Can Cats Eat Almonds?

Can Cats eat Almonds? Yes, cats can eat Almonds. Almonds have been shown to reduce blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and the risk of heart disease in both cats and humans. They are generally low in carb and sugar while rich in protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats. Almonds also have a significant amount of minerals. Given in small amounts, Almonds will not cause any harm to your furry friends. However, if consumed in large quantities, cats can get an stomach upset.

Are Almonds a suitable treat if you’re looking to keep your feline friends happy and healthy? Are Almonds edible or toxic to cats? These are a few questions some cat owner wants answers to. Keep reading to find the answers to your questions.

Cats are picky eaters and they are naturally built to eat meat. Our feline friends require a lot of protein to function as they should. For them, nutrition is more important than the food’s flavors, aroma, or even texture. The good news, however, is that almonds, like sweet pecans, are high in protein.

Can Cats have Almonds?

Yes, cats can have sweet Almonds in moderation or in small amounts. A small amount of sweet Almonds are unlikely to do any harm to your fuzzy friends.

When it comes to Almonds, be sure not to feed your feline companion bitter Almonds since they contain cyanide, which can cause cyanide poisoning in cats.

Therefore, you’ll want to stick to feeding your precious kitty Sweet Almonds.

With that said, there is still a number of factors to take into consideration when giving your cats Almonds. Keep reading because we will go over what they are below.

So, can my cat eat Almonds?

Your feline companion will be perfectly okay if she eats one or two Almonds as a rare occasionally treat. Avoid feeding your cat a lot of Almonds or daily as she might find it difficult to digest the Almonds and this can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

RECOMMENDED: Can Cats Eat Pecans?

What are Almonds?

Almonds are predominantly grown in Mediterranean climates. They may be eaten roasted, raw, or even blanched. This fairly crunchy tree nut is rich in fat and protein.

It also provides reasonable amounts of minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B vitamins, and E.

These tree nuts are capable of preventing weight gain, improving heart health, and many more. Almonds typically exist in two varieties: sweet Almonds and bitter Almonds which we will discuss more about next.

Bitter Almond vs sweet Almond

The main difference between bitter Almonds and sweet Almonds is that bitter Almonds contain a toxic chemical making them unsafe for cats while sweet Almonds are typically safe for feline consumption.

Another difference between bitter Almonds and sweet Almonds lies in their size and toxicity. Bitter Almonds are significantly smaller than sweet Almonds.

Also, bitter Almonds contain cyanogenic glycosides that result in cyanide poisoning in cats.

If you suspect that your fuzzy friend may have cyanide poisoning from consuming even a small amount of bitter Almond, we highly recommend that you contact your vet right away.

Cyanide poisoning requires immediate medical attention and your vet may ask you to bring her in right away for a thorough physical examination and to properly diagnose the problem.

Are Almonds bad for Cats?

While Almonds are generally good and healthy for cats, in certain cases, they can be bad for cats.

Here’s how Almonds can be bad for cats:

• Consuming too many Almonds.
• Eating bitter Almonds instead of sweet Almonds.
• Ingesting the Almonds whole which can be a choking hazard.

Bitter Almonds are unsafe for cats and may lead to cyanide toxicity

Raw bitter Almonds contain amygdalin. When consumed, this amygdalin gets broken down into various compounds, one of which is hydrogen cyanide. Your cat may experience a form of cyanide poisoning if they consume this bitter Almond.

Symptoms of cyanide toxicity includes stomach pain, hyperventilation, salivation, watery eyes, vomiting, heavy breathing, and red colored gums.

In extreme cases, your cat may go into shock and pass away.

Bitter Almonds can cause digestive issues in cats

Bitter Almonds, even when consumed in small quantities, can be deadly to your feline friends because the nuts can cause major intestinal problems. This typically manifest as diarrhea and vomiting.

Almonds are high in fat which can contribute to feline obesity

Sweet Almonds are calorie-dense and high in fat. The fat in this tree nut will probably be difficult for your cat to digest.

The occasional treat won’t tip the scales too much, but if she routinely eats Almonds as a snack, the calories can add up and lead to weight gain.

Too much fat in your cat’s body can also lead to pancreatitis.

Whole Almonds can be a choking hazard

Cats teeth are not designed to crush or chew nuts. Your four-legged friends might attempt to swallow the nut whole if she is unable to chew it.

This can be dangerous as it can lead to choking if the Almond gets stuck in her throat or esophagus and block her airway.

While your cat could become ill from eating lots of crushed Almonds, it only takes one whole Almond to be a potential choking hazard. This applies to both bitter Almonds and sweet Almonds.

Salted Almonds can lead to sodium poisoning in cats

Almonds may be salted or topped with additional ingredients such as chocolate to cater to the human taste. While this may sound like a brilliant idea for us, it is actually quite dangerous to our fluffy companion.

That’s because too much salt consumption can lead to sodium poisoning or sodium ion toxicosis in cats.

Signs of salt poisoning in cats include the following signs and symptoms:

• Extreme thirst leading to excessive drinking.
• Frequent urination.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Incoordination.
• Muscle tremors.
• Lethargy.
• Depression.
• Hypersalivation (in severe cases).
• Seizures (in severe cases).
• Coma (in severe cases).
• Passing away.

How many Almonds can Cats have?

Sweet Almonds are generally non-toxic and giving your cat one or two Almonds is generally safe.

However, don’t count on them to provide your feline family members with much nutrients because they are not a natural snack or food for cats. Therefore, they are not the go-to treats for your cats.

How often can Cats eat Almonds?

Since cats are obligate carnivores, they should primarily eat animal-based proteins.

If you must feed your feline friends Almonds, offer them one or two crushed up Almonds as an occasional treat every now and then.

Avoid feeding your kitties too many Almonds because doing so may have more negative effects on their health than positive effects.

Are Almonds toxic to Cats?

No, Almonds, specifically sweet Almonds, are not known to be toxic to cats. However, bitter Almonds can be toxic to cats since it contains cyanide and can cause cyanide poisoning in cats.

Sweet Almonds are also not toxic to cats if they are consumed in moderation. So if your fuzzy friend accidentally ingest a small amount of sweet Almonds or food that has this type of Almond as one of the ingredients, she should be fine.

Since bitter Almonds are toxic to cats, these should be completely avoided.

Are Almonds good for Cats?

Yes, Almonds are good for cats when consumed in moderation or in small quantities. That’s because Almonds are packed full of nutrients, protein, fiber, and unsaturated fat. They’re also relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar.

Additionally, Almonds contain high amounts of minerals like phosphorus, copper, magnesium, and manganese. They are also a great source of vitamin B2 and vitamin E. These nutrients help in the general growth and development of cats. 

Let’s go through how each of these help benefit your feline friend’s health:

Vitamin B2 in Almonds is required to break down carbs and produce energy in cats

Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is required for the growth and general health maintenance of your cat’s body. Vitamin B2 plays a crucial role in red blood cell production and helps transport oxygen to all body cells.

It also aids in breaking down foods and converting them into energy.

This vitamin influences the condition of your cat’s skin and coat. Lack of Vitamin B2 may lead to poor vision in cats.

Vitamin E in Almonds helps fight against harmful free radicals in cats

Vitamin E in Almonds is an antioxidant helps to support a healthy immune system and circulatory system in cats. How so?

Well, antioxidants are powerful and they help to get rid of harmful free radicals and lower oxidative stress.

Vitamin E also provides your cat with a healthy and shiny skin.

Cats with vitamin E deficiency may sustain cell damage in the nerves, muscles, liver, and heart. Further signs of vitamin E deficiency in cats may include muscle weakness, cardiac issues, and hepatitis.

Magnesium in Almonds support strong bones and teeth in cats

Almonds are also rich in minerals such as magnesium. Magnesium is necessary because it facilitates the absorption and utilization of specific vitamins and minerals that your cat’s body needs.

This essential mineral is also required for protein synthesis, enzyme activity, and bone formation.

Cats with magnesium deficiency may experience symptoms such as tremors and muscle weakness.

Manganese in Almonds promotes joint health in cats

Manganese is responsible for the formation of collagen. It also plays a role in converting carbs to energy in cats.

Ataxia, poor development, skeletal deformities, and reproductive issues are all signs of manganese deficiency in cats. 

Copper in Almonds aid in fur pigmentation and collagen formation in cats

Our kitties need copper, an essential mineral, for the proper formation of collagen, bone, and connective tissue.

Copper are also necessary for the following in cats:

• Absorption of iron.
• Maturation and development of red blood cells.
• Aid in antioxidant activity.
• Production of hair pigment.

Fetal abnormalities, anemia, poor reproduction, fetal malformations, and improper bone development can all occur in cats that are deficient in copper.

Phosphorus in Almonds helps cats develop stronger bones and teeth

Phosphorus is an essential mineral needed for numerous bodily processes. The majority of phosphorus in a cat’s body is combined with calcium to form calcium phosphate, which is essential for the development and upkeep of strong bones and teeth.

Lack of this mineral in cats can lead to stiff joints, slow growth, and muscular weakness. 

Protein in Almonds is an important energy source for cats

As we all know, protein is necessary for all cats. It helps fuel their bodies and is crucial in assisting special neurological systems to continuously develop hair, and to ensure a healthy immune system.

Cats with protein deficiency may experience weight loss, anorexia, and hair loss or change in hair color.

Nutritional profile of Almonds (1 Almond or 1.2 grams)

Name, Unit	Amount
Calories, cal	6.95
Sugar, g	0.052
Sodium, mg	0.012
Carbohydrate, g	0.259
Total Fat, g	0.599
Protein, g	0.254
Fiber, g	0.15
Calcium, mg	3.23
Iron, mg	0.045
Magnesium, mg	3.24
Phosphorus, mg	5.77
Potassium, mg	8.8
Zinc, mg	0.037
Copper, mg	0.012
Manganese, mg	0.026
Selenium, µg	0.049

Are Almonds safe for Cats?

Yes, sweet Almonds are safe for cats as they are packed full of protein, magnesium, and vitamins along with good monosaturated fats.

Contrary to numerous misconceptions about these tree nuts, Almonds are completely safe for feline consumption in moderate or small amounts.

Are Cats allergic to Almonds?

When the immune system overreacts or becomes hypersensitive to foreign substances known as allergens, an allergy or allergic reaction occurs. The immune system battles these foreign molecules which are typically pollens, dust, dander, and molds. 

Sneezing, agitation, and severe ear or head itching are common symptoms of nut allergies in cats. There could be hot spots or hair loss as a result of the itching, which could be generalized or localized. Depending on the how many nuts your cat ate, the severity of the allergy may vary.

Are Almonds okay for Cats?

The short answer is yes, Almonds are okay for cats when consumed in moderation and under the close supervision of their human owners.

Almonds should be crushed into small or tiny pieces so it’s easier for cats to consume. You can sprinkle the crushed small pieces of Almonds on top of your cat’s regular food or mix them into your feline friend’s food.

Can cats lick Almonds?

Yes, cats can lick sweet Almonds since they are safe for feline consumption. Keep in mind that our fuzzy friends should only consume sweet Almonds in small amounts and in moderation.

If you happen to unintentionally drop a few small Almond pieces on the floor and your cat consumes them, don’t freak out.

Most likely your feline friends will be fine since the Almonds were in small pieces.

We do recommend that you keep a close eye on them for the next 12 to 24 hours to look for any adverse effects.

If you do, we highly recommend that you contact your vet as soon as possible and let them know how much Almond was consumed and at what time.

Why do cats eat Almonds?

Cats eat Almonds because they either saw you eating them or because they think the Almonds are cat treats.

Your kitties might develop an interest in Almonds if you regularly eat them and your cat may likely attempt to consume the Almond if you give it to her. 

Also, the type of bag that Almonds are packaged in can pique your pet’s interest or curiosity.

When you’re trying to grab a few Almonds from the bag, the sound that the bag makes may have your cat thinking that it’s his treat bag and you’re about to hand her some treats.

If it turns out that you’re not handing her the treat as she had expected, your kitty may plead with you for some.

Additionally, your little fur baby may think that the Almond is her treat because of the size. Although compared with cat treats, Almonds are slightly larger in size.

My cat ate Almonds! What should I do?

If your cat ate Almonds, you’ll want to monitor her closely for the next 12 to 24 hours and watch for any signs or symptoms of nut allergy or changes in behavior.

Most of the time, your kitty cats should be fine.

However, if you notice diarrhea, vomiting, or constant scratching for a period of more than 3 to 7 days, we recommend that you contact your vet right away.

Your vet will ask you to bring your kitties in for a thorough physical examination and to diagnose the issue properly.

In the mean time, make sure your cat always has access to a bowl of fresh water to avoid dehydration.

Cats and Almonds

Although Almonds are not poisonous to cats, they are not the best feline snacks for our furry friends.

Also, our four-legged friends can’t properly digest Almonds because their digestive systems were not designed to digest nuts or non-meat food or snacks that has a high fat content.

A cat who eats more than one or two Almonds may experience nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea.

Can cats eat salted Almonds?

No, cats should not eat salted Almonds. Consuming salty Almonds means the Almonds have high salt level and this can lead to sodium toxicity in cats.

Signs of sodium toxicity in cats typically presents as seizures, tremors, kidney damage, and even coma.

Almonds sold for human consumption are usually salted and shouldn’t be given to cats at all.

Can Cats Eat Almond butter?

Yes, cats can eat Almond butter in small amounts or in moderation. But this does not mean that you should feed them Almond butter.

A cat might suffocate while attempting to swallow it due to the dense and sticky texture of the Almond butter.

If your cat attempts to ingest Almond butter, they may choke from it. If the Almond butter do manage to make its way into the stomach or intestine and is not digested properly, it can cause bowel obstruction.

Bowel obstruction is very serious and requires immediate medical attention since it can become fatal.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat bowel obstruction.

Even if there is no obstruction, Almond butter may still cause vomiting or diarrhea in cats.

Can Cats have Almond butter?

Yes, cats can have Almond butter in moderation or in small amounts. Almond butter is edible for cats, much like Almonds.

Almond butter has a high protein and fat content as well, although some manufacturers flavor their Almond butter products and add tons of sugar.

Feeding your cat human snacks that are loaded with sugar can cause weight gain, diabetes, and obesity in cats.

Moreover, Almond butter is greasy, which could cause upset stomach in cats and even result in diarrhea.

Is Almond butter safe for Cats?

Almond butter is relatively safe for cats but it’s also not a diet that is recommended or suggested for cats. While Almond butter do contain protein and good fats, processed almond butter products do contain high levels of salt or sugar which may not be suitable for cats.

Can Cats eat Almond milk?

Almonds are used to make Almond milk, which has a creamy consistency and a mildly nutty flavor. It is free of lactose, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Almond milk is available in a variety of flavors, both sweetened and unsweetened.

Cats can drink Almond milk in moderation. Since Almond milk is lactose-free, it is less likely to cause gastrointestinal problems in cats.

My cat licked Almond milk! Is this ok?

Your cat’s diet does not require Almond milk. However, it is okay if your cat happened to lick a few drops of Almond milk.

Can Cats Eat Almond oil?

There are two types of Almond oils. They are sweet Almond oil and Almond essential oils.

Sweet Almond oils are relatively safe compared to Almond essential oils which are more potent and are unsafe for cats. Too much sweet Almond oil can, nonetheless, cause diarrhea in your pet.

Is Almond oil safe for Cats?

Almond oil is safe to give to cats, but moderation is crucial. Overdosing on oil can upset your cat’s stomach. Despite being a good source of vitamins (vitamin E and the B vitamins) for your feline companions, Almond oil shouldn’t be consumed in excess amounts.

Can Cats Eat Almond flour?

Yes, cats can eat Almond flour. Almond flour has a slightly sweeter taste, is low in carbs, and has many health benefits. This type of flour provides our fuzzy companion with healthy protein and is a safe alternative for cats with grain allergies or gluten sensitivity.

Can cats eat Almond extract?

No, cats should not eat Almond extract. Almond extract is often dangerous to cats because they typically contain alcohol, which is toxic to cats. Alcohol poisoning can occur if consumed in large amounts.

What nuts are toxic to cats?

Certain nuts are extremely toxic to your feline friend and they include macadamia nuts, black walnuts, old and moldy walnuts, raw cashews, nutty pistachios and hickory nuts.

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Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almond

https://www.britannica.com/plant/almond