Can Cats Eat Walnuts? What Every Cat Owner Should Know

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Walnuts are a popular human snack with healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber. But just because they’re good for you doesn’t mean your cat can eat walnuts.

Spoiler alert: Cats and walnuts do not mix.

No, cats can’t eat walnuts. While your cat probably won’t need an emergency vet visit after a single nibble, these nuts are not safe and offer no health benefits to felines. In fact, walnuts can lead to an upset stomach, choking hazards, and even toxic reactions in some cases. Here’s what every cat parent needs to know.

Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Walnuts

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are built to digest animal-based protein, not fatty plant-based foods like walnuts. These nuts are high in fat and difficult for cats to break down, often leading to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Some cats may eat a small piece and seem fine, while others could experience immediate symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Either way, walnuts are not in a cat’s diet and can cause more harm than good.

RELATED: Are Bananas safe for Cats?

Common Health Risks of Walnuts for Cats

Here’s a closer look at why walnuts are considered unsafe for cats, even in small amounts.

Digestive Issues

Walnuts are dense in fats and oils that are hard for cats to process. Even a small amount can cause:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Lethargy

Long-term or frequent consumption of fatty foods like walnuts can also increase your cat’s risk of obesity, pancreatitis, and other metabolic issues.

Choking or Gastrointestinal Blockage

Due to their size and shape, walnut pieces can pose a choking hazard, especially if swallowed whole. If a chunk of walnut becomes lodged in your cat’s throat or intestines, it could lead to a blockage that requires urgent veterinary care or even surgery.

Mold and Toxin Risks

Walnuts can grow mold if stored improperly, even if they look perfectly fine on the outside. Moldy walnuts may contain mycotoxins like aflatoxins, which are highly toxic to cats. These can damage the liver, impact the nervous system, and trigger symptoms like tremors, seizures, or disorientation.

Allergic Reactions

Some cats may also have food sensitivities or allergies to nuts. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:

• Itching or skin irritation
• Swelling of the face or paws
• Coughing or sneezing
• Trouble breathing

In rare cases, an allergic reaction could lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency.

What If Your Cat Ate a Walnut?

If your cat has already eaten a piece of walnut, monitor them closely. A small, plain piece may not cause harm, but it’s always better to be safe.

Watch for signs such as:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Behavioral changes

If your cat shows any symptoms or if you suspect they ate a large piece or a moldy walnut, call your vet right away.

Are Salted or Flavored Walnuts Worse?

Yes, absolutely. Salted, candied, or chocolate-covered walnuts are even more dangerous.

Salt Toxicity

Even small amounts of extra salt can cause problems for cats. Salt toxicity symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst or urination
• Vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Kidney damage

Chocolate-Coated Walnuts

Chocolate is highly toxic to cats. It contains theobromine, which cats cannot metabolize. Eating even a small amount can cause rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

If your cat ever consumes chocolate in any form, contact your vet immediately.

How to Keep Your Cat Away from Walnuts

Most cats aren’t naturally drawn to nuts, but curiosity happens. To keep your pet safe:

• Store walnuts in sealed containers or cabinets
• Keep nut-based snacks off the counter or coffee table
• Don’t let guests feed your cat human food
• Dispose of any fallen pieces or shells right away

If your cat frequently tries to eat things that aren’t meant for them, it could be a sign of boredom or a nutritional deficiency. Talk to your vet about enrichment ideas and balanced diets.

The Bottom Line

Can cats eat walnuts? No, they absolutely should not. Walnuts may be nutritious for humans, but they offer no benefit to cats and come with a long list of potential risks. From digestive issues and choking to toxicity and allergic reactions, these nuts are not worth the gamble.

If you want to treat your cat, stick with species-appropriate snacks like freeze-dried meats or vet-approved treats. When in doubt, always check with your vet before introducing anything new to your cat’s diet.

Your cat’s health and safety are always worth a second thought, especially when it comes to what’s on your plate.