. Raw Meat, Eggs, and Bones
Much like humans, even when cats consume raw meat or eggs, it can cause E. coli or salmonella poisoning. Some common symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting.
E. coli and salmonella can be transmitted quite easily. So don’t forget to wash up properly after you cook food. And more importantly, keep your precious little feline away from such foods.
Let me also bring to your attention that raw eggs contain enzymes that give rise to coat and skin problems in cats. Likewise, raw bones aren’t advisable either. The chances are your cat might choke on these bones. So you’re looking at teeth damage or serious digestive tract injuries.
4. Raisins and Grapes
Kidney failure is the condition that takes control even with the smallest quantity of raisins and grapes. Within only 12 hours after consumption, the cat starts to vomit. Whereas, other symptoms take a while to show up. These include diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, decreased urination, and reduced appetite.
The causes are not yet known. But do look out for warning signs if you think your cat has ingested raisins or grapes. Make sure these food items are not placed within the reach of your cat.
5. Raw Dough and Alcohol
It’s only common sense to believe that alcohol and alcoholic drinks/foods are dangerous for cats. The situation can get as worse as your feline dying.
Even raw dough is a very bad idea. The substance creates stomach expansion. It produces alcohol inside the tummy. So even the smallest amount demands professional medical attention.
6. Dog Food
The nutrients a dog requires are not the same as that of a cat. The latter needs a lot of Vitamin A, arachidonic acid, protein, and taurine acid. On the other hand, a dog’s diet should contain as little of these nutrients as possible. Dogs have the ability to survive with decreased levels of protein and Vitamin A. But not cats!
Another thing you should know is that dogs don’t have difficulty in producing arachidonic and taurine acid. However, cats do, which is why these acids must be present in their food. Without enough taurine, cats become highly prone to developing dental issues, vision problems, and even heart disease.
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The End
Walnuts indeed offer plenty of health benefits. But what good are these when the digestive system has a hard time accepting them!
So it’s best to make sure your cat doesn’t consume walnuts. Don’t even try feeding a small quantity. The same applies to the other food items I have discussed in this article.
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Sources:
1. https://multibreeds.com/can-cats-eat-walnuts/
2. https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/nutrition-feeding/toxic-foods-for-cats
